Outside In: A Look at Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder

Actress Mariette Hartley, one of 12 million Americans who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder (or ADD), hosts this brief sequence of interviews on the symptoms, effects, and control of this condition characterized by the brain's inability to sort outward stimuli. People with ADD often act impulsively, possess a high energy level, and are extremely disorganized. Here, they describe feelings of frustration and embarrassment and ultimate relief at finally being diagnosed. The parents and brothers of one ADD sufferer relate in heart-wrenching detail how before treatment, the disorder tore apart their family life, while an enterprising entrepreneur describes how he controls and uses his ADD symptoms, channeling his energy and ideas into a successful consulting firm. Stressing the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment, and the potential to control ADD through behavior strategies, support groups, and medication, Outside In serves as a good general introduction, generating awareness and understanding, without--unfortunately--really focusing in-depth on specific coping strategies or resources. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: P. (J. McDaniel)