The 10 Best Books for ADHD

The 10 Best Books for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) casts its shadow over countless lives in the United States. But it’s not just children who feel its effects. In fact, ADHD symptoms tag along into adulthood about 60% of the time.

With ADHD touching so many families, having a stack of ADHD books at hand can be a game-changer.

Whether you’ve got a youngster recently diagnosed with ADHD or you’re an adult hunting for fresh tactics to tackle ADHD symptoms, there’s a whole library of ADHD books ready to lend some guidance.

But before you dive into the deep end of ADHD literature, it’s crucial to pin down what you’re after.

Here, we’ve rounded up the finest ADHD reads based on the advice and topics you might be seeking, whether it’s managing your own ADHD or finding ways to connect with your ADHD teen.

How We Picked

We sifted through the ADHD bookshelf by combing through reviews to spot books that genuinely hit the mark for readers, offering both help and enjoyment. All our picks boast an average rating of at least four stars.

We also make a point to recommend products from trusted sources — brands, authors, or organisations. Our quality check involves peeking at medical credibility, company rep, and ethical practices. Plus, we make sure to size up author expertise.

When it comes to mental health matters, we call in the cavalry — our team of mental health experts. They help us guarantee that all the info we dish out is spot-on and up-to-date.

Healthline’s Top 10 ADHD Reads of 2022

“Driven to Distraction” Originally out in 1994, “Driven to Distraction” has left its mark on millions grappling with ADHD over the decades. Penned by Edward Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD — both with ADHD themselves — this book gives you the full lowdown on ADHD, from real-life tales to nifty coping tactics, and even tips for dealing with a loved one who’s got ADHD.

This classic covers all bases, offering a roadmap for recognising and dealing with ADHD, whether you’re a parent with a freshly diagnosed kid or an adult seeking fresh coping strategies.

The book got a refresh in 2011 to keep it current, though reviewers swear by its timeless wisdom. “My doc suggested this book,” one reviewer shared. “Every time I stumbled upon something that was 100% me, I couldn’t help but get a bit teary-eyed. Definitely recommend this to anyone battling ADHD.”

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD

Ladies with ADHD, this one’s for you. “A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD” by Sari Solden sheds light on the unique challenges facing women living with ADHD.

Solden blends traditional ADHD treatments with modern approaches in this therapy-style guide. With a focus on harnessing your strengths and coming to terms with your ADHD, the aim is to boost confidence and arm you with the tools needed to smash through any barriers you might face.

Reviewers love that “A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD” doubles as a workbook, with many praising its exercises and writing prompts. “The workbook format was interesting and ADHD-friendly,” one reviewer remarked. However, a few found the female-centric tone a bit off, with one review saying some content felt “a tad soft and overly feminine” for their liking.

“Thriving with Adult ADHD”

Zeroing in on executive functioning — a crucial piece of the ADHD puzzle — “Thriving with Adult ADHD” is a must-read for grown-ups looking to build a solid foundation for life with ADHD.

The book delves into executive functioning skills like focus, organisation, and stress management, dishing out tools and strategies for beefing up those skills as an ADHD-haver.

“Order from Chaos”

“Order from Chaos” zeroes in on the daily stress and hurdles that adults with ADHD face, from clutter creeping up at home to forgetting to pay the bills on time. Drawing on her own experiences, author and blogger Jaclyn Paul, from The ADHD Homestead, serves up practical tips for reigning in the everyday chaos and shares systems that she’s found to be real lifesavers for staying organised.

Readers appreciate Paul’s down-to-earth take on the subject, as a mum, wife, and blogger with ADHD. One reviewer liked how she “doesn’t beat around the bush explaining the ‘whys’ of ADHD” but instead “brilliantly describes the effects, the frustrations, and the needed interventions.”

“What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew”

In “What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew,” psychologist Dr. Sharon Saline lays out a tried-and-tested roadmap for parents of 6 to 18-year-olds to help their ADHD kids thrive.

Drawing on her experiences counselling kids and families, Saline serves up practical tips and real-life examples to help parents get to grips with ADHD and learn how they can set their kids up for success at home, in school, and beyond.

“The ADHD Effect on Marriage”

For grown-ups, ADHD can throw a spanner in the works of any relationship, especially with your significant other. In “The ADHD Effect on Marriage,” Melissa Orlov dives into the nitty-gritty of how couples grappling with ADHD — whether in one or both partners — can better navigate their struggles and build a stronger bond in their marriage. The book homes in on helping each partner understand the other better and serves up techniques for boosting communication.

“Organising Solutions for People with ADHD”

Getting your ducks in a row can work wonders for slashing stress, both at work and at home. That’s where “Organising Solutions for People with ADHD” comes in.

Author Susan C. Pinsky dishes out practical, actionable tips for getting organised so you can blitz through tasks, cut through clutter, and even learn to ask for help — all key ingredients for smoothing out your day. The book’s organised by room or task, making for easy reading and reference.

Latest posts by Elena Ognivtseva (see all)
Health and Nutrition