ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are usually related to issues at school, work, or home. The psychiatric disorder isn't easy to identify and treat.
The psychiatric condition is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health professionals employ the SPECT brain imaging method to diagnose ADHD.
The symptoms of typical 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. Brain scans reveal that those with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, but reduced activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps to increase motivation, focus and calmness. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli, and is unable to shift focus. adhd treatment adults have difficulty falling asleep and often wake up during the night with anxiety or nightmares. They can be easily annoyed and are often angry.
People suffering from 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 noise, light, and touch. They talk too quickly and are impulsive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy, are quick to anger, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilty feelings.
It is possible to mistake limbic ADD with depression. However, it's different because it increases activity in the limbic region of the brain when it is at rest and when concentrating. It can be treated by supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) as well as saffron, inositol that increase alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to calm neural activity, inhibiting nerve cells from firing erratically or excessively.
It is crucial to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which also can trigger irritability, anger and low self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of anger and frustration over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which result in excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behavior that is similar to those who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They may become emotional when they are they are asked to shift their attention between activities and may respond with a resentful or argumentative behavior.
These people tend to have an inability to keep their cool and their anger stems from a constant negative or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome," and frequently feeling hopeless and worthlessness. They may also struggle with memory issues, feel intense anger, and may have a short fuse.
People with hyperfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes switching tasks and can become absorbed in their job or pastime. They may forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and they might not complete their chores or schoolwork. They can also be very stubborn and resentful when they are reprimanded or chastised by their parents or teacher.
Children with hyper-focused ADD show a high degree of stubbornness and irritability, and may be susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are violated. They may be obsessed with specific toys, activities and video games. They may also have trouble expressing their feelings and be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is difficult to identify, particularly when it affects children. Children often don't realize that their problem is caused by their inability shift their focus between different things. This is the reason it's crucial to seek out help from an expert, as children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family doctors and even psychologists. This type of ADD can be treated using nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this type of ADD is difficult to treat using stimulant medications because they can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to distinguish between the seven types of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This is a comorbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common, affecting the majority of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to unsuitable treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause problems at school, at work or with social situations. This kind of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxiety ADD tend to avoid difficult tasks and events, believing they're not capable of completing the task.
They are also afraid of being judged and criticised. They hide their problems to others. In some cases, these people are so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be severe and life-threatening. They trigger an increase in heart rate, sweating and difficulty breathing. Contrary 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 are able to prioritize safety. This shuts down the PFC and can make it difficult for those with this condition to concentrate.
If a person suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is because treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among those with anxious ADD.
Psychiatrists at Amen Clinics use functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning, to determine where in the brain there are high and/or low levels of activity. This helps them differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each person.
A psychiatrist will take a complete medical record and conduct a physical examination to diagnose ADHD or ADD. In addition, he / might ask questions regarding behavior and mood to determine the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients need other therapies in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other relaxation techniques. holistic treatment for adhd may enhance their ability to control their moods and overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD is a problem with the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. This type of ADD is characterized by a difficulty in learning and storage of information, mood instability and severe anger or aggressive issues. They also suffer from various sensory issues, including feeling like they've experienced deja vu or experiencing shadows or objects changing shapes and hearing sounds that other people can't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and angry and are often overstimulated by certain things, 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 difficulty staying on task or following directions. This kind of ADD is not associated with an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in women. This kind of ADD is characterized by low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can cause feelings of depression or poor self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anger and anxiety.
In this instance QEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD have difficulties shifting gears. They have normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They aren't able to shift from one thought or task to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a form of ADD where individuals can be highly motivated and productive however, they have a tendency to get distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can lose track of their schoolwork, and their parents or teachers are often exhausted or ashamed of their behavior. They may have a hard time in relationships because they can be unpredictable or reactive and have a hard time managing multiple tasks or working with others. In certain situations, they can suffer from depression or anxiety. They may be prone hallucinations or panic attacks. The use of medication is not recommended for this type of ADD, because it doesn't address the root cause of the symptoms.