ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often related to issues at school, home or at work. The psychiatric condition can be difficult to diagnose and manage.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common name for this psychiatric condition. Mental health specialists diagnose ADHD with SPECT brain scans.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. The use of medications such as stimulants and antidepressants 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. Scans of the brain show people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, but less activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that enhances focus, motivation and calmness. This type has a shorter attention span, is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli and is unable to switch attention. They are unable to fall asleep, and often wake up in the middle of the night, battling anxiety. They are easily frustrated and are often angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms, but also by the difficulty of shifting their attention from one thought to another and between tasks. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch. They talk too quickly and are indecisive. They have periods of moodiness and fatigue, are quick to get angry and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt.
It is possible to confuse limbic ADD with depression. However, it is different because it increases activity in the limbic area of the brain at rest and when concentrating. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that increase alertness, focus and mood as well as mental clarity; amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and stop nerve cells from firing too much or in a erratic manner; and liver support.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder which can also cause irritability and frustration and low self-esteem. adult adhd treatments between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more consistent level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to suffer from symptoms that occur in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients often get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that result in excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behavior patterns that are similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is why it's frequently mistakenly diagnosed. People with OCD are often threatened emotionally when required to shift their attention from one activity to another and may respond with argumentative or oppositional behavior.
They are generally unhappy, and their irritability is caused by a low-grade chronic sadness or negativity. They might also have memory issues, feel intense anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD might be rigid when it comes switching tasks and can become absorbed in their job or pastime. They might forget appointments and 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 punished or reprimanded by their parents or teacher.
Children who have overfocused ADD show a high degree of irritability and stubbornness and may be susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are trampled on. They can be obsessive about specific activities, toys, and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This kind of ADD can be difficult to recognize, especially for children. Children often don't realize the cause of their condition. It's caused by their inability shift their attention from one thing to the next. It is essential to talk to an expert since these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This type of ADD is usually treated using modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this type of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant medications, as these can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to identify the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly useful in diagnosing over-focused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD experience high levels of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common and affects about half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Misdiagnosis may lead to inappropriate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at school, at work or in social situations. This kind of ADD may cause low performance 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 criticised. Due to this, they tend to hide their issues from their peers. People with anxiety can become so stressed and anxious that they experience panic attacks. These panic attacks can be serious and life-threatening. They cause a pounding of the heart sweating, difficulty breathing and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is different from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the Basal ganglia and the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on safety. This causes the brain to shut down the PFC which makes it difficult for those with this condition to concentrate.
If someone with anxiety or ADD, their symptoms are usually more difficult to manage than those of a person who does not suffer from anxiety. This is due to treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate brain activity, may actually increase anxiety in people who have anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans in order to determine the areas of the brain where low and/or higher levels of activity are present. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types and determine the best method of treatment.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and performs an examination. The doctor may also ask about mood and behavior in order to assess the patient's overall functioning. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, but most patients need other therapies in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as nutrition and exercise strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This will help increase their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain, which is responsible both for mood and memory. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to process and store information, experience mood instability, and have intense anger or aggression issues. They also suffer from various sensory issues, like experiencing a sense of déjà vu, experiencing shadows or objects changing forms and hearing sounds that others don't. They tend to be irritable and sensitive, and often become overstimulated by certain things, such as computer screens or crowds.
Symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those seen in Classic ADD, including short attention spans disorganization, difficulty in following instructions or staying on task and procrastinating. However, this type of ADD does not cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more common in females. People suffering from this type of ADD may have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to feelings of low motivation and low self-regulation. Some of the symptoms include difficulty sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this case brain mapping scans using qEEG of the brain reveal that people with over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate region which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They are not able to move from one task or thought to the next, and they become stuck in negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
This is a kind of ADD where people can be highly motivated and productive however, they have a tendency to get distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost in their schoolwork and teachers or parents can become annoyed or ashamed of their behavior. They may experience difficulties in relationships due to their tendency to be impulsive and reactive. They also have trouble multitasking and working with others. In some cases they might be depressed or anxious. They may be prone hallucinations and panic attacks. The use of medications for this kind of ADD aren't usually recommended since they don't address the underlying reason for the symptoms.