ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually related to issues at school, home or work. The psychiatric disorder may be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most popular name used for this psychiatric disorder. treatment for adults with add diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
The symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. 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. Brain scans reveal that people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have decreased activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus and calmness. This type has a shorter attention span, and is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli and has a hard time shifting focus. They also have difficulty sleeping and frequently wake up during the night with anxiety or nightmares. They are easily frustrated and can be easily angry.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of classic ADD however, they also struggle to shift their attention from one thought to another thought and from task to task. They have a sensitivity to light, noise, and touch and they talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily triggered into a mean-spirited behaviour. They experience periods of depression and low energy levels, are quick to get angry and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt.
It is possible to mistake the condition of limbic ADD with depression. But it is different because it increases activity in the limbic area of the brain when it is at the moment of rest and while concentrating. It can be treated with supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP) as well as saffron, inositol, which improve alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA can also help calm neural activity, inhibiting nerve cells from firing irregularly or too frequently.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can trigger irritability, anger, and poor self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has more consistent frustration and irritability over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which cause excessive worry. This is due to rigid behaviors similar to people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They may become angry when asked to switch their attention between different activities, and they may react with oppositional or argumentative behavior.
They are prone to having an inability to keep their cool and their irritability stems from a constant negative or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome," and frequent feelings of hopelessness and a sense of worthlessness. They might also have difficulty learning, struggle with memory issues, or feel intense anger and aggression.
People who have hyper-focused ADD might be rigid when it comes to switching tasks and can become absorbed in their work or hobby. They may forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and may not finish their homework or chores. They could also be stubborn and resentful when they are reprimanded by their parents or teachers.
Children with hyperfocused ADD are often angry and obstinate, and they may throw tantrums if their interests aren't accepted. They can be obsessive about specific toys, activities and video games. They can also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD is more common among children, and is often difficult to recognize. Children who show this behavior often have trouble understanding the cause of their problems. by a lack of ability to switch their attention between tasks. It is essential to talk to an expert as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This kind of ADD is treatable with nutritional modifications, 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 hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD. It is particularly useful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD experience high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, also known as having multiple disorders simultaneously, is common and affects up to 50% of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at work, in school, or with social situations. This kind of ADD could cause low performance and feelings of inadequateness. People who suffer from anxiety ADD avoid challenging tasks or activities because they fear that they won't be successful.
They also fear being judged or being judged. This is why they often hide their problems from their peers. These people can be so anxious and stressed that they suffer from panic attacks. These can be severe and life-threatening, causing a pounding heart, sweating and breathing problems. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala, which operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This shuts down the PFC, which can make it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
If a person with ADHD or ADD has anxiety the symptoms are typically more difficult to manage than those of someone who does not suffer from anxiety. This is due to the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among people with anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to determine which areas of the brain have high and/or lower levels of activity are occurring. This allows them to differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the most effective treatment for each individual.
To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and performs physical examination. Additionally, he or will ask questions about mood and behavior to assess the overall health of a patient. Sometimes, medications are prescribed to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in many cases, patients require other therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy and nutrition, exercise, sleep strategies and desensitization. This may increase their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the brain's temporal lobe, which is responsible for mood and memory. This kind of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storing information, mood instability and severe anger or aggression issues. They may also suffer from sensory issues such as feeling deja vu, seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They are sensitive, irritable and easily overwhelmed.
Symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those seen in Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in staying on task and procrastinating. However, this kind of ADD does not cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in females. People suffering from this type of ADD may have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which contributes to their feelings of depression and low self-regulation. Some of the symptoms include difficulty sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this instance brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain reveal that individuals with Over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gyrus, the brain's "gear shifter," but they are having trouble shifting gears. They are unable to shift from one task or thought to the next, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviours.
This is a type of ADD where people can be highly motivated and hardworking but they also tend to get easily distracted by non-essential or unimportant tasks. They may lose focus and be embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They may have a difficult relationship with others due to their tendency to be impulsive or reactive, and have a hard time dealing with multitasking or working with other people. In some cases, they can experience anxiety or depression. They might be susceptible to hallucinations or panic attacks. Medications for this type of ADD are not usually recommended since they don't address the underlying reason for the symptoms.