ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are usually associated with problems at school, work or at home. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health specialists diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
Symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and unorganized. 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 show 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 that helps to increase motivation, focus and a sense of calm. People with this type have a difficult to focus their attention, are easily distracted by the noise or other stimuli and have short attention spans. They also have difficulty falling asleep and are often woken up at night with nightmares or anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and can be easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms however, it also has the difficulty of shifting their focus from one thought to another and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to light, noise, and touch and they talk too fast and are impulsive and easily provoked into a mean-spirited behaviour. They are prone to moodiness, low energy and anger. They can also get caught up in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to confuse the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. But it is different because it increases activity in the limbic part of the brain during time of rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated with supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol that increase alertness, focus and mood as well as mental clarity; amino acid GABA to regulate neural activity and stop nerve cells from firing too much or irregularly; and liver support.
It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can trigger irritability, anger and low self-esteem. adhd treatment adults between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant degree of irritability throughout the course of time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behavior patterns that resemble the ones of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is why it's often incorrectly diagnosed. These individuals often become threatened emotionally when required to shift their attention from one thing to another and may respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
These people tend to have an inability to keep their cool and their irritability stems from a chronic depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. They may also experience difficulties learning, struggle with memory issues, or feel intense anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes to switching tasks and can become absorbed in their hobbies or work. They may forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and may not finish their homework or chores. They can also be very stubborn and resentful if they are reprimanded or chastised by their teacher or parents.
adhd symptoms and treatment who have overfocused ADD exhibit a high level of stubbornness and irritability, and may be likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are violated. holistic treatment for adhd may be obsessed with a particular activity, toys and video games. They also have trouble expressing their feelings, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This kind of ADD is difficult to recognize, especially for children. Children who exhibit this behavior are often unable to comprehend 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 have their ADD misdiagnosed. This type of ADD is usually treated with dietary changes, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are sometimes prescribed, however this kind of ADD is difficult to treat with stimulant drugs, since they can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish between the seven kinds of ADD. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD have a high degree of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common and affects up to half of all sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Misdiagnosis may cause inappropriate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with school, work and social settings. This kind of ADD can result in low performance and feelings of inadequateness. People with anxious ADD tend to avoid difficult tasks and activities because they think they're not capable of completing the task.
They also fear being criticised or judged. This is why they often hide their problems from their peers. In some cases, people are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They cause heart pounding sweating, difficulty breathing and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is different from Classic ADD because it has an increased activity in the basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and prioritize security. This causes the brain to shut down the PFC and can make it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
If someone suffering from 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 may actually increase anxiety among people who suffer from anxiety ADD by decreasing activity in their PFC.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists utilize functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to determine where in the brain low and/or higher levels of activity are found. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types and determine the most effective treatment.
A psychiatrist will gather the complete medical history of a patient and conduct a physical exam to determine if the patient suffers from the condition of ADD/ADHD. Additionally, he or might ask questions regarding mood and behavior to assess a patient's overall functioning. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients require other therapies in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as nutrition and exercise sleep strategies, desensitization and other techniques to relax. This may increase their ability to manage their emotions and their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain, which is responsible both for memory and mood. This kind of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storing information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggression issues. They also are often affected by a variety of sensory issues, such as feeling like they have deja vu or experiencing shadows or objects changing shapes and hearing sounds that other people can't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and angry and are often overstimulated by certain things, such as 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 staying focused, and procrastinating. This type of ADD is not associated with hyperactivity or impulsivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in women. People suffering from 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 irritability or anxiety.
In this case, qEEG scans of the ADD brain show that those with Overfocused ADD have difficulties shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are not able to move from one task or thought to another, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors.
This is a type of ADD in which people are highly motivated and hardworking but have a tendency not to concentrate on their tasks. They may lose focus and be embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They may have a difficult relationship with others because they can be impulsive or reactive, and struggle managing multiple tasks or working with other people. In certain situations they may suffer from depression or anxiety. They may be susceptible to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. Medications for this type of ADD are not usually recommended, as they do not address the root reason for the symptoms.