ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are often related to issues at school, work, or at home. The psychiatric disorder isn't easy to identify and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly used term for this psychiatric condition. Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
Symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. The use of medications such as stimulants and antidepressants can aid in overcoming.
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 those suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, but reduced activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to increase motivation, focus and a sense of calm. People with this type have a difficult time shifting their attention, are easily distracted by the noise or other stimuli and have shorter attention spans. They are unable to fall asleep and frequently wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have a short fuse, becoming quickly annoyed by tasks and easily annoyed.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms however, it also has the difficulty of shifting their attention from one thought to the next and between tasks. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch. They talk too quickly and are indecisive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy, are quick to anger, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilt.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it is distinct from depression in that it has increased activity in the limbic portion of the brain (the brain region that sets our emotional tone and controls the level of happiness or sadness we are) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex both rest and during concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that improve concentration, alertness, mood, and mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing too much or irregularly; and liver support.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can cause irritability, frustration and low self-esteem. The distinction between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD is more consistent in its degree of irritability throughout the course of time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD sufferers are often caught in negative patterns of thoughts and behaviors that cause excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors that resemble those of people suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is the reason it's often incorrectly diagnosed. They can be emotional when they are they are asked to shift their attention between tasks and can respond by displaying a hostile or argumentative attitude.
These people tend to have a short fuse and their irritability stems from a chronic depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome," and frequently feeling hopeless and a sense of worthlessness. They may also experience difficulties learning, have memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.
People who have hyper-focused ADD can be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and become engrossed in their job or pastime. They are prone to missing deadlines at work, and not remembering appointments at home, and they may not finish tasks or school assignments. They may also be stubborn and resentful when they are punished or reprimanded by their teacher or parents.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be angry and obstinate, and they can throw temper tantrums if their needs are not being recognized. They may be obsessed with a particular activity, toys and video games. They also have trouble expressing their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This type of ADD is difficult to recognize, especially for children. The majority of children don't understand that their problem is caused by their inability to switch their focus between different things. It's important to consult an expert as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This type of ADD is usually treated with dietary changes, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is extremely difficult to treat, even with stimulant medication due to the fact that it can cause hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to distinguish the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly helpful for diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, which is having multiple disorders simultaneously is a common occurrence and affects as much as half of those with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can be similar to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and incorrect diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with school, work, and social situations. This type of ADD could cause low performance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People who suffer from anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or events because they fear that they won't be successful.
They also fear being judged or critiqued. They are afraid of being judged or criticised. others. In some cases, sufferers are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. These can be very life-threatening and cause sweating, a pounding heart and breathing difficulties. In contrast to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These organs operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This shuts down the PFC and can make it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
If someone with anxiety or ADD their symptoms are generally more difficult to treat than those of someone who does not suffer from anxiety. This is because the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate brain activity, can actually increase anxiety among those with anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to identify where in the brain low and/or higher levels of activity are present. This helps them differentiate between the seven different types of ADD and determine the most effective treatment for each individual.
A psychiatrist will collect a complete medical record and conduct a physical examination to determine if a patient has ADHD or ADD. In addition, he or might ask questions regarding mood and behavior to assess a patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medication is used to treat ADHD and ADD. However, in most instances, patients also require other therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy, nutrition, exercise sleep strategies, desensitization and sleep strategies. This can aid in improving their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the brain's temporal lobe which is responsible for mood and memory. This type of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storing information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggressive issues. They also are often affected by a variety of sensory issues, including feeling like they've experienced deja vu or seeing shadows or objects changing shapes, and hearing sounds other people don't hear. They are often sensitive and irritable and are often overwhelmed by certain things, such as computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD has the same symptoms as Classic ADD. These include short attention spans and disorganization. It also includes difficulty staying on task or following instructions. This kind of ADD is not associated with an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD occurs more often in women. People with this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which contributes to their feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. treatment for adults with add of the symptoms include difficulty sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this case QEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that people with over-focused ADD are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to shift from one task or thought to another, and are stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
This is a form of ADD which means that people are highly motivated and hardworking however, they have a tendency to be easily distracted by non-essential or unimportant tasks. They may lose focus and become embarrassed or tired due to their actions. They may experience difficulties in relationships due to their tendency be impulsive and reactive. They also have difficulty multitasking and working in a group. In certain situations, they could experience anxiety or depression. They could be susceptible to hallucinations or panic attacks. Medications are typically not recommended for this type of ADD, because it doesn't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.