ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is typically related to issues at home, school or work. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is most often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health experts diagnose ADHD with SPECT brain scans.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. Antidepressants and stimulants 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 during concentration and at rest in the prefrontal cortex however, they have less activity in their cerebellum as well as the basal ganglia. These areas help produce dopamine, which is an important neurotransmitter that is that is responsible for motivation, calmness and concentration. This type has a limited attention span, and is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli and has a hard time shifting attention. They are unable to fall asleep, and often awake in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They are easily frustrated and often get angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is characterized by all the classic ADD symptoms however, it also has a difficulty in shifting their attention from one thought to another and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They are susceptible to moodiness, low energy and anger. They are also prone to getting stuck in negative thoughts and guilt-related feelings.
It is possible to mix the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. But it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic region of the brain during the moment of rest and while concentrating. It can be treated by supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol, which improve alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or excessively.
It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder, which can result in frustration and irritability, as well as low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms is more prone to constant frustration and irritability over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients often get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. This is because they exhibit rigid behavior that is similar to those who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They may become emotional when they are they are asked to shift their attention between tasks and can respond with oppositional or argumentative behavior.
They are generally irritable, and their irritability is due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They might also have memory issues, experience extreme anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD can be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and may become absorbed in their work or hobby. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work, and they may not finish their chores or schoolwork. They can also be very stubborn and resentful if they are reprimanded or chastised by their teachers or parents.
Children who have overfocused ADD have a high degree of irritability and stubbornness, and can be likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are violated. They may be obsessed with specific activities, toys, and video games. They also have trouble expressing their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is difficult to identify, particularly when it affects children. Children who exhibit this type of behavior often have trouble understanding that their issues are caused by an inability to change their attention between tasks. This is why it's important to seek help from an expert, as children with this type of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This kind of ADD is treatable with nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is difficult to treat even with stimulant medication due to the fact that it can cause hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to identify the seven distinct types of ADD and is especially useful in diagnosing over-focused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, affecting the majority of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Misdiagnosis may cause inadequate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at work, in school or in social situations. This type of ADD could lead to low achievement and feelings of inadequateness. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events because they believe they won't do well.
They also fear being judged or critiqued. Due to this, they tend to hide their issues from others. They can become so anxious and stressed that they have panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They trigger heart pounding, sweating and difficulty breathing. In contrast to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These organs 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 with ADHD or ADD has anxiety the symptoms are typically more difficult to manage than those of a person who does not suffer from anxiety. This is due to treatment strategies for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate the brain could increase anxiety in those with anxiety ADD by reducing the activity of their PFC.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists utilize functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to identify where in the brain low and/or higher levels of activity are found. This helps them differentiate between the seven types and determine the best method of treatment.
A psychiatrist will gather an entire medical record and conduct a physical examination to determine if a patient has the condition of ADD/ADHD. Additionally, he or she may ask questions about the patient's mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD but most patients need other therapies as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as nutrition and exercise sleep strategies, desensitization and other relaxation techniques. This may increase their ability to manage their emotions and their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This kind of ADD is characterized by a difficulty in learning and keeping information in memory and mood swings, as well as severe anger or aggression. They also often suffer from a variety of sensory issues, such as experiencing a sense of deja vu, or seeing shadows or objects change shapes, and hearing sounds other people can't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overwhelmed.
The symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in following directions or staying focused, and procrastinating. However, this kind of ADD does not cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. adhd treatment for adults of ADD occurs more often in women. This kind of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to feelings of depression or poor self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anger and anxiety.
In this case QEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD have difficulties shifting gears. They have normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They can't move from one thought or task to another and get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD where individuals can be highly motivated and hardworking however, they tend to get easily distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost and feel embarrassed or exhausted because of their behavior. They may have a hard time in relationships because they are impulsive or reactive, and have difficulty managing multiple tasks or working with others. In some instances, they can experience anxiety or depression. They may be prone panic attacks and hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD are not usually recommended, as they do not address the underlying reason for the symptoms.