ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often associated with problems at school, home or work. The psychiatric disorder may be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common name for this psychiatric condition. Mental health experts diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
Symptoms 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. Brain scans reveal that people with this type of ADD are able to maintain normal levels of activity during concentration and rest in the prefrontal cortex, however, they have less activity in their cerebellum and the basal ganglia. These areas help produce dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivation, tranquility, and focus. This type has a limited attention span, is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and has a hard time shifting attention. They also have trouble sleeping and frequently wake up during the night with nightmares or anxiety. They often feel overwhelmed by emotions and possess short tempers, and are quickly frustrated with tasks and easily angered.
Those with Ring of Fire ADD have all the hallmarks of the classic ADD, but they also have difficulty shifting their attention from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise and touch; they talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily provoked to a negative behavior. They are prone to moodiness, low energy and anger. They can also get caught up in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to confuse limbic ADD with depression. However, it is different in that it boosts activity in the limbic area of the brain during rest and when concentrating. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP inositol, saffron, and saffron that increase concentration, alertness and mood as well as mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to regulate neural activity and stop nerve cells from over-firing or firing irregularly and liver support.
It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder which can also result in frustration and irritability, as well as low self-esteem. The main difference 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 tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that cause excessive worry. This is due to rigid behaviors that are similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They are often frightened emotionally when they are asked to shift their attention from one task to the next and respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
They are prone to having a short temper, with their irritability coming from a persistent negative or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. They might also have memory issues, experience extreme anger, and have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD are not flexible when they have to change tasks, and can become highly captivated by their work or interests. They might forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and may not finish their chores or schoolwork. They could also be stubborn and resentful when they are reprimanded by their parents or teachers.
Children with overfocused ADD can be irritable and stubborn, and they may throw tantrums if their needs are treating adhd and anxiety in adults not being recognized. They may be obsessed with specific toys, activities and video games. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and can be very sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD can be difficult to recognize, especially in children. Children who exhibit this behavior may have difficulty understanding that their issues are caused due to the inability of them to shift their attention from one task to the next. It is essential to talk to 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. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant medications, as these can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to identify the seven distinct kinds of ADD, and is particularly useful for diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD have high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, also known as having multiple disorders simultaneously is a common occurrence and can affect up to 50% of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can be similar to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and the wrong diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and even more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems at work, at school or in social situations. This type of ADD can cause low performance and feelings of inadequateness. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid difficult tasks and events, believing they're not capable of completing the task.
They also fear being criticised or being judged. They also hide their issues from others. They can become so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. These can be very life-threatening and cause sweating, a heart that is pounding and breathing problems. Contrary 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 prioritize safety. This causes the brain to shut down the PFC, which can make it difficult for those with this condition to concentrate.
If a person suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is because treatment protocols for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate the brain may increase anxiety in those who suffer from anxiety ADD due to a decrease in the activity of their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning, to learn which areas of the brain are high and/or low levels of activity. This allows them to differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the most effective treatment for each patient.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist collects a full medical history and performs a physical exam. He or she may also inquire about mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall functioning. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD however, most patients require other therapies as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization, and other relaxation techniques. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This type of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storage of information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues such as feeling deja vu when objects or shadows change shape or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and angry, and often become overstimulated by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans, disorganization, difficulty following directions or staying focused and procrastinating. This kind of ADD is not associated with an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more common in women. This type of ADD is characterised by low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to feelings of low motivation or a lack of self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anger and anxiety.
In this instance QEEG scans of ADD brain reveal that people with over-focused ADD have difficulties shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one thought or task to the next, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviours.
This is a type of ADD where people can be extremely motivated and hardworking but they also have a tendency to get distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost in their school work and their parents or teachers are often annoyed or ashamed of their behavior. They may have a hard time in relationships because they can be unpredictable or reactive and have difficulty with multitasking or working with other people. In certain situations, they can be depressed or anxious. They may be susceptible to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. Medications are typically not recommended for this type of ADD as it doesn't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.