ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually connected to problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric disorder is often difficult to identify and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most popular name used for this psychiatric condition. Mental health professionals utilize SPECT brain imaging to determine ADHD.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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. Brain scans reveal that those with this type of ADD 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 are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that enhances focus, motivation, and calmness. This type has a short attention span, is easily distracted by sounds or other stimuli and is unable to shift attention. They also have trouble sleeping and frequently wake up at night with nightmares or anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and can be easily angry.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the hallmarks of classic ADD, but they also have difficulty shifting their attention from one thought to another thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise and touch; they talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily triggered into a mean-spirited behaviour. 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. However, it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic region of the brain at rest and when concentrating. It can be treated with supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) as well as saffron, inositol that increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA can also help slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing erratically or too frequently.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can result in frustration and irritability, as well as low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has more consistent frustration and irritability over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to manifest in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behavior patterns that resemble those of people suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which is why it's frequently incorrectly diagnosed. They are often frightened emotionally when they are required to shift their attention from one activity to another and respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
These people tend to have an inability to keep their cool and their anger stems from a chronic negative or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequently feeling hopeless and a sense of worthlessness. They might also have difficulty learning, experience memory issues, or feel intense anger and aggression.
People with hyperfocused ADD might be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and become engrossed in their hobbies or work. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and they might not complete their schoolwork or chores. They may also be stubborn and resentful when they are reprimanded or chastised by their parents or teacher.
Children with hyper-focused ADD have a high degree of stubbornness and irritability, and are likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are not respected. They might be obsessed with a particular activity, toys and video games. They may also have difficulty expressing their feelings and be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This type of ADD is more common in children, and is difficult to diagnose. Children often don't realize the cause of their condition. It's caused by their inability shift their focus from one thing to the next. It's important to consult an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This kind of ADD is typically treated with modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant drugs, since they can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish between the seven different types of ADD. It is particularly useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD suffer from a high level of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common and affects the majority of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and the wrong diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and even more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems website at school, at work or in social situations. This type of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of unworthiness. People who suffer from anxiety ADD avoid difficult tasks or activities because they are afraid they won't be successful.
They also fear being judged or being criticized. They hide their problems to others. In some cases, these people are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. They can be extremely life-threatening and cause a pounding heart, sweating and breathing difficulties. Anxious ADD is distinct 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 safety. This can shut down PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to focus.
If a person with anxiety or ADD the symptoms are typically more difficult to manage than those of someone who doesn't have anxiety. This is because treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among those with anxious ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scanning to discover which areas of the brain are high and/or low levels of activity. This helps them distinguish between the seven types and determine the best treatment.
A psychiatrist will take the complete medical history of a patient and perform a physical examination to determine if the patient suffers from ADD/ADHD. In addition, he / will ask questions about the patient's mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients require other therapies as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as nutrition and exercise sleep strategies, desensitization, and other techniques for relaxation. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This type of ADD is characterized by a difficulty in learning and storing information, mood instability and severe anger or aggression 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 can be irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.
The symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those in Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in following directions or staying focused, and procrastinating. This type of ADD does not cause an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in females. This kind of ADD is characterised by low levels of dopamine in the brain which can cause feelings of depression or insufficient self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this instance QEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that people with Overfocused ADD have difficulties shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). 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 where people are extremely motivated and hardworking but tend not to focus on important tasks. They may lose track of their schoolwork, and their parents or teachers are often exhausted or ashamed of their behavior. They may have a difficult relationship with others because they are unpredictable or reactive and have difficulty with multitasking or working with other people. In certain situations, they could suffer from depression or anxiety. They could be susceptible to hallucinations or panic attacks. Medications are not usually advised for this kind of ADD, because it doesn't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.