Top ADHD books: Manage your condition with expert and personal insights

Best ADHD books - (Pexels)

ADHD isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Some people internalise their struggles, while others express their restlessness outwardly. Despite its challenges, medical support remains limited, and many people are left facing it alone. After years of misdiagnosis, my ADHD was confirmed by a doctor.

But despite being put on an NHS waiting list for several years, I still haven’t received any structured help. And even when that support eventually comes, it’s unlikely to be a cure-all. My doctor’s advice years ago was simply to speak to others with ADHD, join online forums, and “stick together.”

When I asked a neurodivergent former colleague about how he approached his struggles, he dismissed it altogether, treating it as if it weren’t a disability because, in his words, “no one cares.” Meanwhile, a friend with autism and ADHD openly shares his diagnosis to make sure that he gets the right support from colleagues and his partner.

Whatever your approach, it’s worth educating yourself about ADHD, how it manifests, and how best to manage it. Books can be a valuable tool, but with so many available, it’s important to find ones that align with your needs.

Consider your ADHD traits

Not all ADHD books will resonate with you. Some focus on hyperactivity and impulsivity, while others explore inattentiveness and executive dysfunction. Before choosing a book, consider which aspects of ADHD affect you the most. If you struggle with focus and organisation, look for books with practical strategies. If emotional regulation is a challenge, books on relaxation, mindset and self-compassion might be more useful.

Many people with ADHD struggle with traditional reading. If you find it hard to focus on dense text, look for books with short chapters, clear subheadings and bullet points. Audiobooks and e-books with text-to-speech functions can also be helpful, especially for those who absorb information better through listening.

Find a tone that works for you

Some books are written in a clinical, research-heavy style, while others take a more personal, conversational approach. If you prefer straight facts and scientific insights, books by psychologists and ADHD researchers might be best.

If you relate more to lived experiences, memoirs and personal essays can offer a sense of solidarity. Many ADHD books discuss the science behind the condition but offer little in terms of real-world strategies. If you want something you can apply to daily life, look for books with structured exercises, habit-building techniques and practical tips.

Time management, productivity, and emotional regulation guides can be particularly useful. ADHD is a widely misunderstood condition, and not all books on the subject are reliable. Be cautious of anything promising a quick fix or promoting unproven treatments. Books written by experts in psychology, neuroscience, or lived experience with ADHD tend to be more trustworthy. Checking reviews and recommendations from ADHD professionals can help filter out unhelpful or misleading content.

Don’t force yourself to finish a book

If a book isn’t working for you – whether it’s too dense, too slow, or just doesn’t feel relevant – it’s okay to put it down and try something else. ADHD brains often struggle with persistence in tasks that don’t hold their interest, so forcing yourself to push through a book that isn’t helping may just add unnecessary frustration. What works for one person may not work for another, so it’s worth exploring different books, formats, and perspectives. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, scientific insight, or personal stories, the right book can make a huge difference in understanding and managing ADHD.

How we tested

As someone with ADHD, I struggle with focus, restlessness and anxiety, often forgetting things and zoning out unless I’m overstimulated with coffee or pushing myself too hard with big goals like bodybuilding competitions. Many of my neurodivergent friends experience the same challenges. Together, we tested a selection of ADHD books, both in print and audio format. Personally, I find it difficult to focus on physical books, so the audio versions were especially useful.

We looked at how easy each book was to digest, how relatable the content felt, and whether it was written by a legitimate expert in ADHD – whether through research, professional practice, or lived experience. To make sure that we were recommending genuinely helpful resources, we also consulted an expert from the ADHD Foundation for their insight.

Read on for the best ADHD books.

Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté

Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté is a useful audiobook for anyone living with ADHD or interested in understanding it more deeply. Unlike the common myth that ADHD is simply a genetic disorder, Maté explores how it is actually a developmental delay in the brain, one that can be reversed with the right approach. As a physician with extensive expertise in neurology, psychiatry, and psychology, Maté offers real hope for both children and adults, explaining how early life experiences shape the brain and contribute to issues with emotional regulation and attention control.

What makes this audiobook stand out is that it’s not just about diagnosing or understanding ADHD but it provides actionable advice on how to address it. With practical strategies for promoting self-regulation and improving attention, this audiobook offers a clear, empathetic path forward for anyone struggling with ADHD.

Buy now £12.99, Audible

The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov

Unlike generic relationship guides, this book dives deep into the unique struggles that ADHD introduces, offering practical strategies tailored specifically for couples. Orlov explains how common ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness, impulsivity and distraction, can lead to misunderstandings, frustration and even resentment in marriages.

What sets this book apart is its balance of research, real-life examples and actionable steps. It doesn't just highlight problems; it provides a clear roadmap for couples to rebuild intimacy, improve communication and break toxic cycles. The six-step approach is both structured and flexible, making it easy for partners to implement changes without feeling overwhelmed.

