ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is typically related to issues at home, school or work. The psychiatric condition isn't easy to identify and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common name for this psychiatric disorder. Mental health experts diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
The signs 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. Scans of the brain show those with this type of ADD 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 help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter which promotes motivation, focus, and calmness. This type has a limited attention span, is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli and has a hard time shifting attention. They have trouble falling asleep, and they often wake up in the middle of the night, battling anxiety. They are easily frustrated and can be easily angry.
People with Ring of Fire ADD have all the symptoms of the classic ADD however, they also have trouble shifting 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 to a negative behaviors. They are prone to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They also tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt-related feelings.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it's distinct from depression because it has increased activity in the limbic region of the brain (the brain region that sets our mood and determines how happy or sad we feel) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex both rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol, which boost alertness, focus, mood, and mental clarity; amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and inhibit nerve cells from firing too much or irregularly and liver support.
It is important to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can cause irritability and frustration and low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has more consistent anger and frustration over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. This is due to rigid behaviors similar to people suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with OCD are often threatened emotionally when they are required to shift their attention from one thing to another and may respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
They are often angry, and their irritability is caused by a low-grade chronic depression or sadness. They might also have difficulty learning, experience memory issues, or feel intense anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD might be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and may become absorbed in their work or hobby. They are at risk of missing deadlines at work and forgetting appointments at home and may not complete homework or other school assignments. They can also be stubborn and resentful when they are punished by their parents or teachers.
Children with hyperfocused ADD are often angry and obstinate, and they may throw tantrums if their interests aren't recognized. They may be obsessed with particular toys, activities, and video games. They also have trouble expressing their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD is more prevalent in children and is often difficult to identify. Children who exhibit this behavior often have trouble understanding that their problems are caused by a lack of ability to switch their attention from one task to another. This is why it's important to seek help from a professional, as children with this type of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family doctors and even psychologists. This kind of ADD is usually treated with diet changes, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is extremely difficult to treat even with stimulant medication as it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to differentiate the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly 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 simultaneously) is common, affecting the majority of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can be similar to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with work, school, and social situations. This kind of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxious ADD tend to avoid difficult tasks and events, believing they're not capable of completing the task.
They also fear being criticised or being judged. Because of this, they often hide their troubles from their peers. In some instances, people are so anxious and stressed that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be serious and life-threatening. They cause an increase in heart rate, sweating and difficulty breathing. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. about his operate on an instinctual basis and place a high priority on safety. This shuts down the PFC which makes it hard for these individuals to focus.
If someone with anxiety or ADD their symptoms are generally more difficult to treat than those of someone who doesn't have anxiety. This is due to treatments for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to stimulate brain activity, can increase anxiety among people with anxious ADD.
Psychiatrists at Amen Clinics use functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning, to learn which areas of the brain are low and/or high levels of activity. This allows them to differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each individual.
A psychiatrist will collect the complete medical history of a patient and perform a physical examination to determine if a patient has ADHD or ADD. Additionally, he or will ask questions about the patient's mood and behavior to evaluate a patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients need other therapies too, including cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This may enhance their ability to control their moods and overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. This type of ADD is characterized by a difficulty in learning and storing information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggressive issues. They might also experience sensory issues such as feeling like they're in a dream when objects or shadows change shape or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and irritable and are often overwhelmed by certain things, such as computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans, disorganization, difficulty staying on task, and procrastinating. However, this type of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. adhd natural treatment of ADD is more common in women. People with this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to feelings of depression and low self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anger and anxiety.
In this case brain mapping scans using qEEG of the brain reveal that people with over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate region which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are struggling to shift gears. They are unable to move from one task or thought to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD where people are highly motivated and hardworking but are unable to concentrate on their tasks. They may lose focus and be embarrassed or exhausted by their behavior. They may have difficulty in relationships due to their tendency to be impulsive and reactive. They also have trouble multitasking and working in a group. In some instances they might suffer from depression or anxiety. They might be susceptible to hallucinations and panic attacks. Medications for this type of ADD are not usually recommended since they do not address the underlying causes of symptoms.