You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: Self-help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder - Softcover

Kelly, Kate; Ramundo, Peggy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0684815311 ISBN 13: 9780684815312

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd, 1997

Synopsis

There is much literature about children with Attention Deficit Disorder. This work focuses on the experience of adults with the disorder, combining practical information and moral support. It explains the diagnostic process and distinguishes ADD symptions from normal lapses in memory, lack of concentrations, and impulse behaviour, and addresses: how to achieve balance by analyzing one's strengths and weaknesses; how to get along in groups, at work, and intimate and family relationships - including how to decrease discord and chaos; mechanical aides and methods for getting organized and improving memory; and professional help, including medication and therapy.

About this title

About the Author

Kate Kelly is a master's prepared clinical specialist in psychiatric nursing. Her professional background includes experience as as a therapist, assistant professor and clinical coordinator for psychobiological research. Her graduate education focused on chronic mental illness, and this orientation eventually led her to an interest in the mental health self-help movement. She became a champion for individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, believing that even those with severe impairments could learn to manage their own illnesses.

Ms. Kelly's prior publishing credits include an article entitled Fostering Self-Help on an Inpatient Unit, published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing. This article chronicled the results of her work in developing a model for an inpatient group that helped chronically mentally ill patients learn and share effective coping strategies.

Following her diagnosis with ADHD in 1989, Ms. Kelly's work moved in a new direction. Combining her personal and professional interests in adult ADD, she began to focus on this emerging area of mental health. Responding to the need to provide services for ADD adults, she founded the adult support group of the Attention Deficit Disorder Council of Greater Cincinnati in February of 1990. Although she no longer facilitates this group, she continues to consult with the Council on adult ADD and support group issues.

The information Ms. Kelly gathered from available literature and the personal stories of ADD adults in Cincinnati and nationwide lead to her work in writing I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy!? Currently she is using her personal and professional experiences and knowledge to give presentations on adult ADD for lay and professional groups. She also works in private practice leading psychoeducational therapy groups for ADD adults.

Edition details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0684815311
• ISBN 13: 9780684815312
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 464