ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually associated with problems at school, home or work. The psychiatric condition can be difficult to diagnose and manage.
The psychiatric disorder is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals utilize SPECT brain imaging to diagnose ADHD.
The signs of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. Treatments such as 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 reveal that those suffering from this type of ADD are able to maintain normal levels of activity during concentration and rest in the prefrontal cortex but have decreased activity in their cerebellum as well as the basal ganglia. These areas help produce dopamine, which is an important neurotransmitter that is that is responsible for motivation, calmness and focus. This type has a limited attention span, and is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli, and is unable to switch focus. They have difficulty falling asleep, and often awake in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They can be easily annoyed and often get angry.
Those with Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of the classic ADD However, they also struggle to shift their attention from one thought to another thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to noise, light and even touch. They talk too fast and are highly impulsive. They experience periods of depression and low energy levels, are quick to anger and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt.
It is possible to mistake limbic ADD with depression. However, it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic area of the brain when it is at time of rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that improve concentration, alertness and mood as well as mental clarity; amino acid GABA to regulate neural activity and inhibit nerve cells from over-firing or firing in a erratic manner and liver support.
It is crucial to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause irritability, frustration, and poor self-esteem. The main difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to suffer from symptoms that occur in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients often get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which cause excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors that resemble those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and that is why it's frequently incorrectly diagnosed. They are often frightened emotionally when required to shift their attention from one activity to another and respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
They tend to be angry, and their irritability is caused by chronic low-grade sadness or negative mood. They may also experience difficulties learning, experience memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD are not flexible when they have to change tasks, and could be captivated by their work or interests. They are at risk of missing deadlines at work, and forgetting appointments at home, and they might not finish homework or other school assignments. They can also be very stubborn and resentful when they are punished or reprimanded by their parents or teacher.
Children who have overfocused ADD show a high degree of irritability and stubbornness and can be prone to throwing inconsolable tantrums when their interests are not respected. They may be obsessed with particular toys, activities, and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD is more common in children and can be difficult to recognize. Children who show this behavior are often unable to comprehend the cause of their problems. by an inability to change their attention from one task to the next. It is important to speak with an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This kind of ADD is treatable with diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Sometimes, medications are prescribed, however this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant drugs, since they can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to differentiate the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly useful in diagnosing over-focused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD experience high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, or having more than one disorder at the same time is a common occurrence and can affect up to half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and incorrect diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and further frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at school, at work or in social situations. This type of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of unworthiness. People with anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or activities because they fear that they won't be successful.
They also fear being criticized or judged. Due to this, they often hide their problems from others. In some instances, sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they develop panic attacks. They can be extremely life-threatening and cause sweating, a heart that is pounding and breathing difficulties. Contrary to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. They operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This can shut down PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to focus.
If someone suffering from ADD/ADHD has anxiety the symptoms are typically more difficult to treat than those of someone who does not suffer from anxiety. This is due to treatments for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate brain activity, can increase anxiety among those with anxious ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans in order to determine where in the brain low and/or higher levels of activity are present. This helps them distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the most effective treatment.
To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist gathers a complete medical history and performs physical examination. The doctor might also inquire about mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD but in most cases, patients require other therapies in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other relaxation techniques. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain, which is responsible both for mood and memory. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to learn and store information and experience mood swings and are prone to extreme anger or aggression issues. They also suffer from a variety of sensory issues, including experiencing a sense of deja vu or seeing shadows or objects change shapes and hearing sounds that other people can't hear. They can be extremely irritable and sensitive and are often overwhelmed by certain things, such as computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those seen in Classic ADD, including short attention spans disorganization, difficulty in staying focused and procrastinating. However, this kind of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in females. This kind of ADD is characterised by low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can result in feelings of depression or insufficient self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this case QEEG scans of ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD are having difficulties shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to shift from one thought or task to another, and they get stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
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 become embarrassed or tired by their behavior. They may have difficulty in relationships due to their tendency to be impulsive and reactive. They also have trouble managing multiple tasks and working with others. In some cases they may be depressed or anxious. They may be susceptible to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. Iam Psychiatry are typically not advised for this kind of ADD as it doesn't address the root cause of the symptoms.