Scattered Minds

The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder

By: Gabor Maté MD

Narrated by: Daniel Maté

New York Times bestseller!

From renowned mental health expert and speaker Dr. Gabor Maté, Scattered Minds explodes the myth of attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) as genetically based—and offers real hope and advice for children and adults who live with the condition.

In this breakthrough guide to understanding, treating, and healing Attention Deficit Disorder, Dr. Gabor Maté, best-selling author of The Myth of Normal, and himself diagnosed with ADD:

• Demonstrates that the condition is not a genetic “illness” but a response to environmental stress
• Explains that in ADD, circuits in the brain whose job is emotional self-regulation and attention control fail to develop in infancy – and why
• Shows how ‘distractibility’ is the psychological product of life experience
• Allows parents to understand what makes their ADD children tick, and adults with ADD to gain insights into their emotions and behaviors
• Expresses optimism about neurological development even in adulthood
• Presents a program of how to promote this development in both children and adults

Whereas other books on the subject describe the condition as inherited, Dr. Maté believes that our social and emotional environments play a key role in both the cause of and cure for this condition. In Scattered Minds, he describes the painful realities of ADD and its effect on children as well as on career and social paths in adults.

While acknowledging that genetics may indeed play a part in predisposing a person toward ADD, Dr. Maté moves beyond that to focus on the things we can control: changes in environment, family dynamics, and parenting choices. He draws heavily on his own experience with the disorder, as both an ADD sufferer and the parent of diagnosed children. Providing a thorough overview of ADD and its treatments, without blaming anyone, Scattered Minds is essential and life-changing reading for the millions of ADD sufferers in North America today.

©1999 Gabor Maté (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"One of the most comprehensive and accessible books about ADD... challenges many accepted notions about the condition." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Based on solid research and a strong humanistic sensibility... written with humor and compassion, from an unsparingly honest personal perspective." —John J. Ratey, M.D., coauthor of Driven to Distraction

My life is in here.

This book could not have entered my life at a better time just as I am experiencing tremendous breakthroughs in therapy combined with a recent diagnosis with ADHD at the age of 57. Very important not only for caregivers of children with ADHD and adults with ADHD, but for parents as well!

Brilliantly written for both the novice and the specialist!

The number of times I got goose bumps from the precision of the description of my life challenges as an adult with ADD was extraordinary! Thank you Dr. Mate 🙏

Indispensable

I would like this book to be published also in Portuguese (my native language). I would recommend it to dozens of friends and clients. It's a must-read in order to learn more about the sensitive psychology of parenting - as well as the consequences of not developing it -, whether or not you have someone with ADD in your family. It's also a great hope for sensitive adults who are struggling with their ADD condition, many of them not knowing about it, yet. The book strikes a great balance between presenting scientific and academic data and the clinical and personal experience of such a brilliant humanitarian doctor.

Everything is outstanding!

From the narrator intonation until the unfolding of each case scenario, this book is a must to every parent. Not e dry child has a permanent case of add but it does experience episodes of it. Having read this book is a tool to use in every outburst of self doubt as a parent. Thank you!

Insightful

Very insightful, I was diagnosed at a young age but didn't really understand how the disorder had affected my relationships and my behaviors. This book really laid things out.

The information shared!

Incredible as a late diagnosed ADHD’er. Highly recommend. Also, every parent should read this book.

not what I expected

As I delved into this book I found myself shocked at what I had found to be suck close parallels in my childhood. Knowing the things I learned have given me tools I didn't even know I needed.

Learned so much about myself...

...as an adult with ADHD and as a mom of ADHD kids. I have so much clarity now regarding my childhood, how my parents contributed to my ADHD and how to not repeat those things with my children. Thanks Dr. Mate!

Perspective changer

I wish I would’ve read this before having children and I wish it was required reading for anyone who is involved with children who have ADD/ADHD. But I’m grateful that it exists and I have read it now. Such an eye-opener and gives me hope for myself and my daughter.

Worth the read!

As a adhd mother of 8 neurodivergent children and grandmother of neurodivergent granddaughter loved this book. I will buy this book in physical form to keep on hand.