ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently related to issues at work, school or home. The psychiatric illness can be difficult to diagnose and manage.
The psychiatric condition is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health specialists diagnose ADHD by using SPECT brain scans.
Symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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. Brain scans reveal that those with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have less activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia, which help make dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that enhances focus, motivation and a sense of calm. People with this type have a hard time shifting their attention, are easily distracted by distractions and noises, and have shorter attention spans. They also have trouble sleeping and frequently wake up during the night with anxiety or nightmares. They are easily frustrated and often get angry.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of the classic ADD, but they also struggle to shift their attention from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, sound, and touch. They talk too quickly and are impulsive. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy, are quick to anger and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, but it is distinct from depression in that it has increased activity in the limbic portion of the brain (the brain region that sets our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we feel) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol, which boost alertness, focus and mood as well as mental clarity; amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and inhibit nerve cells from firing too much or in a erratic manner and liver support.
It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can cause frustration and irritability as well as low self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD is more consistent in its degree of irritability throughout the course of time. Bipolar Disorder tends to have symptoms that come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD sufferers are often caught in negative thought patterns and behavior that cause excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behaviors that resemble the ones of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which is why it's frequently incorrectly diagnosed. They can become angry when asked to switch their attention between tasks and can respond with oppositional or argumentative behavior.
These people are likely to have a short fuse, with their irritability coming from a persistent depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome," and often feeling of despair and desperation. They might also have memory issues, experience extreme anger, and may have a short fuse.
People with overfocused ADD are inflexible when it comes to changing tasks, and could become enthralled by their work or hobbies. They are more likely to miss deadlines at work and forgetting appointments at home, and may not complete homework or other school assignments. They can also be very stubborn and resentful if they are reprimanded or chastised by their parents or teacher.
Children with overfocused ADD can be angry and obstinate, and they can throw temper tantrums if their needs are not being accepted. They can be obsessive about specific toys, activities and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This kind of ADD can be difficult to recognize, especially for children. Children often don't realize that their problem is caused by their inability to switch their attention from one thing to another. It's important to consult an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This kind of ADD is usually treated with modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is hard to treat even with stimulant medications as it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD. It is particularly useful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD have a high level of anxiety. Comorbidity, also known as having more than one disorder simultaneously, is common and affects as much as half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and further frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems at school, at work, or with social situations. This type of ADD may result in low performance and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxiety ADD avoid challenging tasks or activities because they fear they won't succeed.
They also fear being judged or criticised. They hide their problems to others. These people can be so stressed and anxious that they have panic attacks. They can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in a pounding heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing. In contrast to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia and the amygdala. They operate on an instinctual basis and prioritize safety. This shuts down PFC and makes it difficult for those with this condition to concentrate.
If a person suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is because treatment protocols for ADD/ADHD that are designed to click here stimulate the brain may actually increase anxiety among people who suffer from anxiety ADD by decreasing the activity in their PFC.
The psychiatrists at Amen Clinics employ functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning to discover where in the brain there are areas of low or high levels of activity. This helps them distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the most effective treatment.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist gathers a complete medical history and conducts physical examination. In addition, he / will ask questions about the patient's mood and behavior to evaluate the overall health of a patient. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD, but most patients require other therapies too, including cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other relaxation techniques. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD involves the temporal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for mood and memory. This kind of ADD is characterized by a difficulty in learning and storage of information as well as mood instability and extreme anger or aggression issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues, such as experiencing like they're in a dream and seeing shadows or objects change shape, or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They are often sensitive and angry, and often become overstimulated by certain activities, like 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 difficulties staying focused or following instructions. This type of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more common in females. This kind of ADD is characterised by low levels of dopamine in the brain which can cause feelings of low motivation or poor self-regulation. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this instance QEEG scans of ADD brain reveal that individuals with over-focused ADD are experiencing difficulties shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one thought or task to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a type of ADD where individuals can be extremely motivated and hardworking however, they tend to get distracted by unimportant or non-essential tasks. They may lose track of their school work, and their teachers or parents can become exhausted or embarrassed by their behavior. They may have a hard relationship because they can be impulsive or reactive, and have a hard time with multitasking or working with others. In some cases they may experience anxiety or depression. They could be susceptible to panic attacks and hallucinations. Treatments for this type of ADD are not usually advised, since they don't address the underlying causes of symptoms.