ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually related to issues at school, home or work. The psychiatric disorder is difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric condition is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals use SPECT brain imaging to determine ADHD.
The symptoms of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. Medications like stimulants and antidepressants can aid in overcoming.
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 reveal that those suffering from this type can maintain normal activity while concentrating and at rest in the prefrontal cortex however, they have less activity in their cerebellum and basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is an important neurotransmitter that is that is responsible for motivation, tranquility and concentration. This type has a limited attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and is unable to switch attention. They also have difficulty sleeping and frequently wake up at night with nightmares or anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and can be easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms, but also by the difficulty of shifting their focus from one thought to another and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to light, sound and even touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy, are quick to get angry and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilty feelings.
Limbic ADD can be confused with depression, however it is distinct from depression because it causes increased activity in the limbic portion of the brain (the brain region that sets our emotional tone and controls how happy or sad we are) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at both rest and during 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 help calm neural activity, inhibiting nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or in excess.
It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which also can trigger irritability, anger, and poor self-esteem. The distinction between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which result in excessive worry. This is due to rigid behaviors that are similar to those who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can become emotional when they are requested to switch their focus between different activities, and they may react with a resentful or argumentative behavior.
They are often unhappy and their irritability can be caused by chronic low-grade sadness or negativity. They may also have trouble learning, have memory issues, or feel intense anger and aggression.
People with hyperfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes to switching tasks and can become absorbed in their job or pastime. They are more likely to miss deadlines at work, and not remembering appointments at home, and they might not finish homework or other school assignments. They can also be stubborn and resentful when reprimanded by their teachers or parents.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be angry and stubborn, and they can throw temper tantrums if their needs are not being recognized. They may be obsessed with specific activities, toys, and video games. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings and are extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This kind of ADD is difficult to diagnose, especially for children. These children often don't understand that their problem is caused by their inability switch their focus between different things. This is why it's important to seek help from 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 usually treated using modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is extremely difficult to treat even with stimulant medication as it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to distinguish the seven distinct types of ADD and is especially useful for diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, impacting about half of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and incorrect diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and further frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with school, work and social settings. This kind of ADD can cause under-performance and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxiety ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events because they believe they'll fail.
They also fear being criticised or being judged. Because of this, they often hide their problems from their peers. In some cases, sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they develop panic attacks. These can be very life-threatening and cause sweating, a heart that is pounding, and difficulty breathing. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala, which 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 a person suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD their symptoms are more difficult to treat. This is due to treatment strategies for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate the brain may actually increase anxiety among people with anxiety ADD by reducing activity in their PFC.
The psychiatrists at Amen Clinics employ functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scanning, to learn where in the brain there are low and/or high levels of activity. This allows them to differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each person.
To diagnose ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist gathers a complete medical history and performs a physical exam. In addition, he or will ask questions about behavior and mood to determine the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, but most patients require other treatments in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques to relax. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain, which is responsible both for memory and mood. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to retain and learn they experience mood instability and suffer from severe anger or aggression issues. They also suffer from various sensory issues, including feeling like they have déjà vu, experiencing shadows or objects changing forms and hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and irritable and are often overstimulated by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.
This type of ADD has the same symptoms as Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also includes difficulty in staying focused or following instructions. This type of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more common in women. People suffering from this kind of ADD might have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which contributes to their feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anger and anxiety.
In this case QEEG scans of ADD brain show that those with over-focused ADD are having difficulty shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). Iam Psychiatry are unable to move from one thought or task to another and get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD that is characterized by people who are extremely motivated and productive but have a tendency not to focus on important tasks. They can lose track of their schoolwork and teachers or parents can become tired or embarrassed by their behavior. They may have a hard relationship because they can be hyper-active or reactive, and have a hard time dealing with multitasking or working with others. In some instances, they can be depressed or anxious. They may be prone hallucinations or panic attacks. The use of medication is not recommended for this type of ADD as they don't treat the root of the symptoms.