ADD and Treatment

ADD and treatment is usually associated with problems at school, home or work. The psychiatric disorder is often difficult to identify and treat.

The psychiatric condition is often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals use brain imaging using SPECT to diagnose ADHD.

The 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, is characterized by inattention, a lack of organizational skills, difficulty staying on task, and trouble with memory. Brain scans show that those suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, however they have less activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to increase motivation, focus, and calmness. This type has a short attention span, is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli, and is unable to switch attention. They have difficulty falling asleep and frequently wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. They can be easily annoyed and are often angry.

Those with Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of the classic ADD, but they also struggle to shift their attention from thought to thought and from task to task. They have a sensitivity to noise, light, and touch and they talk too quickly and are impulsive, and easily provoked into a mean-spirited behavior. They have periods of moodiness and low energy levels, are quick to get angry and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilty feelings.

Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, however it is distinct from depression because it is associated with increased activity in the limbic region of the brain (the part that determines our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we are) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at both at rest and during concentration. It can be treated by supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP), saffron and inositol that increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA is also helpful to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing irregularly or too frequently.

It is important to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder that 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 exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.

Overfocused ADD

Overfocused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behavior that result in excessive worry. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They may become emotional when they are asked to switch their attention between tasks and can respond with oppositional or argumentative behavior.

They are often irritable and their irritability may be caused by a low-grade chronic depression or sadness. They may also be afflicted by memory issues, experience extreme anger, and may have a short fuse.

People with overfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes to switching tasks and can become absorbed in their hobbies or work. They are prone to missing deadlines at work and not remembering appointments at home, and may not complete chores or school assignments. They can also be stubborn and resentful when reprimanded by their teachers or parents.

Children who have overfocused ADD show a high degree of irritability and stubbornness, non medication treatment for adhd adults and are likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are trampled on. They might be obsessed with a particular activity such as toys and video games. They are also unable to express their feelings, and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.

This type of ADD is more common among children, and is difficult to identify. Children who exhibit this type of behavior may have difficulty understanding the cause of their problems. by an inability to change their attention from one task to the next. It's important to consult an expert as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This kind of ADD can be treated with dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this type of ADD is difficult to treat using stimulant drugs, since they can boost a person's level of 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 who suffer from ADD have a high level of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common, impacting about half of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can cause inadequate treatment and anger.

Anxious ADD can cause problems at work, in school or in social situations. This kind of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxious ADD avoid difficult tasks or activities because they are afraid they won't be successful.

They also fear being criticised or considered a victim. This is why they often hide their troubles from others. In some cases, these people are so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. They can be extremely life-threatening and cause sweating, a pounding heart and breathing difficulties. Anxious ADD is different from Classic ADD because it has 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 people with ADD to concentrate.

If someone suffering from anxiety or ADD the symptoms are typically more difficult to treat than those of someone who does not suffer from anxiety. This is because treatment protocols for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate the brain could actually increase anxiety among people with anxious ADD by reducing activity in their PFC.

Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans in order to determine which areas of the brain have low and/or higher levels of activity are occurring. This allows them to differentiate between the seven types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each individual.

To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist collects a full medical history and conducts an examination. He or she might also inquire about mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall functioning. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD but in most cases, patients require other treatments in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This may increase 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 in the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. People suffering from this kind of ADD struggle to learn and store information and experience mood swings and have severe anger or aggression issues. They also suffer from a variety of sensory issues, like experiencing a sense of deja vu, or seeing shadows or objects change shapes, and hearing sounds others don't. They are sensitive, irritable and easily overstimulated.

This kind of ADD has similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also presents with difficulties staying focused or following directions. However, this type of ADD doesn't cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in females. People suffering from this kind of ADD may have low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which can cause feelings of low motivation and low self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of irritability or anxiety.

In this case, 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 cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They can't move from one task or thought to another and get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.

This is a kind of ADD where people can be highly motivated and hardworking but they also tend to be easily distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can lose track of their schoolwork and teachers or parents are often tired or embarrassed by their behavior. They might have a difficult relationship because they are impulsive or reactive, and struggle dealing with multitasking or working with others. In some cases they may experience anxiety or depression. They can be prone to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD aren't usually recommended, as they do not address the root cause of symptoms.