ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is typically related to issues at home, school or work. The psychiatric disorder is difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals utilize brain imaging using SPECT to diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. Treatments such as 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 at rest and during concentration, but decreased activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia, which help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter which helps to increase motivation, focus and calmness. People with this type have a difficult time shifting their attention and are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have shorter attention spans. They are unable to fall asleep and frequently wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. They are easily frustrated and often get angry.
People with Ring of Fire ADD have all the symptoms of classic ADD However, they also have difficulty shifting their attention from one thought to another thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise, and touch and talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily triggered to a negative behavior. They have periods of moodiness and fatigue, are quick to anger and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to mistake the condition of limbic ADD with depression. But it is different in that it boosts activity in the limbic area of the brain during time of rest and during concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP inositol, saffron, and saffron, which boost concentration, alertness and mood. They also improve mental clarity. They also use amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and stop nerve cells from firing too much or in a erratic manner and liver support.
It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which also can trigger irritability, anger and low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of anger and frustration over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which cause excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behavior that is similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They are often frightened emotionally when they are asked to shift their attention from one thing to another, and can respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.
They are often angry and their irritability can be caused by a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They may also struggle with memory issues, feel intense anger, and have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD might be rigid when it comes switching tasks and can become absorbed in their hobbies or work. They are prone to missing deadlines at work and not remembering appointments at home, and may not complete chores or school assignments. They can also be resistant and angry when they are disciplined or punished by their teacher or parents.
Children who have overfocused ADD exhibit a high level of irritability and stubbornness and are likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are not respected. They can be obsessive about specific toys, activities and video games. They may also have difficulty communicating their feelings and are very sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This type of ADD can be difficult to recognize, especially for children. These children often don't understand that their problem is due to their inability to switch their focus from one thing to another. It is important to speak with an expert as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This kind of ADD is usually treated with modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of ADD is difficult to treat even with stimulant medications, because it can increase hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to identify the seven distinct kinds of ADD and is especially useful in diagnosing over-focused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common, impacting up to half of all people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can result in inappropriate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD may cause problems at school, at work or in social situations. This kind of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of unworthiness. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events, believing they'll fail.
They also fear being criticized or judged. Due to this, they often hide their problems from their peers. In some cases, sufferers are so anxious and stressed that they experience 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 and the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on security. This causes the brain to shut down the PFC, which can make it difficult for people with ADD to focus.
If someone with anxiety or ADD their symptoms are generally more difficult to manage than those of someone who doesn't have anxiety. This is because treatment protocols for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate the brain could increase anxiety in those doctors who treat adhd in adults with anxiety ADD by decreasing the activity in their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to identify which areas of the brain have high and/or lower levels of activity are found. This allows them to distinguish between the seven kinds of ADD and determine the best treatment for each patient.
A psychiatrist will gather a complete medical record and conduct a physical exam to determine if a patient has the condition of ADD/ADHD. They may also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD but in most cases, patients require other treatments too, including cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other relaxation techniques. This may enhance their ability to control their emotions and their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD involves the temporal lobe in the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This type of ADD is characterized by a difficulty in learning and storage of information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggression. They may also suffer from sensory issues such as feeling like they're in a dream when objects or shadows change shape or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They are sensitive, irritable and easily overstimulated.
This type 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. This kind of ADD is not associated with hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more common in females. This type of ADD is characterized by low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can cause feelings of low motivation or poor self-regulation. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anger and anxiety.
In this instance, qEEG brain mapping scans of the brain reveal that individuals with over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate region which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are having trouble shifting gears. They are unable to move from one task or thought to the next and are stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a form of ADD which means that people are extremely motivated and hardworking but they also have a tendency to get easily distracted by unimportant or non-essential tasks. They can lose track and feel embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They might have a difficult relationship because they are unpredictable or reactive and struggle managing multiple tasks or working with other people. In certain situations, they can suffer from depression or anxiety. They may be prone hallucinations or panic attacks. Treatments for this type of ADD are not advised, since they do not address the underlying reason for the symptoms.