ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are often associated with problems at school, work or home. The psychiatric condition isn't easy to identify and manage.
The psychiatric disorder is most often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Mental health professionals employ SPECT brain imaging to determine ADHD.
The symptoms of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. 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 with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex 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 calmness. People with this type have a difficult to focus their attention and are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have a short attention span. They also have trouble 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 defined by all the standard ADD symptoms however, it also has the difficulty of shifting their attention from one thought to another and between tasks. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch and they talk too quickly and are impulsive, and easily provoked to a negative behaviour. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness and anger. They are also prone to getting stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, however it is distinct from depression because it has increased activity in the limbic portion of the brain (the part that determines our emotional tone and regulates how happy or sad we feel) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It can be treated by supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) as well as saffron, inositol which increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or in excess.
It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder which can also cause frustration and irritability as well as low self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to have symptoms that come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which trigger excessive worrying. This is due to rigid behaviors that are similar to those who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with OCD are often threatened emotionally when they are required to shift their focus from one activity to another and may respond with argumentative or oppositional behavior.
They are prone to having a short temper and their irritability stems from a persistent depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequently feeling hopeless and worthlessness. They might also have memory issues, experience extreme anger, and may have a short fuse.
People with hyperfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and may become absorbed in their work or hobby. They are more likely to miss deadlines at work and forgetting appointments at home, and they might not finish tasks or school assignments. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when disapproved of by their teachers or parents.
Children who have overfocused ADD have a high degree of irritability and stubbornness, and are likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are violated. treatment of add in adults might be obsessed with certain activities such as toys and video games. They also have trouble expressing their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is difficult to identify, particularly in children. Children who show this behavior may have difficulty understanding that their problems are caused due to the inability of them to shift their focus from one task to the next. This is the reason it's crucial to seek the help of an expert, since children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family doctors and even psychologists. This kind of ADD is usually treated using modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is hard to treat even with stimulant medications as it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to differentiate between the seven different types of ADD. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD suffer from a high level of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common and affects about half of sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Misdiagnosis may result in inadequate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with work, school, and social situations. This type of ADD can result in low performance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxiety ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and activities because they think they won't do well.
They also fear being judged or criticised. Because of this, they often hide their troubles from others. These people can be so anxious and stressed that they have panic attacks. These can be very dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in sweating, a heart that is pounding, and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is different from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and prioritize security. This can shut down the PFC, which can make it hard for these individuals to concentrate.
If a person suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to manage. This is due to treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to increase brain activity, can increase anxiety in people who have anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to identify where in the brain high and/or lower levels of activity are found. This allows them to differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD and determine the best treatment for each person.
To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist collects a full medical history and conducts an examination. The doctor may also inquire about mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are prescribed to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in the majority of instances, patients also require other therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, nutrition sleep strategies, desensitization and sleep strategies. This may increase their ability to manage their emotions and their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. People with this type of ADD struggle to learn and store information and experience mood swings and are prone to extreme anger or aggression issues. They may also suffer from sensory issues, such as experiencing deja vu, seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and irritable, and often become overstimulated by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD has the same symptoms as Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also has difficulties staying focused or following directions. This kind of ADD is not associated with hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD occurs more often in women. This kind of ADD is characterized by low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can result in feelings of depression or insufficient self-regulation. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anxiety and irritability.
In this case, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that people with Overfocused ADD are having difficulty shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one task or thought to the next, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviours.
This is a type of ADD which means that people are extremely motivated and hardworking, but they have a tendency to get distracted by unimportant or non-essential tasks. They can lose track of their school work, and their teachers or parents are often annoyed or ashamed of their behavior. They may experience difficulties in relationships due to their tendency be reactive and impulsive. They also have trouble multitasking and working in a group. In certain situations, they could suffer from depression or anxiety. They can be prone to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. Medications are typically not recommended for this type of ADD as it doesn't treat the root of the symptoms.