ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently connected to problems at school, work or at home. The psychiatric illness is often difficult to identify and manage.
The psychiatric condition is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. Antidepressants and stimulants 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. The scans of the brain show that people suffering from this type of ADD are able to maintain normal levels of activity during concentration and at rest in the prefrontal cortex but have decreased activity in their cerebellum and basal ganglia. These regions help to produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, calmness and focus. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli and is unable to shift attention. They have trouble falling asleep and frequently awake in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have short tempers, and are quickly annoyed by tasks and easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms as well as the difficulty of shifting their attention between thoughts and between tasks. treating adults with adhd are sensitive to noise, light and even touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy levels, are quick to anger, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to confuse the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. But it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic part of the brain at time of rest and during concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that increase concentration, alertness and mood. They also improve mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to regulate neural activity and stop nerve cells from firing too much or in a erratic manner; and liver support.
It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder that can cause irritability and frustration and low self-esteem. The distinction between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more consistent level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to have symptoms that come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which result in excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behavior patterns that are similar to those of people suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which is why it's frequently incorrectly diagnosed. These individuals often become threatened emotionally when they are asked to shift their attention from one task to the next and may respond with argumentative or oppositional behavior.
They tend to be irritable, and their irritability is caused by a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They may also have trouble learning, struggle with memory issues, or experience severe anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD can be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and may become absorbed in their job or pastime. They are at risk of missing deadlines at work and not remembering appointments at home, and may not complete tasks or school assignments. They may also be resistant and angry when they are disciplined or punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD can be irritable and stubborn, and can throw temper tantrums if their interests aren't accepted. They can be obsessive about particular toys, activities, and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is more prevalent in children, and is often difficult to recognize. Children who exhibit this type of behavior are often unable to comprehend the cause of their problems. by a lack of ability to switch their focus from one task to the next. It's important to consult an expert as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This kind of ADD can be treated using diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Some medications are prescribed, however this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat using stimulant medications because they can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to differentiate between the seven different types of ADD. It is particularly useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This is a comorbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common and affects the majority of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can result in unsuitable treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD may cause problems at school, at work or in social situations. This kind of ADD may cause low performance and feelings of inadequateness. People with anxiety ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events, believing they won't do well.
They are also afraid of being judged and critiqued. They are afraid of being judged or criticised. others. These people can be so anxious and stressed that they have panic attacks. These can be very severe and life-threatening, causing sweating, a pounding heart and breathing difficulties. Anxious ADD is distinct from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the basal ganglia and the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on safety. This can shut down the PFC and can make it difficult for people with ADD to concentrate.
If a person with anxiety or ADD their symptoms are generally more difficult to manage than those of someone who does not suffer from anxiety. This is because treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to increase brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among those with anxious ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to determine the areas of the brain where low and/or higher levels of activity are occurring. This helps them differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the most effective treatment for each individual.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist collects a full medical history and performs a physical exam. The doctor may also ask about mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients require other therapies in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization, and other techniques to relax. This will help improve their ability to control their moods and overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD involves the temporal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for memory and mood. People suffering from this kind of ADD struggle to learn and store information they experience mood instability and suffer from severe anger or aggression issues. They also often suffer from a variety of sensory issues, like feeling like they have deja vu, or experiencing shadows or objects changing shapes, and hearing sounds other people don't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overwhelmed.
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 does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in females. People suffering from this kind of ADD might have low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which contributes to their feelings of depression 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 individuals with over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gland which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are having trouble shifting gears. They can't move from one thought or task to another and get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD where individuals can be highly motivated and hardworking, but they have a tendency to get easily distracted by non-essential or unimportant tasks. They may lose track of their schoolwork, and their parents or teachers are often annoyed or ashamed of their behavior. They may be struggling in relationships because of their tendency to be impulsive and reactive. They also have trouble managing multiple tasks and working with others. In some cases they may suffer from depression or anxiety. They may be prone hallucinations and panic attacks. Medications for this type of ADD aren't usually recommended since they don't address the underlying cause of symptoms.