ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually connected to problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric disorder is difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most popular name used for this psychiatric disorder. Mental health professionals use brain imaging using SPECT to diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. 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 those with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, but reduced activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps to increase motivation, focus and calmness. This type has a limited attention span, is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and is unable to shift focus. They also have trouble falling asleep and are often woken up at night with nightmares or anxiety. They are easily frustrated and often get angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms, but also by a difficulty in shifting their focus from one thought to the next and from one task to another. They are sensitive to light, noise, and touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy, are quick to get angry and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to mix limbic ADD with depression. But it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic part of the brain during time of rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol, which boost alertness, focus and mood as well as mental clarity; amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and stop nerve cells from firing too much or irregularly and liver support.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder which can also cause frustration and irritability as well as low self-esteem. The distinction between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD is more consistent in its level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD sufferers are often caught in negative thoughts and behavior that cause excessive worry. This is due to rigid behaviors that are similar to those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can become emotional when they are asked to switch their attention between tasks and can respond by displaying a hostile or argumentative attitude.
They are often angry and their irritability may be due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negativity. They may also experience difficulties learning, experience memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.
People who suffer from over-focused ADD are not flexible when they have to change tasks, and may become enthralled by their work or hobbies. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work, and they may not finish their chores or schoolwork. They can also be resistant and angry when they are reprimanded or chastised by their teacher or parents.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be angry and obstinate, and they might throw temper tantrums when their interests are not recognized. They might be obsessed with certain activities such as toys and video games. They are also unable to express their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD is difficult to diagnose, especially in children. Children often don't realize that their problem is due to their inability to switch their attention from one thing to the next. It's important to consult a professional as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This type of ADD can be treated with diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is extremely difficult to treat even with stimulant medications as it can cause hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to identify the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly useful for diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have a high degree of anxiety. Comorbidity, which is having multiple disorders at the same time is a common problem and can affect up to 50% of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can result in inadequate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at school, at work or in social situations. This kind of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and activities because they think they're not capable of completing the task.
They also fear being criticized or being judged. This is why they often hide their problems from others. In some instances, people are so anxious and stressed that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be serious and life-threatening. They can cause a pounding of the heart sweating, difficulty breathing and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is distinct from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and prioritize safety. This shuts down the PFC, which can make it difficult for people with ADD to focus.
If someone with ADD/ADHD has anxiety, their symptoms are usually more difficult to manage than those of a person who isn't suffering from anxiety. This is because treatment plans for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate the brain could increase anxiety in those who suffer from anxiety ADD by reducing activity in their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to determine the areas of the brain where low and/or higher levels of activity are present. This helps them differentiate between the seven types and determine the most effective treatment.
A psychiatrist will take the complete medical history of a patient and perform a physical examination to determine if a restless legs adhd treatment patient has ADHD or ADD. In addition, he / might ask questions regarding mood and behavior to assess a patient's overall functioning. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, but in most cases, patients need other therapies too, including cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques to relax. This may enhance their ability to control their emotions and their overall functioning.
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 manifested by a lack of learning and keeping information in memory and mood swings, as well as severe anger or aggressive issues. They also suffer from various sensory issues, such as feeling like they have deja vu or seeing shadows or objects changing shapes, and hearing sounds other people don't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and irritable and are often overwhelmed by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD has similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also has difficulty in staying focused or following instructions. However, this type of ADD doesn't cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in women. This kind of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can result in feelings of low motivation or insufficient self-regulation. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anxiety and irritability.
In this case, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that people with over-focused ADD are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one thought or task to the next, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
This is a form of ADD where people can be highly motivated and hardworking, but they tend to get distracted by unimportant or non-essential tasks. They can get lost and feel embarrassed or exhausted by their behavior. They might have a difficult relationship with others because they can be impulsive or reactive, and have a hard time with multitasking or working with other people. In some cases they may suffer from depression or anxiety. They may be susceptible to panic attacks, and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD aren't usually recommended, as they do not address the root cause of symptoms.