ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is typically connected to problems at home, school or at work. The psychiatric condition can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is most often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health specialists diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
Symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. Medications like stimulants and antidepressants can aid in overcoming.
Limbic ADD
The most common form of ADD, also known as classic ADD or hyperactive-impulsive ADD, is characterized by inattention, a lack of organizational skills, difficulty staying on task, and trouble with memory. Brain scans reveal that people with this type of ADD are able to maintain normal activity while concentrating and rest in the prefrontal cortex however, they have less activity in their cerebellum and basal ganglia. treating adults with adhd help to produce dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivation, calmness and focus. This type has a limited attention span, and is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli and is unable to switch attention. They also have difficulty falling asleep and are often woken up during the night with anxiety or nightmares. They often feel overwhelmed by their emotions and have a short fuse, becoming easily frustrated and easily annoyed.
Ring of Fire ADD is defined by all the standard ADD symptoms as well as difficulties in shifting their focus between thoughts and from one task to another. They are sensitive to light, noise and even touch. They talk too quickly and are impulsive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy, are easily angered and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt.
Limbic ADD can be confused with depression, but it's different than depression because it has increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the area that sets our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we are) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at both rest and during concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol, which boost alertness, focus, mood, and mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from over-firing or firing in a erratic manner; and liver support.
It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause irritability, frustration and low self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant degree of irritability throughout the course of time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behaviors that cause excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behavior that is similar to those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can become emotional when they are requested to switch their focus between different activities, and they may react by displaying a hostile or argumentative attitude.
They tend to be unhappy and their irritability may be due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negativity. They may also have trouble learning, have memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.
People who have hyper-focused ADD may be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and become engrossed in their hobbies or work. They are more likely to miss deadlines at work and not remembering appointments at home, and may not complete homework or other school assignments. They may also be stubborn and resentful if they are punished or reprimanded by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD exhibit a high level of irritability and stubbornness and may be susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are violated. They can be obsessive about particular toys, activities, and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD is more prevalent in children and is difficult to recognize. Children often don't realize the cause of their condition. It's caused by their inability to shift their focus from one thing to the next. It is important to speak with a professional as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This kind of ADD can be treated using nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Some medications are prescribed, however this kind of ADD is difficult to treat with stimulant drugs, since they can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to identify the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly useful for diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, or having more than one disorder simultaneously is a common problem and affects up to 50% of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Misdiagnosis may result in inadequate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with school, work and social settings. This kind of ADD could cause low performance and feelings of inadequateness. People with anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and activities because they think they're not capable of completing the task.
They also fear being judged or judged. This is why they tend to hide their issues from their peers. In some cases, these sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They can cause a pounding of the heart sweating, breathing difficulties and difficulty. Contrary to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. They operate on an instinctual basis and place a high priority on safety. This can shut down the PFC and can make it hard for these individuals to concentrate.
If someone suffering from ADD/ADHD has anxiety, their symptoms are usually more difficult to manage than those of someone who does not suffer from anxiety. This is due to treatments for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate brain activity, can actually increase anxiety in people who have anxious ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to identify which areas of the brain have high and/or lower levels of activity are occurring. This allows them to distinguish between the seven different types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each individual.
To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist gathers a complete medical history and conducts physical examination. They may also ask about the patient's mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall performance. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD, but most patients require other treatments as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization, and other relaxation techniques. This may enhance their ability to control their emotions and improve their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to process and store information, experience mood instability, and suffer from extreme anger or aggression issues. They also are often affected by a variety of sensory issues, like feeling like they've experienced déjà vu, seeing shadows or objects change shapes, and hearing sounds other people can't hear. They are irritable, sensitive and easily overwhelmed.
The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans, disorganization, difficulty following directions or staying on task and procrastinating. This type of ADD is not associated with excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more common in females. This kind of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can result in feelings of low motivation or insufficient self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anger and anxiety.
In this instance QEEG scans of ADD brain reveal that people with Overfocused ADD have difficulty shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one task or thought to the next, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviours.
This is a form of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and productive but tend not to concentrate on their tasks. They may lose track of their schoolwork and parents or teachers are often tired or embarrassed by their behavior. They might have a difficult relationship because they can be unpredictable or reactive and have a hard time dealing with multitasking or working with others. In certain situations, they could be depressed or anxious. They could be susceptible to hallucinations and panic attacks. The use of medications for this kind of ADD aren't usually recommended, as they do not address the underlying causes of symptoms.