What is the best book about ADHD?

Cover of the book Taking Charge of ADHD by Russell A. Barkley, PhD.

When people ask me about the best book to read about ADHD, my immediate answer is that there are actually two books they should read. The first book is, Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents, 4th Edition, By Dr. Russell A. Barkley. When I read this book for the first time years ago, I felt like I finally understood ADHD. Dr. Barkley does an amazing job of breaking down the science of ADHD, what is happening in the brain, why medications work, and strategies to support your ADHDer. On the other hand, Dr. Barkley has a more deficits-based view of ADHD, giving little to no positives and putting the burden of support almost solely on the individual/family. Because of this, it is important to read my second favorite book on ADHD, Driven to Distraction:  Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder (Revised) By Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D. This book was written by two psychiatrists, both of whom are ADHDers. While they don’t explain the science quiet as well, they do an great job of giving a more balanced view of ADHD that includes both the strengths and challenges that come along with the diagnosis. As a social worker trained in strengths-based interventions, as well as someone who has had amazing ADHDers in her life including my husband, two children, and many family members, I appreciate the balanced look that these two books give. Happy reading!

Note: both of these books should be available in your local bookstores or libraries and are available in print, as e-books, and audio books.

Cover of the book Driven To Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., and John J. Ratey, M.D.