Why We Why We ADD And Treatment (And You Should Too!)
Why We Why We ADD And Treatment (And You Should Too!)
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ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are frequently related to issues at work, school or home. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly used term for this psychiatric disorder. Mental health experts diagnose ADHD with SPECT brain scans.
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 at rest and during concentration, however they have less activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that enhances focus, motivation, and calmness. People with this type have a hard time shifting their attention and are easily distracted by the noise or other stimuli and have a short attention span. They have trouble falling asleep, and they often wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and possess an impulsive personality, getting quickly annoyed by tasks and easily angered.
Ring of Fire ADD is defined by all the standard ADD symptoms however, it also has a difficulty in shifting their focus from one thought to the next and from one task to another. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy, are easily angered and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
It is possible to mix the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. But it is different because it increases activity in the limbic part of the brain at the moment of rest and while concentrating. It can be treated by supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol that increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA is also helpful to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing erratically or in excess.
It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder that can cause frustration and irritability as well as low self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more consistent level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to have symptoms that come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behavior that trigger excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behavior patterns similar to those of people suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and that is why it's often incorrectly diagnosed. They can be emotional when they are asked to switch their attention between different activities, and they may react by displaying a hostile or argumentative attitude.
These people are likely to have a short temper and their irritability stems from a chronic low-grade sadness or negativity "glass half-empty syndrome," and frequent feelings of hopelessness and desperation. They might also have memory problems, experience severe anger, and have a short fuse.
People who have hyper-focused ADD can be rigid when it comes changing tasks and become engrossed in their hobbies or work. They may forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and may not finish their schoolwork or chores. They can also be stubborn and resentful when they are punished or reprimanded by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD can be angry and stubborn, and they might throw temper tantrums when their needs are not being respected. They may be obsessed with a particular activity, toys and video games. They also have difficulty expressing their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is more common in children, and is often difficult to recognize. Children who exhibit this behavior are often unable to comprehend the cause of their problems. by a lack of ability to switch their focus from one task to the next. It is important to speak with an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This type of ADD can be treated using dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Sometimes, medications are prescribed, but this kind of ADD is difficult to treat using stimulant medications, as these can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish between the seven types of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people who suffer from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This is a comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common and affects the majority of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can result in unsuitable treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at work, at school or with social situations. This type of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of inadequacy. People suffering from anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and activities because they think they're not capable of completing the task.
They also fear being judged or considered a victim. They hide their problems to others. In some cases, these people are so anxious and stressed that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be serious and life-threatening. They trigger a pounding of the heart, sweating and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is distinct from Classic ADD because it has an increased activity in the basal ganglia and the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and prioritize safety. This shuts down the PFC, which can make it difficult for those with this condition to focus.
If someone suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is due to treatments for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to stimulate brain activity, can increase anxiety among people with anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists utilize functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans in order to determine the areas of the brain where high and/or lower levels of activity are found. This helps them differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD and determine the best treatment for each person.
To diagnose ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist collects a full medical history and performs an examination. He or she may also ask about mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medication is used to treat ADHD and ADD. However, in many cases patients also need other therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy and diet, exercise, sleep strategies and desensitization. This can improve their ability to control their emotions and their overall performance.
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 they experience mood instability and have intense anger or aggression issues. They also often suffer from a variety of sensory issues, such as feeling like they have déjà vu, experiencing shadows or objects changing shapes and hearing sounds that other people can't hear. They are sensitive, irritable and easily overwhelmed.
Symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those in Classic ADD, including short attention spans and best treatment for adhd disorganization, difficulties in following directions or staying focused and procrastinating. This type of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in women. This type of ADD is defined by the 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 case QEEG scans of the ADD brain show that those with over-focused ADD have difficulties shifting gears. They have normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one task or thought to another and get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.
This is a type of ADD where individuals can be highly motivated and hardworking, but they have a tendency to get easily distracted by non-essential or unimportant tasks. They can get lost in their school work and teachers or parents can become annoyed or embarrassed by their behavior. They might have a difficult time in relationships because they can be unpredictable or reactive and have a hard time managing multiple tasks or working with others. In some instances, they might suffer from depression or anxiety. They could be susceptible to hallucinations and panic attacks. Medications are not usually recommended for this type of ADD as it doesn't address the root cause of the symptoms.