ADD and Treatment

ADD and its treatment are frequently associated with problems at work, school or at home. The psychiatric illness can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or adhd impulsivity treatment. Mental health professionals employ SPECT brain imaging to diagnose ADHD.

Symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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. Scans of the brain show those with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, however they have less activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to increase motivation, focus and a sense of calm. This type has a shorter attention span, is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli and has a hard time shifting attention. They have difficulty falling asleep and frequently awake in the middle of the night with anxiety. They often feel overwhelmed by their emotions and have an impulsive personality, getting quickly annoyed by tasks and easily angry.

People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the hallmarks of the classic ADD, but they also have difficulty shifting their focus from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise, and touch. They talk too quickly and are highly impulsive. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy, are quick to get angry and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.

It is possible to mix limbic ADD with depression. However, it is different because it increases activity in the limbic region of the brain during time of rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol, which boost alertness, focus and mood as well as mental clarity. They also use amino acid GABA to calm neural activity and prevent nerve cells from over-firing or firing erratically; and liver support.

It is important to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can cause irritability and frustration and low self-esteem. The main difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to have symptoms that come in waves.

Overfocused ADD

Over-focused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that cause excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is why it's frequently misdiagnosed. They can be angry when asked to switch their attention between activities and may respond with a resentful or argumentative behavior.

They are often unhappy and their irritability may be due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They may also struggle with memory issues, experience extreme anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.

People with overfocused ADD can be rigid when it comes changing tasks and may become absorbed in their job or pastime. They may forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home, and they may not finish their chores or schoolwork. They can also be stubborn and resentful when disapproved of by their teachers or parents.

Children who have overfocused ADD show a high degree of stubbornness and irritability, and are susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are trampled on. They might be obsessed with certain activities, toys and video games. They may also have trouble expressing their feelings and be very sensitive to criticism or rejection.

This form of ADD is more prevalent in children and can be difficult to recognize. Children often don't realize that their issue is caused by their inability to switch their focus from one thing to another. It is important to speak with an expert as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This type of ADD is usually treated using modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of ADD is extremely difficult to treat, even with stimulant medication as it can cause hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to distinguish the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly useful in diagnosing over-focused ADD.

Anxious ADD

Many people suffering from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common and affects up to half of all people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment for adhd and further frustration.

Anxious ADD can cause problems with work, school, and social situations. This kind of ADD can result in low performance and feelings of inadequateness. People who suffer from anxiety ADD avoid difficult tasks or events because they fear they won't succeed.

They also fear being judged or being judged. They hide their problems to others. People with anxiety can become so anxious and stressed that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be serious and life-threatening. They can cause an increase in heart rate, sweating and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD differs from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the Basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and prioritize safety. This can shut down the PFC and can make it hard for these individuals to concentrate.

If a person suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is because treatment protocols for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate the brain can increase anxiety in those with anxious ADD due to a decrease in the activity in their PFC.

The psychiatrists at Amen Clinics employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning, how to get treated for adhd in Adults learn which areas of the brain are low and/or high levels of activity. This helps them differentiate between the seven different types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each individual.

A psychiatrist will take the complete medical history of a patient and conduct a physical exam to determine if the patient suffers from ADHD or ADD. In addition, he / she may ask questions about mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD but in most cases, patients require other therapies as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This can increase their ability to manage their moods and overall performance.

Temporal Lobe ADD

This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. People with this type of ADD struggle to learn and store information they experience mood instability and are prone to extreme anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues like feeling deja vu and seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that others don't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.

This type of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include inattention spans that are short and disorganized. It also includes difficulty staying on task or following directions. This type of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD occurs more often in women. People suffering from this type of ADD may have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine which contributes to their feelings of depression and low self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anger and anxiety.

In this instance, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with over-focused ADD are having difficulty shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to shift from one thought or task to another, and they get stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.

This is a type of ADD where to get treated for adhd individuals can be extremely motivated and hardworking but they also tend to get distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost and become embarrassed or tired because of their behavior. They might have a difficult time in relationships because they can be hyper-active or reactive, and have difficulty managing multiple tasks or working with other people. In certain situations they might be depressed or anxious. They may be prone hallucinations and panic attacks. Medications for this type of ADD are not recommended, as they do not address the underlying cause of symptoms.