ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually connected to problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric condition isn't easy to identify and manage.
The psychiatric disorder is most often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
Symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. The use of stimulants and antidepressants may help.
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, however they have decreased activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that enhances focus, motivation and a sense of calm. 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 also have difficulty falling asleep and often wake up in the middle of the night with nightmares or anxiety. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and possess short tempers, and are quickly annoyed by tasks and easily annoyed.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the hallmarks of the classic ADD however, they also have difficulty shifting their attention from one thought to another thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch. They talk too quickly and are impulsive. They are prone to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They also tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to mix the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. But it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic part of the brain when it is at rest and when concentrating. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that increase concentration, alertness and mood as well as mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing too much or erratically; and liver support.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause frustration, irritability and low 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 cause excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They are often frightened emotionally when they are required to shift their focus from one thing to another and may respond with argumentative or oppositional behavior.
They are prone to having an inability to keep their cool and their anger stems from a constant depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequently feeling hopeless and worthlessness. They may also be afflicted by memory issues, experience extreme anger, and may have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD are not flexible when they have to change tasks, and could become enthralled by their work or hobbies. They are more likely to miss deadlines at work and forgetting appointments at home, and may not complete tasks or school assignments. They may also be resistant and angry when they are disciplined or punished by their parents or teacher.
Children with overfocused ADD can be irritable and stubborn, and they can throw temper tantrums if their interests are not accepted. 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.
adhd untreated in adults of ADD is more common in children, and can be difficult to recognize. The majority of children don't understand the cause of their condition. It's due to their inability to shift their focus from one thing to the next. It is essential to talk to a professional as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This type of ADD is usually treated with modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some medications are prescribed, however this kind of ADD is difficult to treat using stimulant medications because they can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish between the seven kinds of ADD. It is especially helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have a high level of anxiety. Comorbidity, which is having more than one disorder simultaneously, is common and can affect up to half of those with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and the wrong diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and further frustration.
adult add treatments can cause problems at work, in school or with 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 fear that they won't be successful.
They are also afraid of being judged and being criticized. They also hide their issues from others. In some cases, these people are so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. These panic attacks can be serious and life-threatening. They trigger heart pounding, sweating and difficulty breathing. 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 place a high priority on safety. This causes a shutdown of PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to focus.
If a person suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD their symptoms are more difficult to manage. This is due to treatment strategies for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate the brain may actually increase anxiety in people with anxiety ADD by decreasing activity in their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to identify where in the brain more or less activity are occurring. This allows them to differentiate between the seven different types of ADD and determine the most effective treatment for each person.
To diagnose ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and conducts a physical exam. The doctor might also inquire about mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD however, most patients require other treatments 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 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 suffer from extreme anger or aggression issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues such as feeling deja vu, seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They are 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 in following instructions or staying on task and procrastinating. This kind of ADD is not associated with an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more common in females. People suffering from this type of ADD might have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can cause feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anxiety and irritability.
In this case brain mapping scans using qEEG of the brain show 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 behavior.
This is a form of ADD that is characterized by people who are extremely motivated and productive but have a tendency not to pay attention to important tasks. They can get lost in their school work and their teachers or parents are often exhausted or ashamed of their behavior. They may have a difficult time in relationships because they are hyper-active or reactive, and have a hard time managing multiple tasks or working with other people. In certain situations, they could be depressed or anxious. They may be susceptible to panic attacks, and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD are not advised, since they do not address the root reason for the symptoms.