ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often associated with problems at school, home or at work. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is most often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health specialists diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
The symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. The use of stimulants and antidepressants can ease the symptoms.
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. Scans of the brain show those suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have decreased activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter that enhances focus, motivation and calmness. People with this type have a hard to focus their attention, are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have a short attention span. They also have trouble falling asleep and often wake up at night with nightmares or anxiety. They are easily frustrated and can be easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is characterized by all the classic ADD symptoms as well as a difficulty in shifting their attention from one thought to the next and between tasks. They are sensitive to light, sound, and touch. They talk too fast and are highly impulsive. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They can also get caught up in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to mix limbic ADD with depression. However, it's different because it increases activity in the limbic part of the brain when it is at rest and when concentrating. It can be treated with supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol which increase alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing erratically or excessively.
It is crucial to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like 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 level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers are often caught in negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to the ones of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and that is the reason it's often misdiagnosed. People with OCD are often threatened emotionally when asked to shift their attention from one thing to another and may react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They tend to be unhappy, and their irritability is caused by chronic low-grade depression or sadness. They might also have memory issues, feel intense anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.
People who suffer from over-focused ADD are unable to adapt when it comes to changing tasks, and could become enthralled by their work or hobbies. They might forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and they might not complete their homework or chores. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when they are disapproved of by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD are often angry and stubborn, and they may throw tantrums if their interests aren't accepted. They can be obsessive about specific toys, activities and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This type of ADD is more prevalent in children, and can be difficult to recognize. These children often don't understand the cause of their condition. It's caused by their inability to switch their focus from one thing to another. This is why it's essential to seek help from an expert, as these youngsters are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This kind of ADD is typically treated with dietary changes, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is hard to treat, even with stimulant medication due to the fact that it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to identify the seven distinct types of ADD and is especially useful for diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. This is a comorbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common, impacting the majority of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with school, work, and social situations. This kind of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of inadequacy. 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 judged or judged. They are afraid of being judged or criticised. others. In some cases, these sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. These can be dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in sweating, a heart that is pounding and breathing difficulties. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. They operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This shuts down PFC and can make it difficult for people with this disorder to concentrate.
When a person has ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to manage. This is due to treatments for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to increase brain activity, can actually increase anxiety among people with anxious ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scans in order to determine where in the adhd treatment brain low and/or higher levels of activity are found. This helps them distinguish between the seven types and determine the most effective treatment.
To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and performs an examination. The doctor may also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD however, most patients require other therapies as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain, which is responsible both for mood and memory. People suffering from this kind of ADD struggle to retain and learn and experience mood swings and have severe anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues such as feeling deja vu when objects or shadows change form or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overwhelmed.
This kind of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also includes difficulty staying on task or following directions. This type of ADD does not cause excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more common in women. People with this type of ADD might have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this instance QEEG scans of ADD brain show that those with over-focused ADD are having difficulties shifting gears. They have normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one thought or task to another, and are 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 can lose track and be embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They may have a hard time in relationships because they can be impulsive or reactive, and struggle dealing with multitasking or working with other people. In some cases they might suffer from depression or anxiety. They are susceptible to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD aren't usually recommended since they do not address the root reason for the symptoms.