ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are usually associated with problems at school, work, or at home. The psychiatric condition is often difficult to identify and manage.
The psychiatric disorder is most commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD with SPECT brain scans.
The symptoms of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. Medications like 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. Brain scans reveal that people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have less activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus and calmness. This type has a shorter attention span, is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli, and is unable to shift attention. They have difficulty falling asleep, and they often wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and often get angry.
People with Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of the 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 provoked into mean behaviour. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy levels, are quick to anger, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, but it's distinct from depression in that it has increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the area that sets our mood and determines how happy or sad we are) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex both rest and during concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol, which boost concentration, alertness and mood as well as mental clarity. They also use amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and stop nerve cells from over-firing or firing erratically and liver support.
It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can trigger irritability, anger, and poor self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms is more prone to constant anger and frustration over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative patterns of thoughts and behavior that cause excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behavior patterns that are similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which is why it's often misdiagnosed. They can become emotionally upset when asked to switch their attention between tasks and can respond by displaying a hostile or argumentative attitude.
They are often angry, and their irritability is caused by a low-grade chronic depression or sadness. They might also have memory issues, feel intense anger, and have a short fuse.
People who have hyper-focused ADD are unable to adapt when it comes to changing tasks, and may be captivated by their work or hobbies. They are more likely to miss deadlines at work, and forgetting appointments at home, and they might not finish tasks or school assignments. They can also be very resistant and angry when they are reprimanded or chastised by their parents or teacher.
Children with hyper-focused ADD have a high degree of irritability and stubbornness, and are likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are violated. They may be obsessed with certain activities such as toys 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 among children, and is difficult to recognize. The majority of children don't understand that their problem is due to their inability to switch their attention from one thing to another. It's important to consult an expert as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This kind of ADD is typically treated with dietary changes, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is difficult to treat even with stimulant medication as it can cause hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to distinguish the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly helpful for diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD experience high levels of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common, impacting the majority of sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and the wrong diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems at work, in school or in social situations. This type of ADD can lead to low achievement and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxiety ADD avoid difficult tasks or activities because they fear that they won't be successful.
They also fear being judged or being judged. They also hide their issues from others. People with anxiety can become so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. They can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in a pounding heart, sweating and breathing problems. Anxious ADD differs from Classic ADD because it has an increased activity in the basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on security. This causes the brain to shut down the PFC, which can make it difficult for people with ADD to concentrate.
When a person has ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to manage. This is because treatments for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to stimulate brain activity, can increase anxiety among those with anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists utilize functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to determine the areas of the brain where high and/or lower levels of activity are present. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the most effective treatment.
A psychiatrist will gather the complete medical history of a patient and conduct a physical examination to diagnose the condition of ADD/ADHD. They may also inquire about mood and behavior in order to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD but most patients need other therapies too, including cognitive behavioral therapy as well as nutrition and exercise strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This can increase their ability to manage their emotions and their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD is a problem with the temporal lobe in the brain, which is responsible for memory and mood. This kind of ADD is characterised by a problem learning and storage of information and mood swings, as well as severe anger or aggressive issues. They might also experience sensory issues like feeling deja vu when objects or shadows change shape or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They are often irritable and sensitive and are often overwhelmed by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD has similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include short attention spans and disorganization. It also has difficulty staying on task or following instructions. adhd treatment adults of ADD is not associated with an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD occurs more often in women. People suffering from this type of ADD may have low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which contributes to their feelings of low motivation and low self-regulation. Some of the symptoms include difficulty sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this instance brain mapping scans using qEEG of the brain indicate 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 not able to move from one task or thought to another, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
This is a type of ADD which means that people are highly motivated and productive, but they have a tendency to be easily distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can lose track and be embarrassed or exhausted by their behavior. They may have a hard time in relationships due to their tendency to be unpredictable or reactive and have difficulty managing multiple tasks or working with others. In some cases they might suffer from depression or anxiety. They are susceptible to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. Treatments for this type of ADD are not recommended since they do not address the underlying reason for the symptoms.