by Gabor Maté
First published 1999
Gabor Maté was a high-achieving professional whose life was upended by a devastating diagnosis: Attention Deficit Disorder. In "Scattered," he takes readers on a deeply personal exploration of this perplexing condition, drawing on his own experiences as both a sufferer and a parent of three ADD children. Rejecting the notion of ADD as a mere genetic disorder, Maté delves into the powerful role that social and emotional environments play in shaping this complex neurological reality. Through vivid anecdotes and incisive analysis, he reveals how the pain of childhood trauma can manifest in the restless, distracted minds of adults, while also offering hope in the form of holistic approaches to treatment and self-care. At its core, "Scattered" is a poignant story of self-discovery, as Maté navigates the mind's chaos to uncover the profound insights that lie within.
Genres: psychology, mental-health, non-fiction, biography-memoir, health
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: personal-journey, self-reflection
Setting: Canada
368 pages · Paperback · Avery
Content warnings: mental-illness