ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are often related to issues at work, school or home. The psychiatric condition isn't easy to identify and manage.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most popular name used for this psychiatric disorder. Mental health professionals use brain imaging using SPECT to determine ADHD.
The symptoms of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. The use of stimulants and antidepressants can ease the symptoms.
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 with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, but less activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia, which are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to increase motivation, focus and a sense of calm. This type has a shorter attention span, is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli and is unable to switch focus. They are unable to fall asleep, and often wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They are easily frustrated and are often angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is defined by all the standard ADD symptoms as well as difficulties in shifting their attention between thoughts and from one task to another. They have a sensitivity to noise, light, and touch; they talk too fast and are impulsive and easily provoked into mean behaviour. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy levels, are quick to get angry, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilty feelings.
It is possible to mistake the condition of limbic ADD with depression. However, it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic region of the brain when it is at the moment of rest and while concentrating. It can be treated by supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol which increase alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also help reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing irregularly or in excess.
It is important to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder that can result in frustration and irritability, as well as low self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more consistent level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to have symptoms that come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. This is due to rigid behaviors that are similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with OCD are often threatened emotionally when they are asked to shift their attention from one activity to another, and can respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
They are often irritable and their irritability may be caused by chronic low-grade depression or sadness. They might also have memory issues, experience extreme anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD are not flexible when they have to change tasks, and may become highly captivated by their hobbies or work. They are more likely to miss deadlines at work, and not remembering appointments at home, and they may not finish homework or other school assignments. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when disapproved of by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD can be irritable and stubborn, and can throw temper tantrums if their interests are not respected. They might be obsessed with certain activities like video games, toys, and toys. They may also have difficulty communicating their feelings and are very sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is more common in children and is difficult to recognize. The majority of children don't understand that their problem is caused by their inability shift their focus from one thing to another. This is the reason it's crucial to seek help from a professional, as children with this type of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This type of ADD can be treated using diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Medications are sometimes prescribed, however this kind of ADD is difficult to treat with stimulant medications, as these can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. treatment for add can be used to differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have high levels of anxiety. This is a comorbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common, affecting about half of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with school, work, and social situations. This kind of ADD could lead to low achievement and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxious ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or events because they fear they won't succeed.
They also fear being criticized or judged. This is why they tend to hide their issues from others. In some cases, sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. They can be extremely severe and life-threatening, causing sweating, a heart that is pounding, and difficulty breathing. Contrary to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala, which operate on an instinctual basis and place a high priority on safety. This shuts down the PFC and can make it hard for these individuals to focus.
If a person suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD their symptoms are more difficult to manage. This is due to treatment strategies for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate the brain can increase anxiety in those with anxious ADD by decreasing activity in their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning, to determine which areas of the brain are high and/or low levels of activity. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the best treatment.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist collects a full medical history and performs a physical exam. The doctor might also inquire about mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medication is used to treat ADHD and ADD. However, in many instances, patients also require other therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy as well as diet, exercise sleep strategies, and desensitization. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. People suffering from this kind of ADD struggle to retain and learn they experience mood instability and are prone to extreme anger or aggression issues. They also often suffer from various sensory issues, such as feeling like they've experienced déjà vu, seeing shadows or objects change shapes and hearing sounds that others don't. They are often sensitive and irritable, and often become overstimulated by certain things, such as computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include short attention spans and disorganization. It also presents with difficulties staying focused or following instructions. This type of ADD is not associated with hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in females. People with this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. Some of the symptoms include difficulty sleeping and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this case brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain reveal that people with over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gyrus, the brain's "gear shifter," but they are struggling to shift gears. They are not able to move from one task or thought to another, and they become stuck in negative thinking patterns and behavior.
This is a type of ADD which means that people are extremely motivated and hardworking but they also tend to get easily distracted by non-essential or unimportant tasks. They may lose focus and become embarrassed or tired due to their actions. They may be struggling in relationships because of their tendency to be impulsive and reactive. They also have trouble multitasking and working with others. In some cases they may be depressed or anxious. They are susceptible to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. Medications for this type of ADD are not usually recommended since they do not address the underlying reason for the symptoms.