ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually connected to problems at school, home or work. The psychiatric disorder is difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is most often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals use the SPECT brain imaging method 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 with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have decreased activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter which enhances focus, motivation and calmness. This type has a shorter attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and is unable to shift attention. They also have trouble falling asleep and are often woken up in the middle of the night with nightmares or anxiety. They are easily frustrated and can be easily angry.
Those with Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of the classic ADD However, they also have trouble shifting their focus from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise, and touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They can experience periods of agitation and fatigue, are quick to get angry, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilt.
It is possible to mistake the condition of limbic ADD with depression. However, it is different because it increases activity in the limbic region of the brain when it is at time of 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 that improve concentration, alertness and mood. They also improve mental clarity; amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and inhibit nerve cells from firing too much or irregularly and liver support.
It is important to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder that can cause irritability and frustration and low self-esteem. The distinction between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers are often caught in negative patterns of thoughts and behaviors that cause excessive worrying. This is due to rigid behavior that is similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These individuals often become threatened emotionally when asked to shift their attention from one thing to another, and can respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
These people tend to have a short temper and their anger stems from a chronic depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequently feeling hopeless and worthlessness. They might also have difficulty learning, struggle with memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.
People who have hyper-focused ADD are unable to adapt when it comes to changing tasks, and can be captivated by their work or interests. They may forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and they might not finish their schoolwork or chores. They could also be stubborn and resentful when punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD have a high degree of irritability and stubbornness, and may be prone to throwing inconsolable tantrums when their interests are not respected. They can be obsessive about specific toys, activities and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their feelings, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD is more common in children, and can be difficult to identify. Children who show this behavior often have trouble understanding the cause of their problems. by a lack of ability to switch their focus from one task to the next. This is why it's essential to seek the help of an expert, as children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family doctors and even psychologists. This type of ADD is typically treated with modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is difficult to treat even with stimulant medications as it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to differentiate between the seven different types of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have high levels of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common and affects the majority of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can result in inadequate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems at work, in school or in social situations. This type of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of unworthiness. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid difficult tasks and activities because they think they won't do well.
They also fear being judged or considered a victim. They also hide their issues from others. These people can be so stressed and anxious that they have panic attacks. They can be extremely life-threatening and cause sweating, a pounding heart and breathing difficulties. In contrast 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 prioritize safety. This causes a shutdown of PFC and makes it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
If someone suffering from ADHD or ADD has anxiety, their symptoms are usually more difficult to manage than those of a person who doesn't have anxiety. This is because treatment plans for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate the brain could actually increase anxiety among people with anxiety ADD by decreasing activity in their PFC.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to identify where in the brain high and/or lower levels of activity are occurring. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the best method of treatment.
A psychiatrist will take a complete medical record and conduct a physical exam to determine if a patient has ADHD or ADD. treatments for adhd I Am Psychiatry or she may also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD but in most cases, patients require other treatments as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other relaxation techniques. This can aid in improving their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe of 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 severe anger or aggression issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues, such as experiencing like they're in a dream when objects or shadows change shape, or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.
This type of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also presents with difficulty staying on task or following directions. This kind of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD occurs more often in women. People suffering from this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which can cause feelings of depression and low self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anxiety and irritability.
In this case QEEG scans of ADD brain reveal that people with Overfocused ADD are experiencing difficulties shifting gears. They have normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one thought or task to another, and are stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
This is a type of ADD where people can be highly motivated and productive however, they tend to be easily distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost and be embarrassed or exhausted because of their behavior. They may have a difficult relationship due to their tendency to be impulsive or reactive, and struggle with multitasking or working with others. In some cases they may experience anxiety or depression. They are susceptible to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD are not usually recommended, as they do not address the root reason for the symptoms.