ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently related to issues at school, work, or home. The psychiatric disorder isn't easy to identify and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is most often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Mental health professionals employ the SPECT brain imaging method to determine ADHD.
Symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and unorganized. Treatments such as 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. Brain scans show that people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, but less activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus and a sense of calm. People with this type have a difficult time shifting their attention, are easily distracted by distractions and noises, and have short attention spans. They are unable to fall asleep and frequently awake in the middle of the night, battling anxiety. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have an impulsive personality, getting quickly frustrated with tasks and easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is defined by all the standard ADD symptoms however, it also has a difficulty in shifting their focus between thoughts and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to light, noise and even touch. They talk too fast and are highly impulsive. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness and anger. They are also prone to getting stuck in negative thoughts and guilt-related feelings.
It is possible to mistake the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. However, it is different in that it boosts activity in the limbic region of the brain at rest and when concentrating. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol that improve focus, alertness and mood as well as mental clarity. They also use amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and inhibit nerve cells from firing too much or in a erratic manner; and liver support.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can cause irritability, frustration, and poor self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD is more consistent in its level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to suffer from symptoms that occur in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior that cause excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors similar to people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). adhd adults treatment become threatened emotionally when they are required to shift their attention from one task to the next, and can react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They are prone to having an inability to keep their cool, with their irritability coming from a constant low-grade sadness or negativity "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequently feeling hopeless and desperation. They may also be afflicted by memory issues, experience extreme anger, and have a short fuse.
People who suffer from over-focused ADD are unable to adapt when it comes to changing tasks, and may be captivated by their work or interests. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work, and they may not complete their homework or chores. They can also be very stubborn and resentful if they are disciplined or punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD show a high degree of stubbornness and irritability, and may be prone to throwing inconsolable tantrums when their interests are not respected. They can be obsessive about specific activities, toys, and video games. They may also have difficulty communicating their feelings and are extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This type of ADD can be difficult to diagnose, especially for children. Children who exhibit this type of behavior may have difficulty understanding that their issues are caused by an inability to change their attention from one task to another. It is essential to talk to an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This kind of ADD is typically treated with modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of ADD is hard to treat even with stimulant medication due to the fact that it can cause hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to distinguish between the seven types of ADD. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD experience high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, which is having more than one disorder simultaneously is a common occurrence and affects up to half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with work, school, and social situations. This type of ADD may cause low performance and feelings of inadequateness. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events, believing they won't do well.
They also fear being criticized or considered a victim. Because of this, they tend to hide their issues from others. These people can be so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. These can be very severe and life-threatening, causing sweating, a heart that is pounding and breathing problems. Anxious ADD differs from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the Basal ganglia, as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and place a high value on security. This shuts down the PFC, which can make it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
If someone suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety their symptoms are more difficult to treat. This is because treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to increase brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among those with anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists utilize functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scans in order to determine where in the brain high and/or lower levels of activity are present. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the best method of treatment.
A psychiatrist will gather a complete medical record and conduct a physical exam to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD or ADD. They may also ask about mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall functioning. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD, but in most cases, patients need other therapies too, including cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization, and other techniques for relaxation. This can aid in improving their ability to manage their emotions and improve 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 manifested by a lack of learning and keeping information in memory as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggressive issues. They may also suffer from sensory issues, such as experiencing deja vu, seeing shadows or objects change form or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.
The symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those in Classic ADD, including short attention spans, disorganization, difficulty following instructions or staying focused and procrastinating. However, this type of ADD doesn't cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more common in women. People with this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine which can cause feelings of low motivation and poor self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this case QEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that people with over-focused ADD are having difficulty shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are not able to move from one thought or task to the next, and they get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD where people are highly motivated and hardworking but are unable to concentrate on their tasks. They may lose focus and become embarrassed or tired because of their behavior. They may have a difficult time in relationships because they are impulsive or reactive, and have a hard time dealing with multitasking or working with others. In certain situations, they could suffer from depression or anxiety. They could be susceptible to hallucinations and panic attacks. Medications are typically not advised for this kind of ADD as they don't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.