Navigating the world with ADHD can often feel like you're lost in a labyrinth of information, advice, and strategies.
The challenge is not just in finding your way, but in finding the right way that works for you.
That's why we at Deepwrk - the ADHD body doubling app - have curated this list of the 15 best ADHD books for adults.
These books are not just about understanding ADHD.
They're about understanding yourself—your brain, your challenges, and your unique strengths.
Selection Criteria
Our selection criteria are stringent.
We've considered recommendations from our ADHD community, scrutinised author credentials, and sifted through reader reviews.
The result is a list of books that offer ADHD-friendly, actionable strategies to help you thrive with ADHD.
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing ADHD for years, these books about ADHD provide a wealth of knowledge, from understanding the ADHD brain to practical life hacks.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents: Best ADHD Books
- Scattered Minds
- Your Brain’s Not Broken
- Women with Attention Deficit Disorder
- Driven to Distraction
- ADHD 2.0
- Delivered from Distraction
- ADHD: an A to Z
- Finally Focused
- ADHD & Us
- The Power of Different
- The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD
- Fast Minds
- ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life
- Is It You, Me, or Adult ADD?
- Order from Chaos
15 Best ADHD Books for Adults in 2024
#1
Scattered Minds
Author(s): Gabor Maté
Goodreads Score: 4.4 ⭐ (7,628 reviews)
"Scattered Minds" by Gabor Maté offers a fresh and empathetic perspective on ADHD, challenging ADHD myths the notion that it's a genetically inherited condition.
Dr. Maté, who himself has ADHD, combines medical expertise with personal insights to explore how early life experiences can shape the development of ADHD.
He argues that while the development of ADHD might have a genetic component, it is determined by our environment and the impact of trauma and stress in particular.
While the book is a must-read for adults with ADHD seeking to understand their emotional and behavioral patterns, it has garnered some criticism for its focus on parental influence and lack of scientific citations.
Nonetheless, it serves as a valuable resource for those looking to understand the complexities of ADHD beyond medical jargon and prescriptions.
#2
Your Brain’s Not Broken
Author(s): Tamara Rosier
Goodreads Score: 4.4 ⭐ (1,132 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback
"Your Brain’s Not Broken" by Dr. Tamara Rosier is a practical guide for adults with ADHD.
Dr. Rosier leverages her coaching experience to offer actionable tools for managing daily challenges, from time management to emotional regulation.
The book stands out for its focus on adults, filling a gap in ADHD literature that often centers on children.
With real-life examples and easy-to-implement strategies, it serves as an empowering resource for those seeking to navigate life with ADHD more effectively.
Highly recommended for adults with ADHD looking for both understanding and practical solutions.
#3
Women with Attention Deficit Disorder
Author(s): Sari Solden
Goodreads Score: 4.2 ⭐ (1,564 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Audiobook, Paperback
"Women with Attention Deficit Disorder" by psychotherapist Sari Solden delves into the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, offering both validation and practical advice.
It dives into the unique challenges and societal expectations that women with ADHD face, often leading to late diagnosis and misunderstood symptoms.
The book explains how millions of women are underdiagnozed, due to looking withdrawn, inattentive, and disengaged instead of being hyperactive.
The book delves into the often-overlooked societal pressures and expectations that contribute to depression, disorganization, anxiety, and underachievement for women with ADHD.
Solden discusses a range of treatments and employs real-life examples and cases to draw parallels to the reader's own experience.
The book serves as a comprehensive guide for women navigating ADHD and is particularly useful for those seeking both understanding and actionable advice.
Want to learn more about ADHD symptoms, misdiagnosis, and underdiagnosis in women? Head over to our ADHD in women checklist article.
#4
Driven to Distraction
Author(s): Dr. Edward Hallowell & Dr. John Ratey
Goodreads Score: 4.1 ⭐ (12,777 reviews)
Amazon: Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback
"Driven to Distraction" by Dr. Edward M. Hallowell and Dr. John Ratey is a seminal work in the field of ADHD.
It was first published in 1994 and has changed the lives of millions of adults with ADHD. With over 1 million copies sold, it’s one of the most popular books about ADHD on the market.
The authors, both experts in the field with ADHD themselves, provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD, covering everything from diagnosis to treatment options.
The book offers a balanced view on medication and alternative treatments, making it a versatile resource.
While the book is highly informative, some readers have noted that it can be a bit dense.
Nonetheless, it's a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of ADHD, offering both clinical insights and practical advice.
#5
ADHD 2.0
Author(s): Dr. Edward Hallowell & Dr. John Ratey
Goodreads Score: 4.1 ⭐ (5,461 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Hardcover & Paperback
ADHD 2.0 is another seminal piece by the prolific duo of Dr. Hallowell and Dr. Ratey.
