ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently related to issues at school, work or at home. The psychiatric illness can be difficult 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.
The symptoms 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. The scans of the brain reveal that those suffering from this type of ADD are able to maintain normal levels of activity during concentration and at rest in the prefrontal cortex however, they have less activity in their cerebellum and basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivation, calmness, and focus. This type has a shorter attention span, is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and is unable to shift focus. They also have difficulty falling asleep and are often woken up during the night with nightmares or anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and are often angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms however, it also has a difficulty in shifting their focus between thoughts and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They have a sensitivity to light, noise, and touch and they talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily provoked into mean behaviour. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They are also prone to getting stuck in negative thoughts and guilt-related feelings.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it is distinct from depression in that it causes increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the part that determines our emotional tone and regulates how happy or sad we are) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both at rest and during concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP inositol, saffron, and saffron, which boost alertness, focus and mood. They also improve mental clarity; amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing too much or erratically; and liver support.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder that can cause irritability and frustration and 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 have symptoms that come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors similar to people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These individuals often become threatened emotionally when they are required to shift their focus from one thing to another and may respond with an argumentative or hostile 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 a sense of worthlessness. They might also have difficulty learning, experience memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.
People who have hyper-focused ADD may be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and may become absorbed in their hobbies or work. They may not remember appointments or deadlines at home or at work and may not complete their schoolwork or chores. They can also be stubborn and resentful when disapproved of by their parents or teachers.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be irritable and stubborn, and may throw tantrums if their interests aren't recognized. They may be obsessed with particular toys, activities, and video games. They also have trouble expressing their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This type of ADD can be difficult to diagnose, especially when it affects children. These children often don't understand the cause of their condition. It's caused by their inability switch their attention from one thing to the next. It is essential to talk to an expert as these children are more untreated adhd in adults depression likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This kind of ADD is usually treated using diet changes, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are sometimes prescribed, however this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant medications because they can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to distinguish the seven distinct kinds of ADD, and is particularly useful in diagnosing over-focused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD experience high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, or having multiple disorders at the same time, is common and affects as much as half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can cause inadequate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD may cause problems at school, at work or in social situations. This type of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxious ADD avoid difficult tasks or activities because they fear they won't succeed.
They are also afraid of being judged and critiqued. They hide their problems to others. They can become so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. They can be extremely life-threatening and cause sweating, a heart that is pounding and breathing problems. Anxious ADD is different from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the basal ganglia and the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and prioritize safety. This can shut down the PFC, which can make it hard for these individuals to focus.
If someone suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to manage. This is due to the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to increase brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among those with anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to identify which areas of the brain have high and/or lower levels of activity are occurring. This helps them differentiate between the seven types of brain and determine the best treatment.
To diagnose ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist gathers a complete medical history and conducts physical examination. He or she might also inquire about mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medication is used to treat ADHD and ADD. However, in many cases patients also need other therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy, nutrition, exercise, sleep strategies and desensitization. This may enhance their ability to control their emotions and improve their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain, which is responsible both for memory and mood. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to retain and learn and experience mood swings and are prone to intense anger or aggression issues. They also often suffer from various sensory issues, including feeling like they have déjà vu, experiencing shadows or objects changing shapes, and hearing sounds other people don't hear. They are often irritable and sensitive and are often overwhelmed by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
This type of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also has difficulties staying focused or following instructions. However, this type of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in women. This kind of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to feelings of low motivation or insufficient self-regulation. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anger and anxiety.
In this instance brain mapping scans using 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 experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They aren't able to shift from one task or thought to the next and are stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a form of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and hardworking but tend not to concentrate on their tasks. They can lose track and become embarrassed or tired by their behavior. They may have a hard relationship because they can be unpredictable or reactive and struggle dealing with multitasking or working with others. In some cases they might be depressed or anxious. They may be prone hallucinations or panic attacks. The use of medications for this kind of ADD aren't usually recommended since they don't address the underlying reason for the symptoms.