If you're among the millions of adults with ADHD—or think you might be—you need the latest scientific facts about the disorder and its treatment. You need practical strategies to help you concentrate, pay attention, get organized, and gain control over your emotions and actions. And you need effective ways to develop your strengths and achieve your goals, whether on the job, in family relationships, or in personal pursuits. From renowned ADHD researcher/clinician Russell A. Barkley, this is the book for you. Sharing candid stories from others who struggle with the disorder, Dr. Barkley describes easy-to-learn techniques you can use every day to manage your symptoms and build skills for success. He also provides clear answers to frequently asked questions about medications and other treatments. Finally, an authoritative one-stop resource to help you take back your life from ADHD.

Reviews

"Consider this book the Rosetta Stone of adult ADHD. No one but Dr. Barkley could translate the sophisticated grasp of ADHD for which he is well known into lay terms and solid strategies. Comprehensive, immensely practical, highly readable, and wholly compassionate, Taking Charge of Adult ADHD is the definitive guide for adults with ADHD and the people who care about them."
-Gina Pera, author of Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?

"This wonderful book presents information and sharp clinical insights accrued over decades of work by a preeminent leader in the field. Dr. Barkley clearly and thoughtfully discusses the causes of adult ADHD and how to get diagnosed and treated. A 'must read' for anyone interested in learning more about adult ADHD." <
-Lenard Adler, MD, author of Scattered Minds; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine

"Dr. Barkley's advice to individuals who have ADHD (or think they might) represents a remarkable blend of science and practicality. This book offers a lifeline to adults with ADHD and their families."
-Michael Gordon, PhD, Director, ADHD Program, Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University

"This book will surely become a classic. If you are an adult with ADHD, Dr. Barkley can help you make sense of your lifelong struggles and develop a clear roadmap for overcoming them. Stories and examples from others facing the same challenges bring Dr. Barkley's ideas to life. I will certainly recommend this easy-to-read yet scientifically based book to everyone who comes through our Adult ADHD clinic."
-J. Russell Ramsay, PhD, Codirector, Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, University of Pennsylvania

Contents

Introduction

Step One. To Get Started, Get Evaluated

1. Is It Possible That You Have ADHD?
2. Can You Handle the Problem on Your Own?
3. Where Can You Go to Get Help?
4. What Do You Need for the Evaluation?
5. What Will the Evaluation Tell You?

Step Two. Change Your Mindset: Know and Own Your ADHD

6. Know Your ADHD
7. Resisting Impulses: The First Step in Self-Control
8. Self-Control: How to Get What You Want
9. Executive Functions: The Abilities That Make Up Self-Control . . . and More
10. The Nature of ADHD and How You Can Master It
11. Own Your ADHD

Step Three. Change Your Brain: Medications for Mastering ADHD

12. Why It Makes Sense to Try Medication
13. The Stimulants
14. The Nonstimulants
15. What to Expect from Treatment

Step Four. Change Your Life: Everyday Rules for Success

16. Rule 1: Stop the Action!
17. Rule 2: See the Past . . . and Then the Future
18. Rule 3: Say the Past . . . and Then the Future
19. Rule 4: Externalize Key Information
20. Rule 5: Feel the Future
21. Rule 6: Break It Down . . . and Make It Matter
22. Rule 7: Make Problems External, Physical, and Manual
23. Rule 8: Have a Sense of Humor!

Step Five. Change Your Situation: Mastering ADHD in Specific Areas of Your Life

24. Education
25. Work
26. Money
27. Relationships
28. Driving, Health, and Lifestyle Risks
29. Other Mental and Emotional Problems
30. Drugs and Crime

Appendix. A Closer Look at ADHD Symptoms

Resources