ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often associated with problems at home, school or at work. The psychiatric disorder is difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common name for this psychiatric condition. Mental health experts diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
The symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and unorganized. The use of 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 both at rest and during concentration, but reduced activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which enhances focus, motivation and a sense of calm. This type has a limited attention span, and is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli and is unable to shift attention. They have trouble falling asleep, and they often wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They often feel overwhelmed by emotions and have an impulsive personality, getting easily frustrated and easily angered.
Ring of Fire ADD is characterized by all the classic ADD symptoms as well as a difficulty in shifting their focus from one thought to the next and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to light, noise, and touch. They talk too quickly and are indecisive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy, are quick to get angry and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it's different than depression because it has increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the part that determines our mood and determines how happy or sad we feel) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It can be treated with supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP), saffron and inositol that increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing irregularly or too frequently.
It is important to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder which can also cause frustration and irritability as well as low self-esteem. The distinction between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more constant level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to suffer from symptoms that occur in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD sufferers are often caught in negative patterns of thoughts and behavior that cause excessive worrying. This is due to rigid behaviors that are similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These individuals often become threatened emotionally when asked to shift their attention from one thing to another and may react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They are prone to having an inability to keep their cool, with their irritability coming from a chronic negative or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome," and frequent feelings of hopelessness and desperation. They may also have trouble learning, have memory issues, or feel intense anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and become engrossed in their job or pastime. They might forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and may not complete their schoolwork or chores. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with hyperfocused ADD are often angry and stubborn, and they might throw temper tantrums when their interests are not recognized. They might be obsessed with particular activities such as toys and video games. They may also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and can be very sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This kind of ADD is difficult to diagnose, especially for children. Children often don't realize that their issue is caused by their inability shift their attention from one thing to another. 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 doctors and even psychologists. This kind of ADD can be treated using dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This type of ADD is difficult to treat even with stimulant medications, because it can increase hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish between the seven kinds of ADD. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, impacting up to half of all sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and the wrong diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with school, work and social settings. This type of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or activities because they are afraid they won't be successful.
They also fear being criticised or being judged. They are afraid of being judged or criticised. others. In some cases, sufferers are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. They can be extremely life-threatening and cause sweating, a pounding heart and breathing problems. Contrary to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia and the amygdala, which operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This can shut down PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to focus.
When a person has anxiety and ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is because treatment plans for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate the brain can increase anxiety in those with anxious ADD by decreasing the activity in their PFC.
The psychiatrists at Amen Clinics employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning to discover which areas of the brain are areas of low or high levels of activity. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types and determine the best method of treatment.
A psychiatrist will take a complete medical record and conduct a physical examination to determine if the patient suffers from ADD/ADHD. They may also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior to assess the patient's overall performance. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD, but most patients require other treatments as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This can aid in improving their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. This kind of ADD is characterized by a difficulty in learning and storage of information and mood swings, as well as severe anger or aggression issues. They also often suffer from a variety of sensory issues, such as feeling like they've experienced deja vu or seeing shadows or objects change forms and hearing sounds that other people can't hear. They tend to be irritable and sensitive and are often overstimulated by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
Symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those of adhd treatment near me Classic ADD, including short attention spans disorganization, difficulty in following directions or staying focused and procrastinating. This type of ADD is not associated with excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more common in females. This type of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to feelings of depression or a lack of self-regulation. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anxiety and irritability.
In this case brain mapping scans using qEEG of the brain indicate that people with over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate region which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are having trouble shifting gears. They can't move from one task or thought to another and get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a form of ADD that is characterized by people who are extremely motivated and productive but have a tendency not to concentrate on their tasks. They can lose track of their schoolwork, and their parents or teachers are often tired or embarrassed by their behavior. They may experience difficulties in relationships due to their tendency to be impulsive and reactive. They also have issues multitasking and working with others. In certain situations, they could suffer from depression or anxiety. They can be prone to panic attacks, and are susceptible to hallucinations. Medications for this type of ADD are not recommended, as they do not address the underlying causes of symptoms.