ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often related to issues at home, school or at work. The psychiatric condition isn't easy to identify and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is most commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health professionals utilize the SPECT brain imaging method to diagnose ADHD.
The symptoms of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. The use of stimulants and antidepressants can ease the symptoms.
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 those suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have less activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which promotes motivation, focus and a sense of calm. People with this type have a hard to focus their attention and are easily distracted by distractions and noises, and have short attention spans. They also have difficulty sleeping and frequently wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety or nightmares. They can be easily annoyed and are often angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is characterized by all the classic ADD symptoms as well as a difficulty in shifting their attention from one thought to the next and from one task to another. They have a sensitivity to noise, light, and touch and they talk too fast and are impulsive and easily triggered into mean behavior. They have periods of moodiness and low energy levels, are quick to get angry and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to mistake limbic ADD with depression. But it is different because it increases activity in the limbic part of the brain at 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 alertness, focus and mood as well as mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to regulate neural activity and stop nerve cells from over-firing or firing erratically and liver support.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can result in frustration and irritability, as well as low self-esteem. adhd in adults treatment 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 sufferers tend to get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that trigger excessive worry. This is due to rigid behavior that is similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with OCD are often threatened emotionally when they are required to shift their focus from one task to the next and respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
These people tend to have a short temper, with their irritability coming from a constant low-grade sadness or negativity "glass half-empty syndrome" and often feeling of despair and a sense of worthlessness. They may also struggle with memory problems, experience severe anger, and have a short fuse.
People with hyperfocused ADD might be rigid when it comes to switching tasks and can become absorbed in their hobbies or work. They may not remember appointments or deadlines at work or at home and may not finish their schoolwork or chores. They can also be very stubborn and resentful when they are punished or reprimanded by their teacher or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD are often angry and obstinate, and they might throw temper tantrums when their interests are not respected. They may be obsessed with particular toys, activities, and video games. They can also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This type of ADD is difficult to diagnose, especially for children. Children often don't realize the cause of their condition. It's caused by their inability to shift their focus from one thing to another. It is essential to talk to an expert as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This type of ADD is usually treated using modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of ADD is extremely difficult to treat, even with stimulant medication as it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to differentiate between the seven types of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. This is a comorbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common and affects up to half of all people suffering from 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 may cause problems at work, in school or in social situations. This type of ADD may result in low performance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events because they believe they'll fail.
They also fear being judged or being criticized. Because of this, they often hide their troubles from others. In some instances, people are so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be serious and life-threatening. They can cause heart pounding, sweating and difficulty breathing. In contrast to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia and the amygdala. These organs operate on an instinctual basis and prioritize safety. This can shut down PFC and can make it difficult for people with this disorder to concentrate.
If someone with ADHD or ADD has anxiety their symptoms are generally more difficult to manage than those of a person who doesn't have anxiety. This is because treatment protocols for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate the brain could increase anxiety in those with anxious ADD by reducing the activity of their PFC.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists utilize functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scans to determine which areas of the brain have more or less activity are occurring. This helps them differentiate between the seven types of brain and determine the best treatment.
A psychiatrist will gather an entire medical record and conduct a physical examination to diagnose the condition of ADD/ADHD. Additionally, he or will ask questions about mood and behavior to assess the overall health of a patient. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, but most patients require other therapies as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This will help increase their ability to manage their moods and overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain, which is responsible both for memory and mood. This type of ADD is characterised by a problem learning and storage of information and mood swings, as well as severe anger or aggression issues. They may also suffer from sensory issues like feeling like they're in a dream, seeing shadows or objects change shape, or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They tend to be irritable and sensitive, and often become overstimulated by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD has the same symptoms as Classic ADD. These include short attention spans and disorganization. It also includes difficulty staying on task or following instructions. This type of ADD is not associated with an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in females. This type of ADD is characterized by low levels of dopamine in the brain which can lead to feelings of low motivation or a lack of self-regulation. Some of the symptoms include difficulty sleeping and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this instance brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain indicate that people suffering from over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gyrus, the brain's "gear shifter," but they are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They are not able to move from one task or thought to the next, and they become stuck in negative thinking patterns and behavior.
This is a type of ADD that is characterized by people who are extremely motivated and productive but tend not to pay attention to important tasks. They can get lost and feel embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They may be struggling in relationships because of their tendency to be reactive and impulsive. They also have issues multitasking and working with others. In some instances, they might be depressed or anxious. They are susceptible to panic attacks, and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medication is not recommended for this type of ADD as it doesn't treat the root of the symptoms.