ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently associated with problems at work, school or at home. The psychiatric disorder isn't easy to identify and treat.
The psychiatric condition is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals utilize the SPECT brain imaging method to determine ADHD.
Symptoms 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. The scans of the brain show that people suffering from this type can maintain normal activity while concentrating and rest in the prefrontal cortex, but have decreased activity in their cerebellum as well as the basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivation, calmness, and focus. People with this type have a hard time shifting their attention and are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have shorter attention spans. They also have difficulty falling asleep and are often woken up in the middle of the night with nightmares or anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and are often 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 thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, sound and even touch. They talk too quickly and are highly impulsive. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They are also prone to getting stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD can be confused with depression, but it's distinct from depression because it is associated with increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the brain region that sets our emotional tone and controls how happy or sad we feel) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It can be treated with supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol which increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing erratically or in excess.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can cause frustration, irritability, and poor self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has more consistent frustration and irritability over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to manifest in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients often get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that result in excessive worry. This is due to rigid behaviors similar to people suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They may become emotionally upset when asked to switch their attention between different activities, and they may react with oppositional or argumentative behavior.
These people tend to have a short fuse, with their irritability coming from a constant negative or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and often feeling of despair and worthlessness. They may also struggle with memory issues, feel intense anger, and have a short fuse.
People with hyperfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and may become absorbed in their work or hobby. They are at risk of missing deadlines at work, and forgetting appointments at home and may not complete chores or school assignments. They could also be stubborn and resentful when they are reprimanded by their teachers or parents.
Children who have overfocused ADD have a high degree of stubbornness and irritability, and can be likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are not respected. They may be obsessed with specific toys, activities and video games. They also have trouble expressing their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is difficult to identify, particularly when it affects children. Children often don't realize that their problem is due to their inability to switch their focus from one thing to another. This is the reason it's crucial to seek help from a professional, as children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This type of ADD can be treated with nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Some medications are prescribed, however this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant drugs, since they can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to identify 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. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common and affects the majority of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can cause unsuitable treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with work, school, and social situations. This type of ADD could lead to low achievement and feelings of inadequateness. People with anxious ADD avoid difficult tasks or events because they fear that they won't be successful.
They also fear being judged or being criticized. They hide their problems to others. In some cases, people are so stressed and anxious that they experience panic attacks. These panic attacks can be serious and life-threatening. They cause a pounding of the heart sweating, difficulty breathing and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is distinct from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the basal ganglia, as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on safety. This can shut down the PFC which makes it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
When a person has ADD/ADHD and anxiety and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to manage. This is because treatments for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to stimulate brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among people with anxious ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to determine which areas of the brain have more or less activity are found. This helps them differentiate between the seven types and determine the best treatment.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist collects a full medical history and conducts physical examination. In addition, he or might ask questions regarding mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medication is used to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in most cases patients also need other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy as well as exercise, nutrition, sleep strategies and desensitization. This can increase their ability to manage their emotions and their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain, which is responsible for memory and mood. People with this type of ADD struggle to retain and learn, experience mood instability, and are prone to extreme anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues, such as experiencing deja vu and seeing shadows or objects change shape, or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They are often sensitive and angry and are often overstimulated by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
This type of ADD has the same symptoms as Classic ADD. These include inattention spans that are short and disorganized. It also includes difficulty staying on task or following directions. This kind of ADD is not associated with an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more common in females. This kind of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can cause feelings of depression or poor self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anxiety and irritability.
In this case brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain indicate that people suffering from over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate region, the brain's "gear shifter," but they are struggling to shift gears. They can't move from one thought or task to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a form of ADD that is characterized by people who are extremely motivated and productive but are unable to concentrate on their tasks. adult treatment for adhd can get lost and become embarrassed or tired by their behavior. They might have a difficult relationship because they can be impulsive or reactive, and struggle with multitasking or working with others. In some instances they may suffer from depression or anxiety. They could be susceptible to hallucinations and panic attacks. The use of medications for this kind of ADD aren't usually recommended since they do not address the root causes of symptoms.