This ADHD book brings cutting-edge research into the hands of readers, offering new strategies for thriving with ADHD.
It covers a range of topics, from understanding the ADHD brain to medication options, and offers lifestyle hacks and new strategies for thriving with ADHD.
It has an optimistic tone and explores the positive sides and hidden strengths of ADHD encouraging the reader to harness their neurospicyness.
ADHD 2.0 incorporates the latest scientific research, challenging traditional views on ADHD and offering fresh insights.
The book also emphasizes the importance of human connection in managing ADHD.
It serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to understand ADHD more deeply and manage it more effectively.
It will teach you how your ADHD brain works and will provide treatment alternatives to thrive with ADHD.
#6
Delivered from Distraction
Author(s): Dr. Edward Hallowell & Dr. John Ratey
Goodreads Score: 4.1 ⭐ (4,120 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Hardcover & Paperback
Building on their seminal work in "Driven to Distraction," the infamous Drs. Edward Hallowell and John Ratey return with "Delivered from Distraction," offering updated insights and strategies for managing ADHD.
The book about ADHD provides a holistic approach to treatment, covering everything from medication to lifestyle changes.
It also introduces the concept that ADHD is not just a disorder but a different kind of mind that can be harnessed for success.
A must-read for those looking to update their ADHD management toolkit.
#7
ADHD: an A to Z
Author(s): Leanne Maskell
Goodreads Score: 4.4 ⭐ (72 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Audiobook, Paperback
Authored by Leanne Maskell, an expert ADHD coach with ADHD herself, the book serves as a comprehensive yet accessible guide for those new to ADHD.
ADHD A to Z is easy to digest and is full of practical life advice.
It covers everything from diagnosis and treatment options to burnout, finances and daily management strategies.
Its straightforward approach makes it a reliable resource for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of ADHD.
#8
Finally Focused
Author(s): Dr. James Greenblatt, Bill Gottlieb
Goodreads Score: 4.2 ⭐ (354 reviews)
Authored by Dr. James Greenblatt, a psychiatrist with decades of experience in treating ADHD, this book about ADHD offers a holistic approach to managing the condition.
Dr. Greenblatt combines traditional medication options with nutritional and lifestyle changes, providing a comprehensive treatment plan.
He outlines the causes of common ADHD symptoms and outlines holistic ways to overcome difficulties with focus, sleep, hyperactivity, etc.
The book is particularly useful for those who have tried medication alone and are looking for science-backed natural remedies to improve focus and ADHD symptoms.
"Finally Focused" serves as a reliable guide for those seeking a multi-faceted approach to managing ADHD.
#9
ADHD & Us
Author(s): Anita Robertson
Goodreads Score: 4.2 ⭐ (283 reviews)
"ADHD & Us" by Anita Robertson, an ADHD and relationships psychotherapist, offers a unique perspective by focusing on the relational aspects of living with ADHD.
Robertson has spent years working with individuals and couples with ADHD, and she shares her tips, hacks and insights on navigating relationships with ADHD.
The ADHD book provides practical advice on how the condition affects relationships and offers strategies for managing these challenges effectively.
It's a recommended read for anyone looking to improve their interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and to navigate the common dating challenges associated with ADHD.
#10
The Power of Different
Author(s): Gail Saltz
Goodreads Score: 4.1 ⭐ (1,058 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback
Written by Dr. Gail Saltz, a respected psychiatrist and media commentator, "The Power of Different" takes a refreshing perspective on neurodiversity, challenging the common notion that neurological differences are solely detrimental.
While the book covers a broad spectrum of conditions—including ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and more—it posits that these so-called "deficits" can actually be powerful assets.
Dr. Saltz combines her psychiatric expertise with compelling real-life case studies, showcasing not just historical figures like Edison and Einstein, but also everyday individuals who have "leaned in" to their unique brain differences and thrived because of them.
She offers actionable advice on how to harness these unique traits for personal and professional success, making the book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the positive aspects of neurodiversity.
#11
The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD
Author(s): Dr. Lidia Zylowska
Goodreads Score: 4.1 ⭐ (384 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Audiobook, Paperback
Dr. Lidia Zylowska, a physician-researcher specializing in mindfulness-based approaches, has crafted an 8-step program aimed at mitigating the symptoms of ADHD through mindfulness techniques.
This ADHD book guides readers through various techniques such as sitting meditation, body awareness, and mindful self-coaching.
Beyond these techniques, Dr. Zylowska educates readers on the intricacies of the ADHD brain and how mindfulness can serve as an effective tool for managing challenges such as distractibility, disorganization, strongemotions, and self-doubt.
She also explores how this mindfulness-centered approach can synergize with traditional therapies like medication to offer a holistic strategy for managing ADHD.
