ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently associated with problems at school, work or home. The psychiatric disorder may be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly used term for this psychiatric condition. Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. The use of antidepressants and stimulants can 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. The scans of the brain reveal that those suffering from this type can maintain normal levels of activity during concentration and at rest in the prefrontal cortex but have decreased activity in their cerebellum and the basal ganglia. These areas help produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivation, tranquility, and focus. This type has a shorter attention span, is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli and has a hard time shifting focus. They have trouble falling asleep, and they often awake in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have short tempers, and are easily frustrated and easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms however, it also has difficulties in shifting their attention from one thought to the next and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch; they talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily provoked to a negative behaviour. They are prone to low energy, moodiness and anger. They can also get caught up in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to confuse the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. But it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic part of the brain at time of rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that increase focus, alertness and mood. They also improve mental clarity. They also use 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 important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause frustration, irritability and low self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more consistent level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to suffer from symptoms that occur in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behaviors which cause excessive worry. This is due to rigid behaviors that are similar to those who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can be angry when asked to switch their attention between tasks and can respond with oppositional or argumentative behavior.
They are prone to having an inability to keep their cool and their anger stems from a chronic depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome," and frequent feelings of hopelessness and desperation. They may also struggle with memory problems, experience severe anger, and have a short fuse.
People who have hyper-focused ADD may be rigid when it comes changing tasks and become engrossed in their job or pastime. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and they might not finish their schoolwork or chores. They can also be stubborn and resentful when reprimanded by their teachers or parents.
Children with hyperfocused ADD are often angry and stubborn, and can throw temper tantrums if their interests are not accepted. They may be obsessed with particular toys, activities, and video games. They also have trouble expressing their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD is more common in children and can be difficult to identify. Children who show this behavior may have difficulty understanding the cause of their problems. due to the inability of them to shift their attention between tasks. This is the reason it's crucial to seek help from an expert, as these youngsters are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This type of ADD is usually treated using modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some medications are prescribed, but this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat using stimulant drugs, since they can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to distinguish between the seven types of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, also known as having more than one disorder simultaneously is a common problem and affects as much as half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Misdiagnosis may lead to inappropriate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems at work, in school, or with social situations. This type of ADD could cause low performance and feelings of inadequacy. People who suffer from anxiety ADD avoid challenging tasks or events because they fear that they won't be successful.
They are also afraid of being judged or critiqued. They hide their problems to others. In some instances, people are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They can cause heart pounding, sweating and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is distinct from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and prioritize safety. This causes the brain to shut down the PFC, which can make it difficult for people with ADD to concentrate.
If a person suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to manage. This is because the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate brain activity, can actually increase anxiety among those with anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to identify where in the brain high and/or lower levels of activity are found. This allows them to distinguish between the seven different types of ADD and determine the most effective treatment for each patient.
To diagnose ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and performs physical examination. He or she may also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in most instances, patients also require other therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy and exercise, nutrition, sleep strategies and desensitization. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD is a problem with the temporal lobe in the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. This type of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storage of information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues, such as experiencing deja vu and seeing shadows or objects change shape, or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overwhelmed.
This kind of ADD has similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also presents with difficulty in staying focused or following instructions. However, this kind of ADD doesn't cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD occurs more often in women. This kind of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain which can lead to feelings of low motivation or insufficient self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anxiety and irritability.
In this instance brain mapping scans using qEEG of the brain reveal that people suffering from over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gland which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are having trouble shifting gears. They are unable to move from one task or thought to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a type of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and productive but have a tendency not to pay attention to important tasks. They may lose track of their school work and their parents or teachers are often annoyed or embarrassed by their behavior. They might have a difficult time in relationships because they are hyper-active or reactive, and have difficulty managing multiple tasks or working with other people. In certain situations, they can experience anxiety website or depression. They may be susceptible to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. Medications are typically not recommended for this type of ADD, because it doesn't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.