ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is typically related to issues at school, home or at work. The psychiatric illness isn't easy to identify and treat.
The psychiatric condition is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health experts diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
Some of the symptoms are being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. 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 have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, however they have less activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter which enhances focus, motivation and a sense of calm. People with this type have a difficult in shifting their focus, are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have shorter attention spans. They also have trouble falling asleep and are often woken up at night with anxiety or nightmares. They can be easily annoyed and often get angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is defined by all the standard ADD symptoms, but also by the difficulty of shifting their focus between thoughts and between tasks. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch. They talk too quickly and are indecisive. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy, are quick to anger and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to mix limbic ADD with depression. However, adhd untreated in adults is different in that it boosts activity in the limbic region of the brain at rest and when concentrating. It can be treated by supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol that increase alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to calm neural activity, inhibiting nerve cells from firing irregularly or too frequently.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause irritability, frustration, and poor self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms is more prone to constant anger and frustration over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers often get stuck in negative patterns of thoughts and behaviors that trigger excessive worry. This is due to rigid behavior that is similar to those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They may become angry when requested to switch their focus between tasks and can respond with a resentful or argumentative behavior.
They are prone to having a short fuse and their irritability stems from a chronic depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome," and frequent feelings of hopelessness and a sense of worthlessness. They might also have memory issues, feel intense anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD are inflexible when it comes to changing tasks, and can be captivated by their work or interests. They may forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and may not complete their homework or chores. They could also be stubborn and resentful when they are disapproved of by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD are often angry and stubborn, and might throw temper tantrums when their interests aren't respected. They may be obsessed with certain activities such as toys and video games. They may also have difficulty expressing their feelings and 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 problems are caused by a lack of ability to switch their focus from one task to another. It's important to consult an expert as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This type of ADD is usually treated with modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of ADD is difficult to treat, even with stimulant medication as it can cause the intensity 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 more than one disorder simultaneously, is common and affects as much as half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and incorrect diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems at school, at work, or with social situations. This kind of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of inadequacy. People who suffer from anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or activities because they are afraid they won't be successful.
They also fear being criticised or judged. This is why they tend to hide their issues from their peers. People with anxiety can become so anxious and stressed that they have panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They can cause heart pounding sweating, difficulty breathing and difficulty breathing. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These organs operate on an instinctual basis and place a high priority on safety. This causes the brain to shut down the PFC which makes it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
If someone with ADD/ADHD has anxiety the symptoms are typically more difficult to manage than those of someone who isn't suffering from anxiety. This is because treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to increase brain activity, can increase anxiety among people with anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists utilize functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to identify the areas of the brain where low and/or higher levels of activity are present. This helps them distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the most effective treatment.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist collects a full medical history and performs a physical exam. They may also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior in order to assess the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in the majority of cases, patients 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 performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. This kind of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storage of information and mood swings, as well as severe anger or aggression issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues like feeling like they're in a dream and seeing shadows or objects change form or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and irritable and are often overstimulated by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.
Symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those in Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in staying focused and procrastinating. However, this type of ADD does not cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in women. People with this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can cause feelings of low motivation and poor self-regulation. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this instance QEEG scans of the ADD brain show that those with over-focused ADD are experiencing difficulties shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to shift from one task or thought to another, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD where people are highly motivated and hardworking but have a tendency not to pay attention to important tasks. They can get lost and be embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They might have a difficult relationship due to their tendency to be hyper-active or reactive, and have a hard time with multitasking or working with other people. In some cases, they can experience anxiety or depression. They may be susceptible to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD are not usually advised, since they don't address the underlying causes of symptoms.