ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often associated with problems at school, home or work. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health professionals utilize brain imaging using SPECT to determine ADHD.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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. The scans of the brain show that people suffering from this type are able to maintain normal activity while concentrating and rest in the prefrontal cortex but they are less active in their cerebellum and the basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is an important neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivation, calmness and concentration. People with this type have a hard to focus their attention and are easily distracted by the noise or other stimuli and have a short attention span. They are unable to fall asleep and frequently wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They can be easily annoyed and often get angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms, but also by the difficulty of shifting their attention between thoughts and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch and they talk too quickly and are impulsive, and easily provoked to a negative behaviors. They are prone to moodiness, low energy and anger. They are also prone to getting stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, however it is different than depression because it has increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the part that determines our emotional tone and regulates how happy or sad we are) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at both at rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated with supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol, which boost focus, alertness and mood as well as mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and prevent nerve cells from over-firing or firing erratically and liver support.
treatment of add in adults is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can trigger irritability, anger, and poor self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms is more prone to constant frustration and irritability over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to manifest in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can become angry when they are asked to shift their attention between tasks and can respond with a resentful or argumentative behavior.
They tend to be unhappy, and their irritability is due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They may also struggle with memory issues, experience extreme anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.
People who suffer from over-focused ADD are not flexible when it comes to changing tasks, and could become highly captivated by their work or interests. They might forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home, and they may not finish their schoolwork or chores. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when they are punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be angry and stubborn, and can throw temper tantrums if their needs are not being recognized. They may be obsessed with specific activities, toys, and video games. They are also unable to express their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This kind of ADD can be difficult to diagnose, especially when it affects children. These children often don't understand that their issue is caused by their inability to switch their attention between different things. It is essential to talk to a professional as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This kind of ADD can be treated using dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of ADD is difficult to treat, even with stimulant medication due to the fact that it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish between the seven types of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common and affects about half of sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can result in unsuitable treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with school, work, and social situations. This kind of ADD can cause under-performance and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxious 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 considered a victim. They hide their problems to others. They can become so anxious and stressed that they suffer from panic attacks. These can be severe and life-threatening, causing sweating, a pounding heart, and difficulty breathing. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala, which operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This can shut down PFC and makes it difficult for these individuals 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 the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to increase brain activity, can increase anxiety in people who have anxious ADD.
Psychiatrists at Amen Clinics use functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning to discover which areas of the brain are areas of low or high levels of activity. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the most effective treatment.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and performs a physical exam. The doctor might also inquire about mood and behavior in order to assess the patient's overall functioning. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD but in most cases, patients need other therapies as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques to relax. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD involves the brain's temporal lobe, which is responsible for memory and mood. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to process and store information, experience mood instability, and are prone to extreme anger or aggression issues. They also often suffer from various sensory issues, including experiencing a sense of deja vu, or seeing shadows or objects changing shapes and hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.
The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those in Classic ADD, including short attention spans, disorganization, difficulty following instructions or staying focused, and procrastinating. However, this kind of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in women. People with this type of ADD might have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which contributes to their feelings of low motivation and low self-regulation. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anxiety and irritability.
In this instance brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain reveal that people with over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gland which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They are unable to shift from one thought or task to another, and get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors.
This is a type of ADD that is characterized by people who are extremely motivated and productive but are unable to focus on important tasks. They may lose track of their schoolwork, and their parents or teachers are often tired or embarrassed by their behavior. They might have a difficult relationship with others due to their tendency to be unpredictable or reactive and have difficulty with multitasking or working with other people. In certain situations they may suffer from depression or anxiety. They might be susceptible to hallucinations or panic attacks. The use of medication is not advised for this kind of ADD as it doesn't treat the root of the symptoms.