Fast Minds

January 7, 2013
Attention deficits aren’t just for kids—approximately 4% of adults around the world suffer from some form of attention deficit disorder. Canadian psychiatrist Bilkey, Harvard professor and neuropsychiatrist Surman, and science journalist Weintraub (coauthor of The Autism Revolution) insist the real hurdle for people with “Fast Minds” (“Forgetful/ Achieving below potential/ Stuck in a rut/ Time challenged/ Motivationally challenged/ Impulsive/ Novelty seeking/ Distractible/ Scattered”) is maintaining “consistent engagement.” This optimistic and thoroughly practical guide is packed with techniques, therapies (including both traditional ADHD medications and nonmedicated solutions), worksheets, and resources aimed to transform a difficult life into a fulfilling one. There are also inspiring stories of people who’ve found their way despite their condition, such as James, who became so distracted that he accidentally set his car on fire in a frightening manifestation of the metaphorical “fires in his life”; Maria, who learned to go a little easier on herself and build her self-confidence; and Carlos, who used exercise, medication, and list making to focus his energy. “I realized there are thousands of me,” he tells the authors, an astounding revelation that made him think differently about his Fast Mind: “A disorder? Sure. A defect? No.” Agent: Linda Konner, Linda Konner Literary Agency.