ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently related to issues at school, work, or home. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals use the SPECT brain imaging method to diagnose ADHD.
The signs of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. 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 suffering from this type of ADD are able to maintain normal activity while concentrating and at rest in the prefrontal cortex but they are less active in their cerebellum and basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, calmness and concentration. This type has a short attention span, is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli, and is unable to switch attention. They are unable to fall asleep and frequently wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. They are easily frustrated and often get angry.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of the classic ADD However, they also have difficulty shifting their attention from one thought to another thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, sound, and touch. They talk too quickly and are impulsive. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy, are quick to get angry and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, however it is distinct from depression in that it causes increased activity in the limbic region of the brain (the part that determines our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we are) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It can be treated with supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol which increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA can also help slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or too frequently.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which also can trigger irritability, anger, and poor self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of frustration and irritability over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to manifest in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients often get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that cause excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They may become emotional when they are asked to switch their attention between activities and may respond with oppositional or argumentative behavior.
They are prone to having an inability to keep their cool, with their irritability coming from a persistent negative or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. They may also struggle with memory issues, experience extreme anger, and have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD are not flexible when it comes to changing tasks, and may become highly captivated by their work or hobbies. They are prone to missing deadlines at work, and forgetting appointments at home and they might not finish tasks or school assignments. They can also be stubborn and resentful when punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD can be irritable and obstinate, and they may throw tantrums if their interests are not accepted. They can be obsessive about specific toys, activities and video games. They also have trouble expressing their feelings, and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is more prevalent among children, and is often difficult to diagnose. Children who show this behavior are often unable to comprehend the cause of their problems. due to the inability of them to shift their focus from one task to another. It is essential to talk to an expert since these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This kind of ADD can be treated with dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of ADD is difficult to treat even with stimulant medication as it can cause hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to distinguish between the seven types of ADD. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD have high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, or having multiple disorders at the same time is a common problem and affects up to half of those with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can result in inadequate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with work, school, and social situations. This type of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or events because they fear they won't succeed.
They are also afraid of being judged and critiqued. They are afraid of being judged or criticised. others. In some instances, sufferers are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. They can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in sweating, a pounding heart and breathing difficulties. Anxious ADD is different from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the Basal ganglia and the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and place a high value on security. This shuts down PFC and makes it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
If a person suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is due to treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate brain activity, can increase anxiety among people with anxious ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists utilize functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans in order to determine where in the brain low and/or higher levels of activity are occurring. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the best treatment.
A psychiatrist will take the complete medical history of a patient and conduct a physical exam to determine if the patient suffers from ADD/ADHD. The doctor may also inquire about mood and behavior in order to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are prescribed to treat ADHD and ADD. However, in most cases, patients require other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy as well as nutrition, exercise, sleep strategies and desensitization. This may enhance their ability to control their emotions and their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain, which is responsible both for mood and memory. This type of ADD is characterized by a difficulty in learning and storing information, mood instability and severe anger or aggressive issues. They may also suffer from sensory issues like feeling like they're in a dream when objects or shadows change shape or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and irritable and are often overstimulated by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD has similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also has difficulty in staying focused or following instructions. This kind of ADD does not cause excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. add treatments for adults of ADD is more prevalent in females. This kind of ADD is characterized by low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to feelings of low motivation or a lack of self-regulation. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this instance, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD have difficulties shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are not able to move from one task or thought to another, and they get stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
This is a type of ADD where people can be highly motivated and hardworking however, they tend to get distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost in their school work and parents or teachers are often tired or ashamed of their behavior. They may have a difficult relationship because they can be impulsive or reactive, and have a hard time managing multiple tasks or working with others. In some instances they might suffer from depression or anxiety. They can be prone to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. Medications are not usually advised for this kind of ADD as it doesn't treat the root of the symptoms.