ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually connected to problems at home, school or at work. The psychiatric illness can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most popular name used for this psychiatric condition. Mental health professionals use brain imaging using SPECT to diagnose ADHD.
Some of the symptoms are being easily distracted, forgetful, and unorganized. The use of medications such as stimulants and antidepressants 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. Brain scans reveal that people with this type can maintain normal levels of activity during concentration and rest in the prefrontal cortex but have decreased activity in their cerebellum and 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, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli, and is unable to switch focus. They are unable to fall asleep, and often awake in the middle of the night with anxiety. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have an impulsive personality, getting easily frustrated and easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms as well as the difficulty of shifting their attention between thoughts and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They have a sensitivity to light, noise and touch and talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily provoked into mean behaviour. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness and anger. They can also get caught up in negative thoughts and guilt-related feelings.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, but it's distinct from depression because it is associated with increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the part that determines our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we feel) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol, which boost alertness, focus, mood, and mental clarity; amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from over-firing or firing erratically and liver support.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder which can also cause irritability and frustration and low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms is more prone to constant irritability and frustration over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those of people suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which is why it's frequently incorrectly diagnosed. They are often frightened emotionally when required to shift their attention from one task to the next, and can react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They are often unhappy, and their irritability is caused by chronic low-grade sadness or negativity. They might also have memory issues, feel intense anger, and may have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes switching tasks and can become absorbed in their job or pastime. They may not remember appointments or deadlines at home or at work, and they may not complete their chores or schoolwork. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when disapproved of by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD can be angry and stubborn, and might throw temper tantrums when their interests aren't accepted. They can be obsessive about specific activities, toys, and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their feelings, and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD can be difficult to recognize, especially in children. The majority of children don't understand the cause of their condition. It's due to their inability to switch their attention between different things. This is why it's essential to seek out help from an expert, as these youngsters are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This kind of ADD is typically treated with modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Sometimes, medications are prescribed, but this type of ADD is difficult to treat with stimulant drugs, since they can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to differentiate 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, which is having multiple disorders at the same time is a common occurrence and can affect up to half of those with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause problems at work, in school or in social situations. treat adult adhd of ADD could result in low performance and feelings of inadequacy. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid difficult tasks and events, believing they won't do well.
They are also afraid of being judged and being criticized. They hide their problems to others. These people can be so stressed and anxious that they have panic attacks. They can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in a pounding heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing. Unlike 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 PFC and can make it difficult for these individuals focus.
If a person with ADHD or ADD has anxiety their symptoms are generally more difficult to treat than those of someone who isn't suffering from anxiety. This is due to the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate brain activity, can increase anxiety among people with anxious ADD.
The psychiatrists at Amen Clinics employ functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning, to determine which areas of the brain are areas of low or high levels of activity. This allows them to differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD and determine the best treatment for each individual.
A psychiatrist will collect an entire medical record and conduct a physical exam to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD or ADD. In addition, he / she may ask questions about mood and behavior to assess the overall health of a patient. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients need other therapies in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other relaxation techniques. This will help increase their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the brain's temporal lobe, which is responsible for mood and memory. People with this type of ADD struggle to process and store information and experience mood swings and have extreme anger or aggression issues. They also are often affected by a variety of sensory issues, like feeling like they've experienced déjà vu, experiencing shadows or objects changing shapes and hearing sounds that other people can't hear. They are sensitive, irritable and easily overstimulated.
The symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans disorganization, difficulty in staying on task and procrastinating. However, this kind of ADD doesn't cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in females. People suffering from this type of ADD might have low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which can lead to feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this instance QEEG scans of ADD brain reveal that people with Overfocused ADD are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They have normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are not able to move from one thought or task to another, and are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviours.
This is a form of ADD which means that people are highly motivated and hardworking however, they tend to get easily distracted by unimportant or non-essential tasks. They can get lost and be embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They may experience difficulties in relationships because of their tendency to be reactive and impulsive. They also have issues managing multiple tasks and working with others. In certain situations, they can suffer from depression or anxiety. They may be susceptible to panic attacks, and are susceptible to hallucinations. Medications are not usually advised for this kind of ADD as they don't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.