ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually associated with problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health experts diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
The signs of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. Treatments such as 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. Scans of the brain show people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have decreased activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which help make dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to increase motivation, focus and calmness. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli, and is unable to shift attention. They also have trouble falling asleep and often wake up during the night with anxiety or nightmares. They can be easily annoyed and are often angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is characterized by all the classic ADD symptoms as well as a difficulty in shifting their attention from one thought to another and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to noise, light and even touch. They talk too fast and are highly impulsive. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They also tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, but it's distinct from depression because it causes increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the brain region that sets our mood and determines the level of happiness or sadness we feel) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both rest and during concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol, which boost focus, alertness and mood. They also improve mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and stop nerve cells from firing too much or irregularly; and liver support.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can cause irritability, frustration, and poor self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of irritability and frustration over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behavior that result in excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors similar to people 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 may react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
These people tend to have a short temper and their irritability stems from a persistent depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequently feeling hopeless and a sense of worthlessness. They might also have memory problems, experience severe anger, and have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD might be rigid when it comes switching tasks and can become absorbed in their job or pastime. They may forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and they might not complete their chores or schoolwork. They can also be very resistant and angry when they are disciplined or punished by their parents or teacher.
Children with hyper-focused ADD exhibit a high level of stubbornness and irritability, and can be prone to throwing inconsolable tantrums when their interests are not respected. They may be obsessed with specific activities, toys, and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This type of ADD is more common in children and is often difficult to identify. Children who exhibit this behavior may have difficulty understanding that their problems are caused by a lack of ability to switch their attention from one task to the next. It's important to consult an expert since these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This type of ADD can be treated with nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some medications are prescribed, but this type of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant drugs, since they can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to differentiate the seven distinct kinds of ADD and is especially useful in diagnosing over-focused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have a high degree of anxiety. Comorbidity, or having multiple disorders simultaneously is a common occurrence and can affect up to 50% of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Misdiagnosis may lead to inappropriate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can lead to problems at work, school, and social situations. This type of ADD may lead to low achievement and feelings of inadequateness. People with anxious ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or events because they are afraid they won't be successful.
They are also afraid of being judged and being criticized. They also hide their issues from others. These people can be so anxious and stressed that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be severe and life-threatening. treatment of add in adults cause an increase in heart rate sweating, difficulty breathing and difficulty breathing. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia and the amygdala. They operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This shuts down PFC and can make it difficult for these individuals focus.
If someone suffering from anxiety or ADD their symptoms are generally more difficult to treat than those of someone who isn't suffering from anxiety. This is due to treatments for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate brain activity, may actually increase anxiety in people who have anxious ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning, to determine where in the brain there are low and/or high levels of activity. This allows them to differentiate between the seven different types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each patient.
To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist gathers a complete medical history and conducts an examination. In addition, he or will ask questions about the patient's mood and behavior to evaluate a patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADHD and ADD. However, in the majority of cases patients also need other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy, nutrition, exercise, sleep strategies and desensitization. This may enhance their ability to control their moods and overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the brain's temporal lobe which is responsible for memory and mood. This type of ADD is characterized by a difficulty in learning and storage of information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues, such as experiencing like they're in a dream and seeing shadows or objects change form or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They are often sensitive and angry and are often overstimulated by certain things, such as computer screens or crowds.
Symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those seen in Classic ADD, including short attention spans disorganization, difficulty in following directions or staying on task, and procrastinating. This type of ADD is not associated with an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in women. People suffering from this kind of ADD might have low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which can lead to feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. Some of the symptoms include difficulty sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this instance brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain reveal that individuals with Over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gyrus which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are having trouble shifting gears. They aren't able to shift from one thought or task to another and get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a type of ADD where people can be highly motivated and productive but they also tend to be easily distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost and feel embarrassed or exhausted by their behavior. They may have difficulty in relationships due to their tendency to be impulsive and reactive. They also have issues managing multiple tasks and working with others. In some cases they might be depressed or anxious. They are susceptible to panic attacks, and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD are not recommended, as they do not address the underlying reason for the symptoms.