Unlike traditional marriage counselling, which often overlooks ADHD’s impact, Orlov acknowledges both partners’ perspectives, fostering empathy instead of blame. Her compassionate tone reassures readers that they are not alone, while her expert advice empowers them to create lasting improvements.

Buy now £14.99, Amazon

Your Brain’s Not Broken by Tamara Rosier

Instead of focusing on what’s ‘wrong’, this book reframes ADHD as a unique brain wiring; one that comes with its own challenges but also its own strengths. Dr Rosier, a leading ADHD coach and founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, breaks down the emotional and practical struggles of ADHD, offering real-world strategies to overcome them. From time management and organisation to mood swings and relationship dynamics, this book provides tools to help you understand why you think and act the way you do, and how to work with your brain rather than against it.

With an engaging, relatable style, Your Brain’s Not Broken is filled with actionable advice that makes it easy to dip in and find solutions that resonate with you. Whether you’re looking for practical guidance or a confidence boost, this book helps you lose the shame, embrace your brain and start thriving.

Buy now £13.99, Waterstones

How to Thrive with Adult ADHD by Dr James Kustow

This is a must-listen for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the daily challenges of ADHD. Whether you’ve been diagnosed or just suspect you have it, this audiobook provides a structured yet flexible approach to turning chaos into clarity.

As a leading adult ADHD psychiatrist, and someone with ADHD himself, Dr Kustow understands that managing the condition isn’t enough. His book lays out a seven-pillar plan designed to help you truly thrive, offering small but powerful habit changes that can make a real difference. From stabilising sleep and daily routines to reducing mental ‘noise’ and optimising brain health, the audiobook provides practical, easy-to-implement strategies to create focus, productivity, and balance.

Buy now £12.99, Audible

The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N Aron

While this book isn’t marketed specifically for ADHD, for many with the condition, it feels like reading a long-lost manual for how their brain works. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by noise or emotions, this book explains why and how to harness it.

Aron’s insights into sensory sensitivity, deep emotional processing and overstimulation align powerfully with the ADHD experience. It doesn’t focus on productivity hacks or rigid structures (which many ADHD books do), but instead validates the way sensitive people experience the world, offering strategies for self-acceptance rather than forcing them into neurotypical expectations.

For those with ADHD who feel things deeply, struggle with burnout and need solitude to recharge, The Highly Sensitive Person teaches how to honour sensitivity as a strength rather than a flaw. If traditional ADHD strategies feel too rigid or one-size-fits-all, this book offers a compassionate, intuitive alternative.

Buy now £18.36, Amazon

The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD by Lidia Zylowska

Lidia Zylowska’s The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD is a practical, compassionate guide that acknowledges how ADHD brains actually function. Unlike rigid productivity books that assume focus is just a matter of discipline, this one offers a realistic and research-backed approach using mindfulness.

Zylowska’s eight-step program makes mindfulness accessible, even for those who struggle with restlessness and racing thoughts. The book doesn’t just tell you to “be present”, it teaches how to use meditation, body awareness and mindful communication to manage emotions, improve attention and reduce frustration. It’s also refreshingly free of jargon, making it easy to apply in everyday life.

Buy now £23.00, WH Smith

The Explosive Child by Ross W Greene

Taking a different route from traditional parenting books that rely on strict discipline and reward-based systems, Greene takes a compassionate, neuroscience-backed approach, helping parents understand that their child’s outbursts are not intentional misbehaviour but a result of lagging skills in flexibility and frustration tolerance.

What makes this book stand out is its emphasis on collaboration rather than punishment. Greene shifts the focus from controlling behaviour to understanding and solving the underlying problems causing the child’s distress. Through real-life case studies and practical strategies, parents learn how to reduce power struggles, anticipate explosive situations, and help their children develop emotional regulation skills.

Buy now £11.95, WH Smith

You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?! by Kate Kelly

Rather than clinical manuals that focus solely on symptoms, You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?! is written by adults with ADHD, making it deeply relatable. It was the first to address adult ADHD, challenging outdated misconceptions and replacing them with science-backed insights and real-life experiences.

It covers everything from diagnosis and treatment options to strategies for managing disorganization, forgetfulness and relationships. It also highlights the often-overlooked strengths of ADHD, such as creativity and resilience. The updated edition includes the latest research on how ADHD affects different aspects of life, including gender differences and relationships.

Buy now £11.05, Amazon

Driven to Distraction by Edward M Hallowell

Written by experts, Driven to Distraction delves into the multifaceted nature of ADHD, providing both personal case studies and scientific insight. Whether you're an adult seeking answers or a parent navigating your child's diagnosis, the book offers valuable coping tools and practical advice for managing ADHD in everyday life.

While it thoroughly addresses treatment options and the challenges that come with ADHD, it also highlights the positives such as the creativity, intuition and energy that often accompany the condition. The updated edition includes the latest medical information, ensuring that it remains a relevant and essential resource for those looking to understand and thrive with ADHD.

Buy now £14.99, Amazon