The Distracted Couple - by Larry Maucieri Phd & Jon Carlson Psyd (Paperback)

About the Book

The Distracted Couple identifies the aspects of adult ADHD that impact marriages and relationships, and provides a number of interventions, strategies and treatments to effectively address these challenges.

Book Synopsis

The Distracted Couple identifies the aspects of adult ADHD that impact marriages and relationships, and provides a number of interventions, strategies and treatments to effectively address these challenges.

The first section covers an overview of evolving diagnoses; how ADHD impacts marital dysfunction; the impact of Executive Functioning Weaknesses; and a one-on-one interview with a known expert in the field focusing on the impact of ADHD in couples.

In section two the editors focus on diverse and less recognized populations such as African-American couples, women with ADHD and same-sex couples.

Section three includes a section on working with couples with ADHD and emphasizes treatment protocols and solutions to problems in couples.

In total, this volume addresses many of the issues that couples face when either one or both partners has ADHD and the many ways that clinicians can help them in dealing with these issues.

Although historically the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD have focused on children, more recently clinicians and researchers have explored the impact of ADHD on adults. Few, howver have focused on the effects of adult ADHD on relationships and marriages, which makes this a must-read for all of those interested in and working with adults with ADHD.

Review Quotes

The Distracted Couple is much more than a commentary on ADHD and couples. It is more a journey into our own potential signs of imperfection referred to as ADHD. This is not just a book on ADHD but is in so many ways cutting edge research on the topic and treatment strategies that could and can be used in a number of different settings including therapy, parenting, coaching, teaching, and for the reader's personal growth. Congratulations to Drs. Maucieri and Carlson for carefully integrating science with application.

Roy Kern EdD, Scientific Professor, Dept. of Theoretical Psychology, Vytatus Magnus University, Lithuania, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Counseling and Psychological Services, Georgia State University, and Co-Editor of The Journal of Individual Psychology

A first-class treasury of articles for everyone interested in ADHD and couples counseling.

William Knaus, EdD, author of the Cognitive-Behavioral Handbook for Depression; The Cognitive-Behavioral Handbook for Anxiety; and Do It Now

A refreshing and empathic look into how ADHD manifests itself into relationships. The editors take the adisordera out of the distraction by providing messages of hope, as well as focusing on how couples can adapt and strengthen their relationships amidst overwhelming distractions. An invaluable resource for both clinicians and couples!

Jill Duba Sauerheber, PhD, Associate Professor, Western Kentucky University; President-Elect, NASAP; author of The Role of Religion in Marriage and Family Therapy

A treasure trove of clinical facts, pearls of wisdom, and theories sure to enrich, inform, and energize the practice of anyone who works with couples. Still vastly under-diagnosed, ADHD in adults can ruin a marriage and the lives involved in it. The rare thera pist who can diagnose the adult ADHD can save that marriage and with it the lives it touches. A unique book, written by a wide range of gifted clinicians, The Distracted Couple is a gem, indispensable for all who work in the field. Highly recommended!

Edward Hallowell, MD, co-author of 'Married to Distraction'

As ADHD becomes increasingly common in adults and couples, clinicians of all stripes will need to increase their understanding of this condition to better treat or more appropriately refer for treatment. This is the ago toa book that I'll highly recommend to my students and colleagues.

Len Sperry, MD, PhD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Medical College of Wisconsin, author of Handbook of Diagnosis & Treatment of DSM-5 Personality Disorders

Drs. Maucieri and Carlson have edited a volume that expands the understanding of ADHD. While other books have begun to discuss the relational issues confronting couples, this book covers every angle. The Distracted Couple starts with the DSM-5, and quickly moves into how adult ADHD is exhibited in treatment. Rather than concentrate only on the majority population, this volume clarifies the disorder with African-American couples and same sex couples. The specific issues that arise for women with ADHD are also beautifully connected to relational issues. Finally, this book rounds out its couple's focus by directly discussing the effect of ADHD on financial management. Clearly, this book serves as a necessary reference for a comprehensive understanding of ADHD and its effect on the relationships.

Scott Browning, PhD, Professor, Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, author of Stepfamily Therapy

Drs. Maucieri and Carlson provide much-needed guidance for professionals who work with ADHD individuals and couples. They have recruited an impressive group of experts, with an emphasis on effective intervention with couples, the unique focus of this book. They present sophisticated views on diagnosis and brain functioning, including current controversies, in a straightforward style that can be understood even without training in neuropsychology. The book is also unique in discussing populations impacted by ADHD but underserved, including African American couples, same sex couples, and women with ADHD. Hopefully this volume will enable clinicians to help combat the blame and self-blame that permeates the lives of those with ADHD, enabling couples to work together to cope with the many challenges and frustrations involved, and dispelling the myths about adult ADHD that have left the majority of individuals undiagnosed.

Thomas Todd, PhD, Chicago Center for Family Health, AAMFT Approved Supervisor

Larry Maucieri and Jon Carlson have provided a vitally needed resource dealing with a crucial topicaa comprehensive guide to ADHD in couples. Chapters cogently describe such crucial topics as how to recognize ADHD, the role of executive functioning, ADHD in couples from diverse cultures, and ADHD in women, as well as how to work with ADHD in couple therapy. This book should be essential reading both for couple therapists and for those who work with those with attention deficit disorders.

Jay Lebow, Ph.D., LMFT, ABPP, Clinical Professor, The Family Institute at Northwestern and Northwestern University

This book explores the fascinating crossroads between ADHD and romantic relationships. Whether you work with couples or are just curious about how ADHD symptoms play out in relationships, you'll find Maucieri and Carlson's edited volume both intellectually stimulating and highly practical. Most importantly, reading this book will give you greater empathic understanding of the struggles that ADHD symptoms can cause in couple relationships.

John Sommers-Flanagan, Ph.D. Professor of Counselor Education, University of Montana, author of Clinical Interviewing and How to Listen so Parents Will Talk and Talk so Parents Will Listen