ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually associated with problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric disorder isn't easy to identify and manage.
The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health experts diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
The signs of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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 show that those suffering from this condition 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 produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus and calmness. People with this type have a difficult in shifting their focus and are easily distracted by distractions and noises, and have a short attention span. They also have difficulty sleeping and frequently wake up at night with anxiety or nightmares. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have short tempers, and are quickly annoyed by tasks and easily angered.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms however, it also has difficulties in shifting their attention between thoughts and between tasks. They have a sensitivity to light, noise and touch; they talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily provoked into a mean-spirited behaviour. They experience periods of depression and fatigue, are quick to get angry and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt.
It is possible to mix limbic ADD with depression. However, it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic region of the brain when it is at rest and when concentrating. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP inositol, saffron, and saffron that improve concentration, alertness and mood. They also improve mental clarity; amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and stop nerve cells from over-firing or firing in a erratic manner and liver support.
It is important to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder that can cause frustration and irritability as well as low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms is more prone to constant anger and frustration over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers are often caught in negative thought patterns and behavior that cause excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behavior patterns similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which is why it's frequently mistakenly diagnosed. They are often frightened emotionally when required to shift their attention from one thing to another and may react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
These people are likely to have an inability to keep their cool, with their irritability coming from a persistent depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequent feelings of hopelessness and desperation. They may also be afflicted by memory problems, experience severe anger, and may have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD are inflexible when they have to change tasks, and may be captivated by their work or hobbies. They may not remember appointments or deadlines at work or at home, and they may not complete their schoolwork or chores. They can also be stubborn and resentful when they are reprimanded or chastised by their parents or teacher.
Children with overfocused ADD can be irritable and obstinate, and they may throw tantrums if their interests aren't respected. They might be obsessed with a particular activity such as toys and video games. They may also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is more common in children, and can be difficult to diagnose. These children often don't understand that their problem is caused by their inability to switch their attention from one thing to the next. It is essential to talk to an expert as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This kind of ADD can be treated using dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some medications are prescribed, but this type of ADD can be difficult to treat using stimulant drugs, since they can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly useful in diagnosing over-focused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD have a high degree of anxiety. Comorbidity, or having multiple disorders at the same time, is common and affects up to 50% of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with school, work and social settings. This type of ADD may result in low performance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events because they believe they won't do well.
They also fear being judged or being judged. They also hide their issues from others. In some instances, people are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. These panic attacks can be serious and life-threatening. They can cause a pounding of the heart, sweating and difficulty breathing. Contrary to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia and the amygdala. These organs operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This causes a shutdown of PFC and makes it difficult for these individuals concentrate.
If a person suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is because treatment programs 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 in order to determine which areas of the brain have low and/or higher levels of activity are found. This helps them distinguish between the seven types and determine the best treatment.
A psychiatrist will collect an entire medical record and conduct a physical exam to determine if the patient suffers from ADD/ADHD. Additionally, he or might ask questions regarding behavior and mood to determine the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. However, in many cases, patients require other therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, nutrition sleep strategies, and desensitization. This may improve their ability to control their emotions and their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD involves the temporal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for mood and memory. People with this type of ADD struggle to retain and learn, experience mood instability, and have severe anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues such as feeling deja vu and seeing shadows or objects change shape, or hearing sounds that others don't hear. They are sensitive, irritable 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 directions. This kind of ADD does not cause excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in females. People with this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can cause feelings of depression and low self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In treating adhd in adults of ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD are having difficulty 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 the next and are stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD that is characterized by people who are extremely motivated and hardworking but are unable to concentrate on their tasks. They can lose track and be embarrassed or exhausted by their behavior. They may be struggling in relationships due to their tendency be reactive and impulsive. They also have difficulty multitasking and working with others. In some cases they may suffer from depression or anxiety. They could be susceptible to panic attacks and hallucinations. Medications for this type of ADD aren't usually advised, since they do not address the underlying reason for the symptoms.