May We Introduce You To: John J. Ratey, M.D.

by Lee Gehrls R&D Coordinator (Volunteer)

John J. Ratey, M.D.
John J. Ratey, M.D.

In last month’s newsletter on Dr. Edward (Ned) Hallowell I told you that in June I would introduce you to his co-author partner Dr. John J. Ratey. They collaborated for their Driven To Distraction books and their latest ADHD 2.0 published in 2021. Dr. Ratey is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. 

Dr. Ratey’s interest in ADHD began when he and his former student, Dr. Ned Hallowell, recognized the characteristics of ADHD in themselves and diagnosed that yes they both had it. This knowledge led them to co-write the first Driven to Distraction book in 1994. Their goal for this book was to increase awareness and understanding of ADHD to general readers. This first book in the series became a bestseller and sold over two million copies. It was referred to as the Bible on ADHD and is still read today. The first book led to Delivered to Distraction and Answers to Distraction and launched them internationally as experts in the field of ADHD.

He is recognized worldwide in Neuropsychiatry and for his best-selling book Spark-The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. Dr. Ratey’s area of interest is in the field of the brain-fitness connection as it applies to ADHD, autism, aging, and cognition. He is working to spread the message globally to schools, corporations, and all of us that including exercise in our daily lives will allow us to work at our best level and have “optimum mental health”.

He has won several awards and recognition for his work and has been featured in numerous news outlets and media publications. Dr. Ratey has served as an Adjunct Professor of Sport Science at the National Taiwan Sport University and a consultant to the President of Taiwan and the Minister of Education in South Korea. He has served as the co-head of the Advisory Board of the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sport along with other positions addressing exercise to other organizations in other countries. Dr. Ratey continues to write, lecture, and speak for ADDitude webinars. He also has the nonprofit, Sparking Life, which works to further the inclusion of exercise in the treatment of mental health problems as well as maintaining two active practices in Cambridge, MA, and Los Angeles, CA. 

Goodreads for Dr. Ratey

Created in January 2007, Goodreads is the Internet’s largest site for book reviews and recommendations.

Goodreads help you connect with other readers, track the books you’ve read or want to read, and find books you need or books recommended to you. Its collection is vast and it is an easy way for learning about any book you discover. It also has a commentary section that provides reader feedback about any book.

John Rate M.D.
John Ratey M.D. and johnratey.com

ADDitude Magazine for Dr. Ratey

Contact Dr. Ratey

You can learn more about John J. Ratey, M.D., follow him or contact him at:

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