ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is typically related to issues at school, home or work. The psychiatric disorder isn't easy to identify and manage.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly used term for this psychiatric condition. Mental health specialists diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
Symptoms of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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. The scans of the brain show that people suffering from this type are able to maintain normal activity while concentrating and at rest in the prefrontal cortex but have decreased activity in their cerebellum and the basal ganglia. These regions help to produce dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that is that is responsible for motivation, calmness and concentration. treating adult add has a shorter attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and is unable to shift attention. They are unable to fall asleep and frequently awake in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They often feel overwhelmed by emotions and have an impulsive personality, getting quickly annoyed by tasks and easily angered.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the symptoms of classic ADD however, they also have difficulty shifting their attention from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to noise, light and even touch. They talk too fast and are indecisive. They are prone to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They also tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to confuse the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. However, it is different in that it boosts activity in the limbic part of the brain during the moment of rest and while concentrating. It can be treated with supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP), saffron and inositol which increase alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also help slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or too frequently.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can trigger irritability, anger, and poor self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms is more prone to constant frustration and irritability over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to manifest in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients often get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior that result in excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is the reason it's often incorrectly diagnosed. They are often frightened emotionally when they are required to shift their focus from one thing to another, and can react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They tend to be unhappy and their irritability may be caused by chronic low-grade sadness or negativity. They might also have memory problems, experience severe anger, and may have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD are unable to adapt when it comes to changing tasks, and may become highly captivated by their work or interests. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work, and they may not complete their schoolwork or chores. They can also be stubborn and resentful when punished by their parents or teachers.
Children with overfocused ADD show a high degree of irritability and stubbornness, and may be likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are not respected. They might be obsessed with a particular activity, toys and video games. They also have trouble expressing their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD can be difficult to identify, particularly when it affects children. Children who exhibit this behavior are often unable to comprehend that their problems are caused by an inability to change their focus from one task to another. It's important to consult an expert since these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This kind of ADD is typically treated with diet changes, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this kind of ADD is difficult to treat with stimulant medications, as these can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to differentiate the seven distinct types of ADD and is especially helpful for diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD have a high degree of anxiety. Comorbidity, or having more than one disorder at the same time, is common and can affect up to half of those with 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 at work, in school or in social situations. This kind of ADD can cause low performance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and activities because they think they won't do well.
They also fear being criticised or judged. They hide their problems to others. In some instances, sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they experience panic attacks. These can be very severe and life-threatening, causing 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 as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on safety. This shuts down PFC and can make it difficult for those with this condition to concentrate.
When a person has ADD/ADHD and anxiety 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 could increase anxiety in those with anxiety ADD due to a decrease in the activity in their PFC.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scans to identify which areas of the brain have low and/or higher levels of activity are found. This helps them differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each person.
A psychiatrist will gather a complete medical record and conduct a physical examination to determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD. In addition, he / will ask questions about behavior and mood to determine the patient's overall performance. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD, but in most cases, patients require other treatments too, including cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization, and other techniques for relaxation. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to learn and store information and experience mood swings and have intense anger or aggression issues. They also often 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 are often irritable and sensitive, and often become overstimulated by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include short attention spans and disorganization. It also includes difficulty staying on task or following instructions. However, this type of ADD doesn't cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. 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 depression or poor self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anger and anxiety.
In this case, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to shift from one task or thought to another, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors.
This is a kind of ADD where individuals can be highly motivated and hardworking but they also have a tendency to get distracted by unimportant or non-essential tasks. They can get lost in their schoolwork, and their teachers or parents can become tired or ashamed of their behavior. They might have a difficult relationship due to their tendency to be hyper-active or reactive, and struggle managing multiple tasks or working with others. In some instances, they might suffer from depression or anxiety. They might be susceptible to panic attacks and hallucinations. The use of medication is not recommended for this type of ADD as it doesn't address the root cause of the symptoms.