64 pages • 2 hours read
Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder
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Book Brief
368
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Gabor Maté explores an attachment-based framework for understanding ADD, challenging traditional psychiatric views and emphasizing the vital role of emotional factors in brain development. Using case studies and personal experience, Maté critiques the illness model and highlights the physiological impact of societal pressures on families, advocating for a compassionate, multi-dimensional approach to treatment. The book discusses topics including mental health conditions and disorders such as attention deficit disorder, addiction, depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Informative
Contemplative
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
14,922 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Gabor Maté's Scattered Minds receives praise for its empathetic exploration of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Readers appreciate the blend of personal anecdotes and scientific insights. Some reviewers, however, feel the book occasionally overreaches with broad generalizations. Overall, it's a compelling read that offers valuable perspectives on the condition.
Who Should Read Scattered Minds?
Readers who would enjoy Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté are those interested in psychology, particularly ADHD, personal growth, and compassionate self-discovery. Comparable to fans of Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell and Healing ADD by Daniel Amen, this book appeals to those seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and its impacts on daily life.
14,922 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gabor Maté’s Mother
Gabor Maté’s Mother
She is pivotal in Maté's exploration of his childhood, as he analyzes their interactions through photographs and diary entries to understand the impact of their relationship on his development, particularly during their time as Jewish Hungarian refugees during the Holocaust.
Gordon Neufield
Gordon Neufield
A developmental psychologist whose work on attachment theory and child emotional development influences Maté's discussions on parent-child relationships. He co-authored a book with Maté and provides insights into managing defiant behavior in children.
368
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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