#12
Fast Minds
Author(s): Craig Surman, Tim Bilkey, Karen Weintraub
Goodreads Score: 4.0 ⭐ (448 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover & Paperback
"Fast Minds" is designed for those who are looking for actionable strategies to cope with ADHD.
Authored by medical experts Dr. Craig Surman and Dr. Tim Bilkey, along with award-winning journalist Karen Weintraub, "Fast Minds" offers a range of practical tips and techniques for managing ADHD.
The book covers essential topics like time management, emotional regulation, and medication options, providing actionable strategies for those dealing with ADHD.
It also delves into the science behind ADHD, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of the condition.
#13
ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life
Author(s): Judith Kolberg and Kathleen Nadeau
Goodreads Score: 4.0 ⭐ (1,873 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover & Paperback
A professional organizer (Judith Kolberg) and a renowned ADHD clinician (Kathleen Nadeau) join forces in this highly practical productivity guide for adults with ADHD.
The book provides practical solutions for those grappling with ADHD organizational challenges.
It offers a range of strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with ADHD, covering areas such as time management, clutter control, internet distractions, and task prioritization.
#14
Is It You, Me, or Adult ADD?
Author(s): Gina Pera
Goodreads Score: 4.0 ⭐ (977 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Audiobook, Paperback
Gina Pera, an award-winning journalist and ADHD advocate, takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked impact of adult ADHD on relationships in her book "Is It You, Me, or Adult ADD?"
Pera combines research, expert interviews, and real-life stories to offer a comprehensive look at the challenges ADHD poses to relationships.
The book provides actionable advice on how to manage these challenges, from improving communication to understanding the ADHD partner's unique needs.
It serves as an invaluable resource for couples looking to navigate the complexities of ADHD in their relationships.
#15
Order from Chaos
Author(s): Jaclyn Paul
Goodreads Score: 4.0 ⭐ (106 reviews)
Amazon: Kindle, Audiobook & Paperback
"Order from Chaos" is more practical and geared towards helping individuals with ADHD bring structure to their lives.
The book offers a range of organizational strategies and practical tips to manage the chaos that often comes with ADHD.
It shows you how to design your own system for restoring orderJaclyn Paul provides actionable advice on everything from time management to decluttering physical spaces.
Final Thoughts
The journey with ADHD is a personal one, and it's crucial to arm yourself with the right resources.
The books on this list offer a range of perspectives—from medical experts to those who have walked the ADHD path themselves.
They provide not just understanding but actionable advice, tailored to the unique challenges that ADHD presents.
In a world that often misunderstands and misrepresents ADHD, these books can guide you towards a more focused, organized, and fulfilling life.
So go ahead, pick a book that resonates with you, and embark on a journey towards a better understanding of your ADHD brain and how to make it work for you.
We hope this list serves as a valuable resource on your ADHD journey.
Happy reading!
FAQs
Where can I find more information and resources on ADHD?
If you are looking for more on-demand ADHD information, check explore some of the best ADHD podcasts out there.
Another way to share, understand, and empathise with the ADHD experience is through relatable ADHD memes.
And if you're curious about the power of ADHD coworking, join our ADHD community and give the Deepwrk ADHD accountability partner app a try.
How to choose the best ADHD book?
Choosing the best book for ADHD can be a daunting task given the plethora of options available. However, here are 5 factors you can consider in making an informed decision:
Author Credentials: Look for books written by experts in the field—psychiatrists, psychologists, or experienced coaches who specialize in ADHD (and ideally have ADHD themselves).
Community Recommendations: Books that come highly recommended by the ADHD community are often more reliable and relatable.
Reviews and Ratings: While not the sole criterion, high ratings and positive reviews can often indicate a book's effectiveness and readability. We love Goodreads and find the ratings there to be fairly accurate
Scope and Focus: Some books offer a broad overview of ADHD, while others focus on specific aspects like relationships, productivity, or emotional well-being. Choose one that aligns with your current needs.
Practicality: A good ADHD book should offer not just theory but also practical, actionable steps you can take. It also makes it easier to read
Do ADHD books work?
The effectiveness of books about ADHD can vary from person to person, but they are generally a valuable resource for understanding the condition and learning strategies to manage it.
Books can provide insights that resonate with your experiences, offer practical advice for day-to-day challenges, and even serve as a form of therapy by helping you feel seen and understood.
However, it's important to note that while books can be incredibly helpful, they are often most effective when used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as medication or behavioral therapy. They should not replace professional medical advice but can serve as a complementary resource.
Also a lot of people with ADHD comprehend audio and video information better. So consider consuming complementing your sources of information with educational content from podcasts or video apps like YouTube.
In summary, while books about ADHD alone may not 'cure' the condition, they can certainly empower you to manage your symptoms more effectively and lead a more fulfilling life.
