The authors, Dr. Hallowell and Dr. Ratey, reflect on their long career as psychiatrists specializing in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, previously known as ADD, or attention deficit disorder. They note that science’s understanding and approach to ADHD has changed since their first collaboration on Driven to Distraction, written in 1994. Most people know someone—or are themselves—impacted by ADHD, and the condition has become increasingly destigmatized, although the authors note that the term is sometimes used flippantly.

Despite the growing knowledge base surrounding this condition, many people still misunderstand ADHD. One common misconception is that the disorder only affects children; the authors write that those who appear to grow out of ADHD have learned to disguise their symptoms, and they note that ADHD can emerge in adulthood, often in response to growing life demands. Some people hold prejudicial views of ADHD, including the idea that the disorder has been fabricated by the pharmaceutical industry or that ADHD is just laziness and can be remedied with discipline. The authors emphasize that ADHD is common, impacting “at least 5 percent of the population” (xv), noting the risks that accompany the disorder such as a shorter life expectancy by up to 12 years.