ADD and TreatmentADD and
treatment for adult adhd is often connected to problems at school, home or at work. The psychiatric disorder may be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health professionals employ SPECT brain imaging to diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. Treatments such as antidepressants and stimulants can help.
Limbic ADD
The most common form of ADD, also known as classic ADD or hyperactive-impulsive ADD,
add and treatment 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 decreased activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus and a sense of calm. People with this type have a difficult in shifting their focus, 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 with anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and can be easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is defined by all the standard ADD symptoms however, it also has a difficulty in shifting their focus between thoughts and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to light, sound and even touch. They talk too fast and are indecisive. They are susceptible to moodiness, low energy and anger. They can also get caught up in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it is different than depression because it is associated with increased activity in the limbic portion of the brain (the area that sets our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we feel) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It is a condition that can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol, which boost alertness, focus and mood. They also improve mental clarity. Also, amino acid GABA to regulate neural activity and prevent nerve cells from over-firing or firing irregularly and liver support.
It is essential to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can cause frustration, irritability, and poor self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more consistent level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that result in excessive worry. This is due to rigid behavior that is similar to those who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They are often frightened emotionally when asked to shift their attention from one task to the next and react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They are often angry and their irritability may be caused by a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They might also have difficulty learning, have memory issues, or experience severe anger and aggression.
People who have hyper-focused ADD may be rigid when it comes changing tasks and may become absorbed in their work or hobby. They are prone to missing deadlines at work and forgetting appointments at home, and they may not finish homework or other school assignments. They could also be stubborn and resentful when they are disapproved of by their parents or teachers.
Children with overfocused ADD show a high degree of irritability and stubbornness, and are susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are trampled on. They may be obsessed with specific toys, activities and video games. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings and are extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This kind of ADD is difficult to diagnose, especially in children. The majority of children don't understand that their issue is caused by their inability to switch their attention from one thing to the next. It is important to speak with a professional as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This type of ADD is usually treated using diet changes, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is extremely difficult to treat even with stimulant medication due to the fact that it can cause the intensity of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to differentiate the seven distinct kinds of ADD, and is particularly useful for diagnosing hyperfocused 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 people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with work, school, and social situations. This type of ADD could lead to low achievement and feelings of inadequateness. People who suffer from anxiety ADD avoid challenging tasks or activities because they fear that they won't be successful.
They are also afraid of being judged or being criticized. They hide their problems to others. They can become so anxious and stressed that they have panic attacks. These can be very dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in a pounding heart, sweating and breathing problems. Anxious ADD is distinct from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on security. This causes a shutdown of PFC and can make it difficult for these individuals concentrate.
When a person has 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 may actually increase anxiety among people with anxious ADD by decreasing activity in their PFC.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scans to identify the areas of the brain where more or less activity are found. This allows them to differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the most effective treatment for each patient.
A psychiatrist will collect an entire medical record and conduct a physical examination to diagnose ADD/ADHD. 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 need other therapies as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as nutrition and exercise sleep strategies, desensitization and other relaxation techniques. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall performance.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD is a problem with the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. People with this type of ADD struggle to retain and learn they experience mood instability and have severe anger or aggression issues. They also are often affected by various sensory issues, such as feeling like they have deja vu or seeing shadows or objects change shapes, and hearing sounds other people can't hear. They tend to be sensitive and irritable, and often become overstimulated by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those seen in Classic ADD, including short attention spans, disorganization, difficulty staying on task and procrastinating.