ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are usually connected to problems at school, work, or at home. The psychiatric disorder is difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly used term for this psychiatric condition. Mental health professionals employ brain imaging using SPECT to diagnose ADHD.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. Antidepressants and stimulants 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. Scans of the brain show those suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, but decreased activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter which helps to increase motivation, focus, and calmness. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli, and is unable to shift attention. They also have trouble falling asleep and often wake up at night with anxiety or nightmares. They often feel overwhelmed by emotions and have short tempers, and are quickly annoyed by tasks and easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms as well as a difficulty in shifting their focus between thoughts and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch. They talk too quickly and are highly impulsive. They experience periods of depression and low energy, are quick to get angry and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, however it is different than depression because it has increased activity in the limbic region of the brain (the brain region that sets our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we feel) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that improve concentration, alertness, mood, and mental clarity; amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing too much or in a erratic manner; and liver support.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which also can trigger irritability, anger, and poor self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has more consistent irritability and frustration over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to manifest in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers often get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. This is due to rigid behaviors that are similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They are often frightened emotionally when required to shift their attention from one thing to another and may react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
These people tend to have a short temper and their irritability stems from a constant low-grade sadness or negativity "glass half-empty syndrome," and often feeling of despair and worthlessness. They may also have trouble learning, struggle with memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD can be rigid when it comes switching tasks and can become absorbed in their job or pastime. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and may not complete their homework or chores. They could also be stubborn and resentful when reprimanded by their teachers or parents.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be irritable and obstinate, and they may throw tantrums if their interests are not accepted. They might be obsessed with particular activities like video games, toys, and toys. They also have difficulty expressing their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This type of ADD is more prevalent among children, and can be difficult to recognize. Children who exhibit this type of behavior often have trouble understanding that their issues are caused due to the inability of them to shift their attention from one task to another. It's important to consult an expert as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This kind of ADD is treatable with diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is hard to treat, even with stimulant medication, because it can increase hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to distinguish the seven distinct types of ADD and is especially helpful for diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common and affects the majority of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can be similar to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at work, at school or in social situations. This kind of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of unworthiness. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events because they believe they won't do well.
They are also afraid of being judged and being criticized. Because of this, they often hide their problems from others. In some cases, sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they experience panic attacks. These can be very life-threatening and cause sweating, a heart that is pounding, and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is distinct from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the basal ganglia and the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on safety. This can shut down the PFC and can make it hard for these individuals to concentrate.
If someone suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD their symptoms are more difficult to treat. This is because treatments for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to increase brain activity, may actually increase anxiety in people who have anxious ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to identify 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 best method of treatment.
A psychiatrist will collect a complete medical record and perform a physical examination to determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD. He or she may also ask about the patient's mood and behavior in order to evaluate the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medication is used to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in many cases patients also need other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, nutrition sleep strategies, desensitization and sleep strategies. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain, which is responsible both for memory and mood. This kind of ADD is characterised by a problem learning and keeping information in memory, mood instability and severe anger or aggressive issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues such as feeling deja vu, seeing shadows or objects change form or hearing sounds that others don't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.
This type of ADD has the same symptoms as Classic ADD. These include inattention spans that are short and disorganized. It also has difficulty in staying focused or following directions. However, this type of ADD does not cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more common in females. This kind of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain which can lead to feelings of low motivation or insufficient self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this instance, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with over-focused ADD are experiencing difficulties shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They can't move from one thought or task to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
Iam Psychiatry is a type of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and productive but have a tendency not to focus on important tasks. They can lose track and become embarrassed or tired due to their actions. They may be struggling in relationships due to their tendency to be reactive and impulsive. They also have issues multitasking and working with others. In some cases they may experience anxiety or depression. They may be prone hallucinations and panic attacks. Medications are not usually recommended for this type of ADD as it doesn't treat the root of the symptoms.