ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often related to issues at home, school or work. The psychiatric illness isn't easy to identify and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly used term for this psychiatric disorder. Mental health professionals use SPECT brain imaging to diagnose ADHD.
The signs of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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. Scans of the brain show people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, but decreased activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to increase motivation, focus and a sense of calm. This type has a limited attention span, and is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli and has a hard time shifting attention. They also have difficulty sleeping and frequently wake up at night with anxiety or nightmares. They often feel overwhelmed by emotions and have a short fuse, becoming quickly annoyed by tasks and easily angered.
People with Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of the classic ADD however, they also struggle to shift 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 triggered into a mean-spirited behaviors. They experience periods of depression and low energy, are quick to get angry, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilt.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, but it's distinct from depression because it causes increased activity in the limbic region of the brain (the area that sets our emotional tone and regulates how happy or sad we are) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both rest and during concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP inositol, saffron, and saffron that increase alertness, focus and mood. They also improve mental clarity; amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and stop nerve cells from firing too much or in a erratic manner; and liver support.
It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder that can result in frustration and irritability, as well as low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of anger and frustration over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behavior that result in excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behavior that is similar to those who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with OCD are often threatened emotionally when required to shift their attention from one task to the next, and can respond with argumentative or oppositional behavior.
They tend to be unhappy, and their irritability is caused by chronic low-grade depression or sadness. They may also have trouble learning, have memory issues, or experience severe anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD might be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and may become absorbed in their work or hobby. They may forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and may not complete their chores or schoolwork. They can also be stubborn and resentful when they are punished or reprimanded by their parents or teacher.
Children who have overfocused ADD exhibit a high level of irritability and stubbornness and may be susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are violated. They may be obsessed with particular activities, toys and video games. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings and are very sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is difficult to recognize, especially for children. Children often don't realize that their issue is caused by their inability shift their attention from one thing to the next. It's important to consult an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This kind of ADD can be treated with diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this type of ADD can be difficult to treat using stimulant drugs, since they can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish the seven distinct kinds of ADD and is especially useful for diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have high levels of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, affecting the majority of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD may cause problems at work, at school or with social situations. This type of ADD could result in low performance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxious ADD tend to avoid difficult tasks and activities because they think they'll fail.
They also fear being judged or considered a victim. This is why they often hide their troubles from others. They can become so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. These can be very life-threatening and cause a pounding heart, sweating and breathing problems. Anxious ADD differs from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the Basal ganglia, as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and prioritize security. This can shut down PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to concentrate.
If someone suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety their symptoms are more difficult to treat. This is due to treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to stimulate brain activity, can increase anxiety in people who have anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning, to learn where in the brain there are areas of low or high levels of activity. This allows them to distinguish between the seven kinds of ADD and determine the best treatment for each patient.
A psychiatrist will collect an entire medical record and conduct a physical exam to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD or ADD. adhd treatment adults may also inquire about mood and behavior in order to assess the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, but in most cases, patients require other treatments in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other techniques to relax. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This type of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storing information, mood instability and severe anger or aggression. They also are often affected by a variety of sensory issues, like feeling like they've experienced deja vu or seeing shadows or objects change forms and 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.
This type of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include short attention spans and disorganization. It also presents with difficulty staying on task or following directions. This kind of ADD does not cause excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in females. People suffering from this type of ADD may have low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which can lead to feelings of depression and low self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anger and anxiety.
In this case, qEEG brain mapping scans of the brain indicate that people with over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gland, the brain's "gear shifter," but they are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They are unable to move from one task or thought to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a kind of ADD where individuals can be highly motivated and productive however, they have a tendency to get easily distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They may lose track of their schoolwork, and their parents or teachers are often annoyed or embarrassed by their behavior. They might have a difficult time in relationships because they are impulsive or reactive, and have difficulty managing multiple tasks or working with others. In some instances, they might be depressed or anxious. They can be prone to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD are not recommended, as they do not address the underlying reason for the symptoms.