The book does a good job explaining how those with ADHD are different. I know when I was diagnosed, it was a relief that I didn't have to pretend to be "normal" anymore. I probably drove my friends crazy during this initial adjustment period when I let some of my ADD symptoms show. I didn't have to try so desperately to hide them anymore. Kelly and Ramundo do a good job explaining the differences among those with ADHD as well as their differences from others who are "normal." Many characteristics are mentioned in You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?! that I haven't seen in other books, but that are so much a part of many of us with ADHD. One example is an acute sense of touch for many of us with ADHD. I know there are times that I simply do not want to be touched and I'm very clear about that to anyone who tries to touch me. There are other times when I don't mind. Like many ADHD symptoms, it isn't consistent. Another example is the intensity of feelings of the ADDer. When I'm angry, I'm really angry, to the point of slamming doors or yelling - things I normally don't do under any circumstances. When I'm happy, I have an enormous amount of energy and I'm ready to meet and greet the world. This book takes these and other characteristics and expands and explains them extremely well.
Both medication and therapy and their combination are explored. The risks and benefits of medication are explored and a number of medications are detailed in the book. Self-medications are explored, too. By self-medications, I mean nicotine and caffeine, which are both stimulants. The book points out that some smokers have had a difficult time quitting the habit until they started taking medication for ADHD. It is a theory, but presumably this is because the nicotine was acting as a mild stimulant that helps them to concentrate and stay calm. Caffeine does much the same thing, only it is so mild that the amount you have to consume to get any real benefit is so great that other side effects, such as jitteriness and cardiovascular problems result.
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