Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 6 Types of ADD

No stranger to the skepticism surrounding this topic, Dr. Amen begins with a list of dead-on myths (including "ADD is overdiagnosed") and surprising facts ("Many people with ADD are never hyperactive"). From this intriguing beginning flows a highly readable chapter on the signs and manifestations of ADD in all ages. Dr. Amen's full description of SPECT imaging includes multiple brain scan photos that nicely support his theories. But the most satisfying element of this well-researched presentation occurs in the final half of the book; here, Amen thoroughly explores the biological (diet, exercise, medication), psychological (from personal coaching to psychotherapy), and social support (parenting and school strategies) needed to heal each type of ADD. This book will prove a valuable tool for parents, adult sufferers, and medical professionals seeking practical support for managing this increasingly recognized condition. --Liane Thomas

Product Description
Using breakthrough diagnostic techniques, Dr. Daniel Amen has discovered that there are six distinct types of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), each requiring a different treatment. With recommendations for prescription drugs, nutraceutical therapy, cognitive reprogramming, parenting and educational strategies, biofeedback, self-hypnosis and more, this revolutionary approach can lead sufferers of ADD to a normal, fully-functional life.

Earl R. Henslin Psy.D., B.C.E.T.S. Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress


hargray   September 14, 2003
383 out of 409 found this review helpful

I was the terror of the neighborhood, failed grade 1,
dropped out of high school after grade 10, then after the
army, 3 teachers talked me into returning to school. A
VERY difficult journey began - hard to concentrate, memory
problems, hyperactivity, and etc. It took a LOT of help,
but ultimately I received a BA, MEd, and Ph.D. I became a
chief of psychology in a psychiatric hospital, teacher,
therapist -- and then at 46 years of age, I was diagnosed
with ADHD. Suddenly, "everything" made sense, as the
disorder was 'classic' to how I had behaved, thought,
struggled with relationships, and etc. MEDICATIONS
comletely turned MY life around (as my wife, friends, and
work associates would affirm) - they don't work for everyone,
but for me, it was like a miracle from heaven. Of course, the
anti-medication zealots will not wish to believe this, but
my experience is like that of so many others I have seen IN MY
PRACTICE AS A PSYCHOLOGIST. When medications work, they
really do a great job. When they don't, the experience can
be very disappointing, and anger can run high. I also
conducted over 500, 1-day seminars in almost every state in
the USA, and provinces in Canada (this took place over a
14 year period). Having said all of this - the absolute
best book in the field, based on my having read scores of books,
articles, and my experiences factored in, is Dr. Amen's book!!!
I have, in fact, cleared out about 80% of all the AD/HD
literature I had, and Dr. Amen's book remains my favorite.
It is the ONLY book I now recommend to individuals who ask
for my opinion, as a psychologist WITH ADHD.


Amen For New Information About Attention Deficit Disorder   February 21, 2001
Richard L Grant (Peoria, IL USA)
99 out of 105 found this review helpful

Are you a parent confused about what doctors are saying about your child's difficulties? Are you a person having a problem finding a good fit for yourself in readings about problems in attention, anger outbursts, depression, getting stuck on things, road rage, alcohol or substance misuse, or disorganization? Are you a mental health clinician or medical doctor who wonders if ADD and ADHD exist and doesn't mind telling your patients that? Welcome to the club. Happily, after reading this book, you may drop your club membership.

Daniel G Amen MD writes and talks to you about the six major types of ADD in his newest book, "Healing ADD." Confusion turns into clarity as you learn about kids and adults with ADD and the add-on symptoms that confuse even some experts.

Using specialized SPECT brain scans, Amen shows where the parts of the brain that are having trouble functioning are and how they are detected.

This book is rich in the details of the lives of persons afflicted with ADD. It brings alive the torments endured when ADD is not properly diagnosed, subtyped, or appropriately treated. It also describes the promise, indeed the results, of well-tailored treatment based on an accurate understanding of the complexities associated with ADD.

While considered controversial, physicians and clinicians are giving Dr Amen's approach increasing acceptance. More locations and physicians are offering evaluations and treatment in part based on brain SPECT scans. More centers are making these specialized scans available.

For the appropriately skeptical physician practicing evidence-based medicine, the needed research details about the role of brain SPECT scans in evaluation and treatment of ADD and its associated disorders are yet to be done. Yet many of those physicians are not conversant with such recommendations as the National Institute of Mental Health Guidelines about ADD or other recently published large research-based studies. I found it hard to read this book and not be intrigued to want to learn even more.

For parents, teachers, and persons with ADD, this book will enlarge their understanding, if not their acceptance, of the emotional and behavioral problems inflicted by this disorder. For mental health clinicians, including physicians whose practice has persons with ADD, "Healing ADD" is close to a "must read" work.


Some new light on ADD!   March 10, 2001
Julia Ross (Mill Valley, CA United States)
59 out of 63 found this review helpful

At last! Some real guidance through the difficulties of identifying, let alone trying to correct ADD. I'm the director of a nutritional therapy clinic. We have sent several people with ADD (as well as with brain injury and stroke) to Dr. Amen's clinics. Until now, though, I never understood why his medication protocols typically worked so well. His book makes it clear, using fascinating "before and after" SPECT "photos" of the ADD brains treated, that there are several distinct kinds of ADD. It goes on to explain the special treatments suitable for each. Dr. Amen also devotes several chapters to some effective, non-drug options. Like his first great book, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, this one is full of inspiring case histories, and is so readable that you can't put it down.


Excellent Resource for ADD   June 6, 2006
Sheila T. Carden (Richmond, VA)
38 out of 39 found this review helpful

This book is an excellent resource on ADD / ADHD. I have been reading and attending workshops on ADD since my son was 8 and he is now 30. I was diagnosed with ADD myself in my late 40's, and now take Adderall. It took me 2 years to find the right medication. Dr. Amen shares suggested medication for the 6 different types of ADD, which can save you time and money in Dr. appointments and trying medications and different doses of medications that don't fit your needs. This book is worth it's weight in gold. My family suffered a great deal because of my son's ADD and the difficulty of getting it diagnosed. I have purchased 19 of these books and given them to teachers, counselors, doctors and parents of children with ADD. I gave this book to the past Head of Psychiatry at University of Birmingham and he was extremely impressed with it. Taking the test to see which type or types of ADD you have is simple and right on the money. I read Dr. Amen's first book "Change Your Brain Change Your Life," and was so impressed with it, I called his office to see if he could see my son. I was told he didn't treat patients anymore, and asked for a referral of a Dr. somewhat close to me (since I live on the East Coast). I took my son to Dr. George Stein in Alexandria, VA (who they referred me to), and I truly believe he saved my son's life. My son is doing great now, and it's because of Dr. Amen and Dr. Stein.
I suggest you tell everyone you know that deals with ADD about this book. It will be the best thing you can do for them.