ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often associated with problems at school, home or at work. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric condition is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD with SPECT brain scans.
Some of the symptoms are being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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 those with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, however they have less activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which helps to increase motivation, focus, and calmness. This type has a short attention span, is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and is unable to shift attention. They also have trouble falling asleep and are often woken up in the middle of the night with nightmares or anxiety. They are easily frustrated and often get angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms, but also by difficulties in shifting their focus from one thought to another and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They have a sensitivity to noise, light, and touch and talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily provoked into mean behaviors. They have periods of moodiness and fatigue, are quick to get angry and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to mix the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. However, it is different because it increases activity in the limbic part of the brain when it is at rest and when concentrating. It can be treated with supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol which increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA can also help reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing erratically or too frequently.
about his is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause irritability, frustration, and poor self-esteem. The distinction between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant 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 that trigger excessive worrying. This is because they exhibit rigid behavior that is similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can become emotionally upset when asked to switch their attention between different activities, and they may react by displaying a hostile or argumentative attitude.
They tend to be angry and their irritability may be due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They may also have trouble learning, struggle with memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.
People who have hyper-focused ADD are unable to adapt when they have to change tasks, and may be captivated by their hobbies or work. They may not remember appointments or deadlines at home or at work, and they may not finish their schoolwork or chores. They can also be very resistant and angry when they are disciplined or punished by their teachers or parents.
Children who have overfocused ADD exhibit a high level of stubbornness and irritability, and can be prone to throwing inconsolable tantrums when their interests are trampled on. They can be obsessive about specific activities, toys, and video games. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings and are very sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This kind of ADD can be difficult to identify, particularly when it affects children. Children often don't realize the cause of their condition. It's due to their inability to switch their attention between different things. It is important to speak with an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This type of ADD is treatable with nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This type of ADD is difficult to treat, even with stimulant medication, because it can increase the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to identify the seven distinct types of ADD and is especially useful for diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common, impacting about half of sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can cause unsuitable treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can lead to problems at school, work, and social situations. This type of ADD can result in low performance and feelings of inadequateness. 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 hide their problems to others. They can become so stressed and anxious that they experience panic attacks. These can be very life-threatening and cause a pounding heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD differs 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 can shut down PFC and makes it difficult for these individuals focus.
If someone suffering from ADHD or ADD has anxiety the symptoms are typically more difficult to manage than those of someone who doesn't have anxiety. This is because treatments for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to stimulate brain activity, can increase anxiety among those with anxious ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to identify the areas of the brain where high and/or lower levels of activity are present. This allows them to differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each person.
A psychiatrist will gather the complete medical history of a patient and perform a physical examination to determine if a patient has ADHD or ADD. Additionally, he or she may ask questions about mood and behavior to assess a patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. However, in most instances, patients also require other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy, diet, exercise sleep strategies, desensitization and sleep strategies. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This kind of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storing information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggressive issues. They might also experience sensory issues such as feeling deja vu, seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They tend to be sensitive and irritable and are often overstimulated by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.
Symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those seen in Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in staying focused, and procrastinating. However, this type of ADD doesn't cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more common in females. People with this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which can lead to feelings of low motivation and low self-regulation. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this instance, qEEG brain mapping scans of the brain show 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 unable to shift from one thought or task to another, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
This is a form of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and hardworking but are unable to concentrate on their tasks. They may lose track of their schoolwork and their teachers or parents are often exhausted or embarrassed by their behavior. They may have a hard relationship with others because they can be unpredictable or reactive and struggle dealing with multitasking or working with other people. In certain situations, they could experience anxiety or depression. They may be prone hallucinations or panic attacks. Medications for this type of ADD are not usually advised, since they don't address the underlying cause of symptoms.