ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is typically related to issues at home, school or at work. The psychiatric disorder is difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals utilize the SPECT brain imaging method to diagnose ADHD.
The signs of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. Treatments such as stimulants and antidepressants may 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. The scans of the brain reveal that people with this type of ADD are able to maintain normal activity while concentrating and rest in the prefrontal cortex, but have decreased activity in their cerebellum and the basal ganglia. These regions help to produce dopamine, which is an important neurotransmitter that is that is responsible for motivation, tranquility and focus. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and is unable to shift focus. They have difficulty falling asleep, and often awake in the middle of the night, battling anxiety. They are easily frustrated and are often angry.
Those with Ring of Fire ADD have all the symptoms of the classic ADD However, they also struggle to shift their attention from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, sound and even touch. They talk too quickly and are impulsive. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness and anger. They can also get caught up in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to mistake the condition of limbic ADD with depression. However, it's distinct because it stimulates 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 that improve alertness, focus and mood as well as mental clarity. They also use amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and prevent nerve cells from over-firing or firing irregularly; and liver support.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can cause irritability and frustration and low 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 sufferers often get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which is why it's often misdiagnosed. They can be emotional when they are asked to switch their attention between activities and may respond with a resentful or argumentative behavior.
They tend to be irritable and their irritability can be caused by a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They might also have memory issues, experience extreme anger, and may have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD might be rigid when it comes changing tasks and may become absorbed in their hobbies or work. They are prone to missing deadlines at work, and forgetting appointments at home, and may not complete homework or other school assignments. They can also be stubborn and resentful when they are punished by their parents or teachers.
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 activities, toys, and video games. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This type of ADD is more prevalent among children, and is difficult to identify. Children who show this behavior are often unable to comprehend that their problems are caused by an inability to change their attention from one task to the next. It's important to consult a professional as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This kind of ADD is usually treated with modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some 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 often used to distinguish the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly useful for diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD suffer from a high level of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common and affects the majority of sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and even more frustration.
Anxious ADD can lead to problems at work, school and social settings. This kind of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of unworthiness. People with anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or activities because they fear they won't succeed.
They are also afraid of being judged or critiqued. This is why they often hide their troubles from their peers. In some cases, people are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They trigger heart pounding sweating, difficulty breathing and difficulty breathing. In contrast to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia and the amygdala. They operate on an instinctual basis and place a high priority on safety. This can shut down PFC and can make it difficult for people with this disorder to concentrate.
If someone suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD their symptoms are more difficult to treat. This is because treatment plans for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate the brain could actually increase anxiety in people with anxiety ADD due to a decrease in the activity of their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning to discover where in the brain there are high and/or low levels of activity. This allows them to differentiate between the seven different types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each person.
A psychiatrist will take 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 in order to assess the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medication is used to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. However, in the majority of cases patients also need other therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy, diet, exercise sleep strategies, desensitization and sleep strategies. This can enhance their ability to control their moods and overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD involves the brain's temporal lobe, which is responsible for mood and memory. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to retain and learn, experience mood instability, and have extreme anger or aggression issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues such as feeling deja vu when objects or shadows change shape or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They are irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.
This type of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also includes difficulties staying focused or following directions. However, visit the following post of ADD does not cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more common in women. This type of ADD is characterised by low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can cause feelings of low motivation or poor self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anger and anxiety.
In this case, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that people with Overfocused ADD are having difficulties shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one thought or task to another, and become stuck in negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
This is a type of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and hardworking but have a tendency not to focus on important tasks. They can lose track of their school work and teachers or parents can become annoyed or embarrassed by their behavior. They might have a difficult relationship with others because they can be unpredictable or reactive and struggle dealing with multitasking or working with others. In some instances, they might experience anxiety or depression. They may be susceptible to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. Medications are not usually recommended for this type of ADD, because it doesn't address the root cause of the symptoms.