ADHD in Adults: Books Worth Reading

If you are looking for an "ADHD in adults book," you probably want to read something that explains what is going on with you and suggests what to do about it. There are many books on ADHD, but they suit different tasks, so below is a selection with notes on how these books differ and how to read them.

The selection is based on publishers' and bookshops' catalogs, and we do not retell or copy the books. Books help you get your bearings but do not replace a specialist's consultation, and only a specialist can make a diagnosis.

How to Choose a Book About ADHD in Adults

Start with the question of what you expect from a book: an explanation, practical techniques, or help in talking to a doctor. These are the pointers:

• Who the author is. A book by a researcher or doctor and a book by a person writing about personal experience give different things and both can be useful.
• Reliance on data. It is good when a book explains which research its advice is built on.
• Practicality. A workbook with exercises suits those who need specific steps.
• Promises. A book that promises a quick solution to all difficulties raises doubts.

Which Books About ADHD in Adults Are in the Catalogs

Here are a few editions that turn up in catalogs, with what is known about them from the publishers' descriptions and titles (titles are given in the language of the edition, with a literal translation):

• Russell Barkley and Christine Benton, «Совладание с СДВГ у взрослых. Достижение успеха на работе, дома и в отношениях» (literally "Taking Charge of Adult ADHD. Achieving Success at Work, at Home, and in Relationships"; Williams, 2022, translated by T. S. Dyubko, 352 pages). A book by a researcher and doctor. According to the publisher, it explains how to seek professional help, answers questions about treatment, including medication, and gives practical advice based on scientific data. Topics: attention, emotional self-control, time management, career, and a healthy lifestyle. It is addressed to adults and young people with ADHD, as well as to specialists and students.
• J. Russell Ramsay, «Рабочая тетрадь по СДВГ и тревожности у взрослых. Навыки когнитивно-поведенческой терапии» (literally "Workbook on ADHD and Anxiety in Adults. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills"; Ves). A workbook with cognitive behavioral therapy skills, suitable for those who need exercises.
• Elena Mironova, «СДВГ. Книга-инструкция по управлению жизнью» (literally "ADHD. A Manual for Managing Your Life"; Galaktika). A practical book on how to manage life with ADHD.
• Thomas Brown, «СДВГ и синдром Аспергера у одарённых детей и взрослых» (literally "ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in Gifted Children and Adults"; Dialektika). The book covers both children and adults, and the combination of ADHD with Asperger syndrome.

How to Read Books About ADHD in Adults

As a source of ideas and questions for a doctor, and not as a set of criteria for self-diagnosis. You can start today:

• pick one book for your task and don't try to read everything at once;
• take one technique at a time from it and test it on one recurring task, or everything fails to stick again;
• write down situations in which you recognize yourself, to show to a doctor;
• don't change treatment or stop medication on a book's advice, because that is the doctor's decision.

If you need the general picture, begin with the piece on what ADHD in adults is in simple words, then read the breakdown of ADHD symptoms in adults and the piece on how to cope with adult ADHD without medication.

You can work out where to start in your own situation with no commitment, through the bot, which asks a few questions and suggests a next step, and how the center's work with adults is set up in general is on the For Adults page.