The ADD Myth: How to Cultivate the Unique Gifts of Intense Personalities

by Martha Burge

More than 5 million children in the United States take stimulant medication to treat ADHD. Yet, there is no objective method of diagnosis for ADHD. And, many of these medications can cause serious side effects including amphetamine psychosis.

In The ADD Myth, ADHD coach Martha Burge proposes that what is commonly understood as ADHD is actually five intense personality sensual, psychomotor, intellectual, creative, and emotional. Once properly understood, People with these intense personality traits can develop them into gifts.

The ADD Myth



The five intense personality sensual, psychomotor, intellectual, creative, and emotional
Why all personalities exist along a "neurodiversity" spectrum
Where intense people fit on the spectrum
Why the medical profession should seek alternative explanations for ADHD
Stories, practical steps, and daily practices for developing one's intense nature with the least amount of suffering.


Burge includes her own story of having both of her children diagnosed with ADHD, the serious reactions they had to drug treatment, and how she began her search for an alternative approach to help them. The ADD Myth will raise awareness of the underlying condition of intensity, and help people who previously thought of themselves as broken develop more fulfilling lives.

Genres: Adhd, Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Darren Standar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculously self-serving self-promotion.

People, you gotta know by now....any book title that starts with "The Truth About..." or "The XXX Myth"........keep moving.

No truth to be had there.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author, Martha Burge proposes that people with ADD like symptoms exhibit personality traits that don't exist within the acceptable boundaries of what is normal, especially in school children, and are therefore labeled and drugged into compliance. She refers to these individuals as possessing intense personalities and argues that they possess unique gifts that should be nurtured not stifled. I found many of her suggestions on creating a safe and hospitable environment very practical and worth pursuing. I must say I wasn't as keen on all the meditation exercises but I would love to hear from someone who successfully applied these techniques and I must say she believes meditation is very important. I wished I had read books like this when my child was younger. I have a much greater understanding of the intensified reactions and feelings such people possess and I think I would have been more patient when my intense child exhibited this behavior.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burge sets up her book by explaining why she believes that ADD does not actually exist as a disorder; instead, some people are more intense in certain areas. Burge explains each of the intensities and then offers ways of positively cultivating that intensity, thus putting a positive spin on often negatively-viewed qualities. Burge helped me to see what we commonly label as ADD or ADHD in a different way. While this book is intended for people who believe they have intense personalities (or have struggled with being labeled as having this type of disorder), I gleaned some ideas for working with my students who struggle in school because they haven't quite fit the mold.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and informative. Made me see the ADD concerns a little differently.

[Carlos Enrique · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tips she provides are great, but after reading Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté, this book feels a bit “thin”. It’s a nice quick read to dip your toe into the topic, though.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! READ iff you are IN ANY WAY CONNECTED to an ADHDer

I wish I found this book sooner! The author does and incredible job explaining that which many of us ADDers have always "just known" simply because we "felt it".

[Theresa]

I appreciate the intent of this book as I also agree that many children are unnecessarily drugged as teachers/parents go for the quick fix. However, I couldn't finish the book. The author jumps too quickly from the problems of childhood ADD to the supposition of the possible benefits of adulthood ADD without addressing how to deal with the childhood problems faced by the children and the adults. I couldn't finish the book.

[Noah Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

NOT BAD; NOT THAT GREAT.