ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often associated with problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric illness isn't easy to identify and manage.
The psychiatric disorder is most often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals employ brain imaging using SPECT to determine ADHD.
The symptoms of classic 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. The scans of the brain reveal that people with this type can maintain normal levels of activity during concentration and rest in the prefrontal cortex but have decreased activity in their cerebellum and basal ganglia. These areas help produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, calmness, and focus. This type has a limited attention span, and is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli and has a hard time shifting attention. They also have difficulty falling asleep and are often woken up during the night with anxiety or nightmares. They can be easily annoyed and can be easily angry.
Those with Ring of Fire ADD have all the symptoms of the classic ADD However, they also have trouble shifting their focus from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, sound and even touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy levels, are quick to get angry, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilt.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it's different than depression because it is associated with increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the part that determines our emotional tone and controls how happy or sad we feel) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both rest and during concentration. It can be treated with supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP) as well as saffron, inositol, which improve alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA is also helpful to calm neural activity, inhibiting nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or in excess.
It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder which can also result in frustration and irritability, as well as 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 appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and that is why it's frequently mistakenly diagnosed. They can be emotionally upset when requested to switch their focus between different activities, and they may react with a resentful or argumentative behavior.
These people are likely to have an inability to keep their cool, with their irritability coming from a persistent low-grade sadness or negativity "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequently feeling hopeless and a sense of worthlessness. They may also have trouble learning, struggle with memory issues, or feel intense anger and aggression.
People who suffer from over-focused ADD are unable to adapt when it comes to changing tasks, and may be captivated by their work or hobbies. They may forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and may not finish their schoolwork or chores. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when they are disapproved of by their parents or teachers.
Children with overfocused ADD have a high degree of irritability and stubbornness, and may be prone to throwing inconsolable tantrums when their interests are trampled on. They can be how to treat depression and adhd obsessive about specific activities, toys, and video games. They may also have trouble in expressing their emotions and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This type of ADD can be difficult to identify, particularly for children. Children who show this behavior are often unable to comprehend that their issues are caused by a lack of ability to switch their focus from one task to another. It is important to speak with a professional as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This type of ADD can be treated with diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This kind of ADD is difficult to treat even with stimulant medications, because it can increase hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to identify the seven distinct kinds of ADD and is especially useful for diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, which is having more than one disorder simultaneously is a common occurrence and affects as much as half of those with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at work, at school or with social situations. This kind of ADD could cause low performance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People who suffer from anxiety ADD avoid challenging tasks or events because they fear that they won't be successful.
They also fear being criticised or considered a victim. They hide their problems to others. They can become so anxious and stressed that they have panic attacks. They can be extremely severe and life-threatening, causing sweating, a pounding heart and breathing problems. In contrast to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These organs operate on an instinctual basis and prioritize safety. This can shut down the PFC and can make it hard for these individuals to concentrate.
If a person suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to manage. This is because the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to increase brain activity, can actually increase anxiety in people who have anxious ADD.
The psychiatrists at Amen Clinics employ functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scanning to discover which areas of the brain are areas of low or high levels of activity. This helps them differentiate between the seven types of brain and determine the best treatment.
To diagnose ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist gathers a complete medical history and conducts an examination. He or she might also inquire about mood and behavior in order to assess the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in most cases, patients require other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy as well as nutrition, exercise sleep strategies, and desensitization. This can 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. This type of ADD is manifested by a lack of learning and storage of information and mood swings, as well as severe anger or aggression. They may also be suffering from sensory issues, such as experiencing deja vu and seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that others don't hear. They are often sensitive and irritable and are often overwhelmed by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD has the same symptoms as Classic ADD. These include short attention spans and disorganization. It also includes difficulty staying on task or following instructions. This kind of ADD does not cause 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 lead to feelings of low motivation or a lack of self-regulation. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anger and anxiety.
In this instance QEEG scans of ADD brain reveal that individuals with over-focused ADD are having difficulty shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They can't move from one thought or task to the next and are stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a type of ADD where people can be extremely motivated and hardworking however, they tend to be easily distracted by non-essential or unimportant tasks. They can lose track of their school work and their teachers or parents can become annoyed or ashamed of their behavior. They might have a difficult relationship because they can be impulsive or reactive, and have a hard time managing multiple tasks or working with other people. In some instances they may be depressed or anxious. They could be susceptible to hallucinations and panic attacks. Medications are typically not advised for this kind of ADD as it doesn't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.