ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently connected to problems at work, school or at home. The psychiatric disorder may be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly used term for this psychiatric disorder. Mental health professionals utilize SPECT brain imaging to determine ADHD.
The symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. Medications like stimulants and antidepressants can help.
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 show that people suffering from this type can maintain normal levels of activity during concentration and rest in the prefrontal cortex, but have decreased activity in their cerebellum and the basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivation, tranquility and concentration. People with this type have a hard to focus their attention, are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have shorter attention spans. They also have difficulty falling asleep and are often woken up during the night with anxiety or nightmares. They are often overwhelmed by their emotions and have a short fuse, becoming quickly frustrated with tasks and easily angry.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the symptoms of the classic ADD However, they also struggle to shift their focus from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise, and touch and talk too fast and are impulsive and easily triggered into mean behaviors. They have periods of moodiness and low energy levels, are quick to get angry and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt.
It is possible to mix the condition of limbic ADD with depression. But it is different because it increases activity in the limbic part of the brain at time of rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol that improve focus, alertness and mood. They also improve mental clarity; amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and inhibit nerve cells from over-firing or firing in a erratic manner; and liver support.
It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause frustration, irritability and low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has more consistent irritability and frustration over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients often get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which cause excessive worry. This is due to rigid behavior that is similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can become emotionally upset when requested to switch their focus between different activities, and they may react by displaying a hostile or argumentative attitude.
They are generally unhappy and their irritability may be due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negativity. They may also be afflicted by memory issues, experience extreme anger, and have a short fuse.
People with hyperfocused ADD can be rigid when it comes to switching tasks and can become absorbed in their job or pastime. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and may not finish their chores or schoolwork. They can also be stubborn and resentful when disapproved of by their teachers or parents.
Children with hyper-focused ADD exhibit a high level of irritability and stubbornness and may be susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are not respected. They may be obsessed with a particular activity, toys and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their feelings, and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This type of ADD can be difficult to identify, particularly for children. Children often don't realize that their problem is caused by their inability switch their attention from one thing to the next. This is why it's essential to seek help from a professional, as children with this type of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This type of ADD can be treated with nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is difficult to treat, even with stimulant medication as it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to distinguish between the seven types of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have high levels of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common and affects about half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can result in unsuitable treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at work, in school or in social situations. This kind of ADD can cause under-performance and feelings of unworthiness. People with anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or activities because they are afraid they won't be successful.
They also fear being criticized or judged. This is why they tend to hide their issues from their peers. In some instances, sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they experience panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They cause a pounding of the heart sweating, difficulty breathing and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is distinct from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the basal ganglia and the amygdala. Continue Reading are instinctive and prioritize safety. This can shut down the PFC which makes it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
If a person with ADD/ADHD has anxiety the symptoms are typically more difficult to manage than those of someone who isn't suffering from anxiety. This is because the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate brain activity, can increase anxiety among those with anxious ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to determine the areas of the brain where low and/or higher levels of activity are present. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the best treatment.
A psychiatrist will gather an entire medical record and conduct a physical examination to diagnose ADD/ADHD. They might also inquire about mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. However, in many instances, patients also require other therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy, nutrition, exercise sleep strategies, and desensitization. This can enhance their ability to control their moods and overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD involves the temporal lobe in the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This kind of ADD is characterised by a problem learning and storing information, mood instability and severe anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues like feeling deja vu, seeing shadows or objects change form or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They tend to be sensitive and irritable and are often overwhelmed by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.
Symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those in Classic ADD, including short attention spans disorganization, difficulty in staying on task, and procrastinating. This kind of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD occurs more often in women. People suffering from this kind of ADD may have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine which can cause feelings of low motivation and low self-regulation. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anxiety and irritability.
In this case QEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD are having difficulties shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They aren't able to shift from one task or thought to the next and are stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a form of ADD where individuals can be extremely motivated and hardworking but they also have a tendency to be easily distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can lose track of their school work and teachers or parents can become annoyed or ashamed of their behavior. They may have difficulty in relationships because of their tendency to be reactive and impulsive. They also have issues multitasking and working with others. In certain situations, they could experience anxiety or depression. They can be prone to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medication is not advised for this kind of ADD, because it doesn't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.