ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is often connected to problems at school, home or work. The psychiatric disorder is difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals employ the SPECT brain imaging method to diagnose ADHD.
Symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. 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 show that people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, but less activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter which enhances focus, motivation and calmness. People with this type have a difficult in shifting their focus, are easily distracted by distractions and noises, and have shorter attention spans. They also have difficulty sleeping and frequently wake up in the middle of the night with nightmares or anxiety. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have short tempers, and are quickly frustrated with tasks and easily angry.
Ring of Fire ADD is characterized by all the classic ADD symptoms as well as a difficulty in shifting their attention between thoughts and between tasks. They have a sensitivity to noise, light, and touch and they talk too fast and are impulsive and easily provoked into mean behaviour. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy, are quick to anger and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt.
It is possible to confuse the condition of limbic ADD with depression. However, it is different because it increases activity in the limbic area of the brain when it is at time of rest and during concentration. It can be treated with supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP) as well as 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 excessively.
It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause frustration, irritability and low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has more consistent frustration and irritability over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and that is why it's frequently incorrectly diagnosed. They are often frightened emotionally when asked to shift their attention from one thing to another, and can react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They are generally angry, and their irritability is caused by a low-grade chronic depression or sadness. They may also struggle with memory problems, experience severe anger, and may have a short fuse.
People who have hyper-focused ADD can be rigid when it comes changing tasks and may become absorbed in their job or pastime. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and they might not finish their homework or chores. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when reprimanded 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 violated. They may be obsessed with particular toys, activities, and video games. They are also unable to express their feelings, and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This form of ADD is difficult to recognize, especially when it affects children. These children often don't understand that their issue is caused by their inability switch their focus between different things. It's important to consult an expert as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This type of ADD is treatable with nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this type of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant medications because they can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to differentiate between the seven types of ADD. It is particularly useful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD have a high degree of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, impacting up to half of all people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can be similar to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and the wrong diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and further frustration.
Anxious ADD may cause problems at school, at work or in social situations. This type of ADD may lead to low achievement and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxious ADD avoid difficult tasks or activities because they fear they won't succeed.
They are also afraid of being judged or critiqued. They also hide their issues from others. People with anxiety can become so stressed and anxious that they have panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They cause heart pounding, sweating and difficulty breathing. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia and the amygdala, which operate on an instinctual basis and place a high priority on safety. This can shut down PFC and can make it difficult for those with this condition to concentrate.
If someone suffers from ADD/ADHD and anxiety, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is due to the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to increase brain activity, may actually increase anxiety in people who have anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scans to determine the areas of the brain where high and/or lower levels of activity are occurring. This helps them distinguish between the seven types and determine the best method of treatment.
To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist gathers a complete medical history and performs physical examination. Additionally, he or she may ask questions about the patient's mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, but most patients require other treatments too, including cognitive behavioral therapy or 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 function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD is a problem with the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. People with this type of ADD struggle to process and store information, experience mood instability, and are prone to extreme anger or aggression issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues such as feeling like they're in a dream, seeing shadows or objects change shape, or hearing sounds that others don't hear. They are often sensitive and angry, and often become overstimulated by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those seen in Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in following instructions or staying focused, and procrastinating. This kind of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more common in women. This type of ADD is characterised by low levels of dopamine in the brain which can result in feelings of depression or a lack of self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anxiety and irritability.
In treatment for add of the ADD brain show that those with over-focused ADD have difficulties shifting gears. They have normal activity in the anterior cingulate region (the brain's "gearshifter"). They aren't able to shift from one task or thought to another, and they get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD where people can be highly motivated and hardworking however, they have a tendency 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 ashamed of their behavior. They may have a difficult relationship with others because they are hyper-active or reactive, and have a hard time with multitasking or working with others. In some instances they might suffer from depression or anxiety. They could be susceptible to panic attacks and hallucinations. The use of medication is not advised for this kind of ADD as it doesn't address the root cause of the symptoms.