ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually connected to problems at school, home or at work. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is most commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Mental health professionals use SPECT brain imaging to determine ADHD.
Some of the symptoms are being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. The use of 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. Scans of the brain show those suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, but decreased activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which helps to increase motivation, focus, and calmness. People with this type have a hard to focus their attention, are easily distracted by the noise or other stimuli and have a short attention span. They are unable to fall asleep, and often wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. They often feel overwhelmed by their emotions and have short tempers, and are quickly frustrated with tasks and easily angered.
People with Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of classic ADD However, they also have trouble shifting their attention from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise and even touch. They talk too fast and are indecisive. They are prone to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They also tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt-related feelings.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it is distinct from depression because it causes increased activity in the limbic portion of the brain (the area that sets our mood and determines how happy or sad we feel) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP inositol, saffron, and saffron that improve concentration, alertness and mood. They also improve mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to regulate neural activity and prevent nerve cells from over-firing or firing in a erratic manner and liver support.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can result in frustration and irritability, as well as low self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of frustration and irritability over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to manifest in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which cause excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors similar to people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can become emotionally upset when they are asked to shift their attention between tasks and can respond with a resentful or argumentative behavior.
They are prone to having a short fuse and their irritability stems from a constant low-grade sadness or negativity "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequent feelings of hopelessness and desperation. They may also have trouble learning, struggle with memory issues, or feel intense anger and aggression.
People who have hyper-focused ADD may be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and may become absorbed in their work or hobby. They are prone to missing deadlines at work and not remembering appointments at home, and may not complete homework or other school assignments. They could also be stubborn and resentful when punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD show a high degree of irritability and stubbornness and may be prone to throwing inconsolable tantrums when their interests are trampled on. They may be obsessed with specific toys, activities and video games. They can also have difficulty expressing their feelings and be very sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This type of ADD can be difficult to recognize, especially when it affects children. Children who exhibit this type of behavior are often unable to comprehend the cause of their problems. by a lack of ability to switch their attention from one task to the next. This is why it's important to seek the help of a professional, as children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This kind of ADD is treatable with diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this type of ADD can be difficult to treat using stimulant drugs, since they can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to differentiate the seven distinct kinds of ADD, and is particularly helpful for diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, affecting about half of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at work, in school or with social situations. This type of ADD may cause low performance and feelings of inadequateness. People who suffer from anxiety ADD avoid challenging tasks or events because they are afraid they won't be successful.
They are also afraid of being judged or critiqued. They are afraid of being judged or criticised. others. In some cases, these sufferers are so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. They can be extremely severe and life-threatening, causing sweating, a heart that is pounding, and difficulty breathing. Contrary to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These organs operate on an instinctual basis and place a high priority on safety. This causes a shutdown of PFC and can make it difficult for these individuals concentrate.
If a person suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety their symptoms are more difficult to manage. This is because treatment protocols for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate the brain may increase anxiety in those who suffer from anxiety ADD by decreasing the activity of their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scanning to discover which areas of the brain are low and/or high levels of activity. This helps them distinguish between the seven types and determine the best method of treatment.
To diagnose ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist collects a full medical history and conducts physical examination. He or she might also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior in order to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients require other treatments as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, 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 of the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to process and store information, experience mood instability, and have extreme anger or aggression issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues such as feeling deja vu and seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They tend to be irritable and sensitive, and often become overstimulated by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.
This kind of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. Iam Psychiatry include low attention spans and disorganization. It also includes difficulty in staying focused or following directions. However, this kind of ADD doesn't cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in females. People suffering from this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which can cause feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this case, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD are experiencing difficulties shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They aren't able to shift from one task or thought to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD where people are highly motivated and hardworking but tend not to concentrate on their tasks. They can get lost and be embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They may have a difficult relationship due to their tendency to be impulsive or reactive, and have difficulty dealing with multitasking or working with other people. In certain situations, they can be depressed or anxious. They can be prone to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medication is not recommended for this type of ADD as they don't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.