ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often related to issues at school, home or at work. The psychiatric condition isn't easy to identify and manage.
The psychiatric condition is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals utilize SPECT brain imaging to diagnose ADHD.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. Medications such as stimulants and antidepressants may 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. The scans of the brain reveal that people with this type can maintain normal activity while concentrating and at rest in the prefrontal cortex however, they have less activity in their cerebellum and basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivation, calmness, and focus. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and has a hard time shifting attention. They have difficulty falling asleep, and they often wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. They are easily frustrated and are often angry.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the symptoms of classic ADD however, they also have trouble shifting their focus from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They have periods of moodiness and fatigue, are quick to anger and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt.
Limbic ADD can be confused with depression, however it is distinct from depression in that it has increased activity in the limbic portion of the brain (the brain region that sets our mood and determines the level of happiness or sadness we feel) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that increase alertness, focus and mood. They also improve mental clarity. They also use amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and stop nerve cells from over-firing or firing erratically; and liver support.
It is crucial to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can cause frustration, irritability, and poor self-esteem. The distinction between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause excessive worrying. This is because they exhibit rigid behavior that is similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can be angry when requested to switch their focus between tasks and can respond with a resentful or argumentative behavior.
They tend to be irritable, and their irritability is due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They may also be afflicted by memory issues, feel intense anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD are unable to adapt when it comes to changing tasks, and may become highly captivated by their work or hobbies. They may not remember appointments or deadlines at work or at home, and they may not finish their homework or chores. They may also be stubborn and resentful when they are disciplined or punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD are often angry and obstinate, and they may throw tantrums if their interests are not recognized. They might be obsessed with certain activities like video games, toys, and toys. They are also unable to express their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This type of ADD can be difficult to diagnose, especially for children. These children often don't understand that their issue is due to their inability to shift their attention from one thing to the next. This is why it's important to seek the help of an expert, as children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This kind of ADD is usually treated with diet changes, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is extremely difficult to treat even with stimulant medication as it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to distinguish the seven distinct types of ADD and is especially helpful for diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD suffer from a high level of anxiety. Comorbidity, also known as having multiple disorders simultaneously is a common occurrence and can affect up to half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and incorrect diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and further frustration.
Anxious ADD can lead to problems at work, school and social situations. This type of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of unworthiness. People with anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or events because they fear that they won't be successful.
They also fear being criticised or judged. They also hide their issues from others. They can become so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. These can be life-threatening and cause sweating, a heart that is pounding, and difficulty breathing. In contrast to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These organs operate on an instinctual basis and place a high priority on safety. This shuts down PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to focus.
If someone with ADHD or ADD has anxiety their symptoms are generally more difficult to manage than those of someone who does not suffer from anxiety. This is because the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to increase brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among people with anxious ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning, to learn which areas of the brain are low and/or high levels of activity. This allows them to differentiate between the seven different types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each patient.
To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and performs a physical exam. In addition, he or she may ask questions about mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall performance. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD but most patients need other therapies as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This can increase their ability to manage their emotions and their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This kind of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storing information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggressive issues. They also often suffer from a variety of sensory issues, including experiencing a sense of deja vu or experiencing shadows or objects changing shapes, and hearing sounds others don't. They tend to be sensitive and irritable, and often become overstimulated 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 and disorganization, difficulties in following instructions or staying focused and procrastinating. This type of ADD is not associated with an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more common in females. treating adults with adhd of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain which can cause feelings of low motivation or poor self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anxiety and irritability.
In this case brain mapping scans using qEEG of the brain indicate that people suffering from over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate region, the brain's "gear shifter," but they are having trouble shifting gears. They are unable to shift from one task or thought to another, and are stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
This is a type of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and hardworking but have a tendency not to concentrate on their tasks. They may lose focus and become embarrassed or tired due to their actions. They might have a difficult time in relationships due to their tendency to be unpredictable or reactive and struggle dealing with multitasking or working with others. In some cases they may suffer from depression or anxiety. They can be prone to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. Medications for this type of ADD are not usually recommended since they don't address the underlying cause of symptoms.