Description

Scattered Minds, written by renowned mental health expert and speaker Dr. Gabor Maté, challenges the widely held belief that attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) is purely genetic. Instead, he reveals how environmental stress plays a significant role in its development and offers practical guidance for both children and adults living with the condition.

In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Maté, bestselling author of *The Myth of Normal* and someone who has personally experienced ADD, presents a new perspective on understanding and healing the disorder. He explains that ADD is not an inherited illness but rather a response to early-life stress. He illustrates how brain circuits responsible for emotional self-regulation and attention may fail to develop properly in infancy, leading to difficulties later in life. He also explores how distractibility is shaped by life experiences rather than genetics.

For parents, Dr. Maté provides insight into the inner workings of their ADD-diagnosed children, helping them better understand their behaviors and emotions. Adults with ADD will also gain valuable self-awareness regarding their own struggles. He expresses hope that neurological development remains possible even in adulthood and outlines a practical approach to fostering this growth in both children and adults.

Unlike other books that focus solely on genetic explanations, *Scattered Minds* emphasizes the impact of one’s emotional and social environment. Dr. Maté does not dismiss genetics entirely but instead encourages readers to focus on what can be changed—such as parenting styles, family dynamics, and environmental factors. Drawing from his personal experience as both someone with ADD and the parent of children with the condition, he provides a compassionate and thorough exploration of ADD and its treatment. Without placing blame, *Scattered Minds* offers essential knowledge and hope to the millions of individuals navigating ADD in today’s world.