ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is typically connected to problems at school, home or work. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common name for this psychiatric condition. Mental health professionals use SPECT brain imaging to diagnose ADHD.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and unorganized. The use of 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 suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have reduced activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus and a sense of calm. This type has a shorter attention span, is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and is unable to shift focus. They have trouble falling asleep and frequently awake in the middle of the night, battling anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and often get angry.
Those with Ring of Fire ADD have all the hallmarks of classic ADD, but they also have difficulty shifting their attention from one thought to another thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to noise, light and even touch. They talk too quickly and are highly impulsive. They experience periods of depression and low energy, are easily angered and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it is distinct from depression in that it causes increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the area that sets our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we feel) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at both at rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol that increase alertness, focus and mood as well as mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing too much or irregularly; and liver support.
It is crucial to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can cause frustration, irritability and low self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of frustration and irritability over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to manifest in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which cause excessive worry. This is due to rigid behavior that is similar to those who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These individuals often become threatened emotionally when asked to shift their attention from one thing to another and respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
These people are likely to have a short fuse and their anger stems from a persistent depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome," and frequently feeling hopeless and worthlessness. They might also have difficulty learning, struggle with memory issues, or experience severe anger and aggression.
People who suffer from over-focused ADD are unable to adapt when they have to change tasks, and may be captivated by their work or hobbies. They are prone to missing deadlines at work and not remembering appointments at home, and they might not finish chores or school assignments. They can also be stubborn and resentful when punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD are often angry and stubborn, and they can throw temper tantrums if their interests are not accepted. They can be obsessive about particular toys, activities, and video games. They may also have trouble communicating their feelings and are very sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children. Children often don't realize that their issue is caused by their inability to switch their attention from one thing to the next. This is why it's essential to seek the help of an expert, since children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This kind of ADD is typically treated with diet changes, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Sometimes, medications are prescribed, but this type of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant medications because they can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to distinguish between the seven types of ADD. treating add is particularly useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This is a comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, impacting up to half of all sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with school, work and social settings. This kind of ADD may lead to low achievement and feelings of inadequacy. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid difficult tasks and events, believing they'll fail.
They also fear being criticized or considered a victim. They hide their problems to others. These people can be so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They cause an increase in heart rate sweating, breathing difficulties and difficulty. Anxious ADD is distinct from Classic ADD because it has an increased activity in the basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on safety. This shuts down PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to focus.
If a person suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD their symptoms are more difficult to manage. This is because treatment protocols for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate the brain may actually increase anxiety among people with anxious ADD by reducing the activity of their PFC.
Psychiatrists at Amen Clinics use functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning, to learn where in the brain there are high and/or low levels of activity. This helps them differentiate between the seven types of brain and determine the most effective treatment.
A psychiatrist will collect the complete medical history of a patient and perform a physical examination to determine if the patient suffers from ADD/ADHD. They might also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior in order to assess the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medication is used to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in the majority of instances, patients also require other therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy as well as nutrition, exercise sleep strategies, and desensitization. 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 process and store information and experience mood swings and have severe anger or aggression issues. They may also suffer from sensory issues, such as experiencing like they're in a dream when objects or shadows change shape or hearing sounds that others don't hear. They are often sensitive and irritable and are often overwhelmed by certain things, such as computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans disorganization, difficulty in following directions or staying focused, and procrastinating. This type of ADD does not cause excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more common in females. People suffering from this type of ADD may have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine which can cause feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this case brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain reveal that people suffering from Over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gland which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are struggling to shift gears. They are unable to move from one task or thought to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD where people can be extremely motivated and hardworking but they also have a tendency to be easily distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost and feel embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They may be struggling in relationships due to their tendency to be reactive and impulsive. They also have difficulty managing multiple tasks and working with others. In treat adult adhd may experience anxiety or depression. They could be susceptible to hallucinations and panic attacks. Medications for this type of ADD aren't usually recommended since they do not address the root cause of symptoms.