ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually associated with problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric illness can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric condition is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health specialists diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and unorganized. Medications like stimulants and antidepressants can aid in overcoming.
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 show that people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, but decreased activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus, and calmness. People with this type have a difficult time shifting their attention and are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have shorter attention spans. They have trouble falling asleep and frequently awake in the middle of the night, battling anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and are often angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is defined by all the standard ADD symptoms however, it also has a difficulty in shifting their attention from one thought to another and between tasks. They are sensitive to light, noise and even touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They are prone to moodiness, low energy and anger. They can also get caught up in negative thoughts and guilt-related feelings.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, however it is distinct from depression because it has increased activity in the limbic region of the brain (the area that sets our mood and determines the level of happiness or sadness we feel) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex 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 that increase focus, alertness, mood, and mental clarity; amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and inhibit nerve cells from firing too much or erratically; and liver support.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder, which can result in frustration and irritability, as well as low 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 appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behaviors which cause excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is why it's frequently mistakenly diagnosed. They can be angry when asked to switch their attention between activities and may respond with a resentful or argumentative behavior.
These people tend to have a short temper and their anger stems from a persistent low-grade sadness or negativity "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequently feeling hopeless and a sense of worthlessness. They may also have trouble learning, have memory issues, or experience severe anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD are unable to adapt when they have to change tasks, and can become enthralled by their hobbies or work. They may not remember appointments or deadlines at home or at work and may not complete their homework or chores. They can also be stubborn and resentful when punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD show a high degree of irritability and stubbornness and may be susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are trampled on. They may be obsessed with specific activities, toys, and video games. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings and are extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is more prevalent among children, and can be difficult to recognize. Children often don't realize that their problem is caused by their inability to switch their focus from one thing to the next. This is why it's important to seek the help of a professional, as children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This type of ADD is treatable with nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant medications, as these can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to differentiate between the seven types of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD have a high degree of anxiety. This is a comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, impacting the majority of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and even more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with school, work and social situations. This type of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of inadequacy. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and activities because they think they won't do well.
They also fear being judged or criticised. This is why they tend to hide their issues from their peers. They can become so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. click here to read cause an increase in heart rate, sweating and difficulty breathing. 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 shuts down PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to concentrate.
If someone suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is because treatment plans for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate the brain can actually increase anxiety in people who suffer from anxiety ADD by decreasing the activity of their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning, to determine where in the brain there are high and/or low levels of activity. This helps them distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the best treatment.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and performs a physical exam. The doctor might also inquire about mood and behavior in order to assess the patient's overall performance. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD but in most cases, patients require other therapies too, including cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization, and other relaxation techniques. This can enhance their ability to control their emotions and improve their overall function.
click here to read of ADD affects the brain's temporal lobe which is responsible for mood and memory. People with this type of ADD struggle to retain and learn they experience mood instability and suffer from severe anger or aggression issues. They also suffer from various sensory issues, such as feeling like they've experienced déjà vu, seeing shadows or objects change forms and hearing sounds that other people can't hear. They tend to be sensitive and angry and are often overwhelmed by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those seen in Classic ADD, including short attention spans disorganization, difficulty in following directions or staying focused and procrastinating. This type of ADD does not cause an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more common in females. This type of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can result in feelings of depression or poor self-regulation. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this instance, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are not able to move from one thought or task to another, and they get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviours.
This is a kind of ADD where individuals can be highly motivated and hardworking but they also tend to be easily distracted by non-essential or unimportant tasks. They can lose track and feel embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They may have difficulty in relationships due to their tendency to be reactive and impulsive. They also have difficulty managing multiple tasks and working with others. In some cases, they can experience anxiety or depression. They can be prone to panic attacks, and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medication is not advised for this kind of ADD, because it doesn't address the root cause of the symptoms.