Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder Paperback – International Edition, January 3, 2019

My therapist suggested I read this. It’s been eye opening and has helped me connect some very important dots in my life and my upbringing and the person I am today. Gabor Maté’s writing style is eloquent and flows smoothly and is easy for most people to understand without a degree in psych. Most importantly, it’s helped me figure out next steps to talking to a psychiatrist to get proper treatment.Even if you yourself don’t have ADD, I think this is still an important read if you have someone close to you who does such as a child, spouse, or family member. It will help you understand them better. And then let them borrow it because it will help them understand themselves better. It’s definitely a valuable tool.

I engulfed this book! It was a remarkable read. As a clinician (MFT), I had naively assumed that medication was the only way to treat this. The research provided in this book and the knowledge of how the brain is impacted by attachment was amazing and eye-opening! I HIGHLY recommend this book for all clinicians and those who have wondered or been diagnosed with ADD. It provides so much HOPE for healing (along with practical steps), beyond the stereotypical medication route!!

What a wonderfully well written, informative book. If you, or someone you love suffers with ADD/ADHD, this book is a must have resource. Gabor Mate is extremely relatable and empathetic and has a way of phrasing things in a way that makes it so easy to understand and see in ourselves. This has completely changed the way I view ADD in general. I very highly recommend.

Essential for people struggling with ADD. I wish this information was available when I was a kid. I grew up thinking I was lazy and stupid and now I work as a grocery-clerk at 38. This can also be a crucial study guide for new parents who don't want to pass on the same mistakes their parents did. This should be required reading for everyone. And Gabor Mate has a way with words that even the ADD mind can grasp. He is a genius and one of the most important figures of our time. He should be nominated for a nobel peace prize because his work could change the world for the better and catipult humanity into a new age. I strongly believe this.

Beautifully written, ahead of its time, and aligned with the latest research on trauma, and attachment. It helps provide a lens to destigmatize this misunderstood condition, and a way to begin to release shame to begin to heal. As a licensed clinical social worker, this book rings true throughout from my professional experience treating clients with AD(H)D, as well as my own experience with the diagnosis. This book is not about blaming parenting, it is about understanding how secure attachment, interpersonal trauma, and stress impact people's ability to focus, find intrinsic motivation, and connect to others. This is a must read for anyone who is curious about understanding the human condition, but it is especially helpful if you have been diagnosed with AD(H)D, or know someone who struggles with the ability to focus, stay motivated, and/or connect to others. If you take the leap, it is vital you keep an open mind, and stay present with curious compassion. I hope others find love and healing through this book.

THE BOOK WAS RECOMMENDED TO ME BY THE GRANDMOTHER OF AN ADD FEMALE CHILD. HER DAUGHTER, THE MOTHER OF THE CHILD HAD FOUND IT VERY HELPFUL. THE AUTHOR HIMSELF IS ADD AND IS ALSO A PHYSICIAN. THIS IS A GENTLE TAKE ON PEOPLE WHO LIVE WITH ADD CHILDREN OR PARTNERS. MUCH NEEDS TO BE FORGIVEN IN THESE CHILDREN'S, OR ADULT'S, BEHAVIORS, AND GABOR MATÉ ENCOURAGES THIS. HE POINTS OUT THAT IT IS OUR PARTICULAR SOCIETY WHICH DEMANDS THAT PEOPLE CONFORM TO CERTAIN EXPECTATIONS. IT IS A HELPFUL SLANT ON A DIFFICULT ISSUE.

Okay, first of all... how does an ADHD'er read a book? Very slowly of course. The author was genius in writing smaller chapters for his readers in this book. I am proud of myself when I completed a chapter, one day at a time. I start many books and do not complete them. I'm far from finished, but so far the information that he gives his readers has been extremely helpful to me. Just knowing that there are others like myself, including Dr. Gabor Mate (an ADHD'er himself), comforts me. I'm looking forward to completing this book to gain more self-awareness and how to transform some of my more annoying "characteristics".

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! It was recommended to me by my therapist and I am so glad I took her advice. It is incredibly eye-opening, easy to read and powerful. It has reshaped my understanding of ADHD entirely and I am so grateful. I even gifted a copy to my friend who also has ADHD.