ADD and Treatment

ADD and treatment is often associated with problems at school, home or at work. The psychiatric disorder can be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.

The psychiatric disorder is most commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health experts diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.

The 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 those suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have less 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 hard to focus their attention, are easily distracted by the noise or other stimuli and have a short attention span. They are unable to fall asleep, and they often wake up in the middle of the night, battling anxiety. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have an impulsive personality, getting quickly frustrated with tasks and easily annoyed.

Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms as well as a difficulty in shifting their focus from one thought to another and from one task to another. They are sensitive to noise, light and even touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They are prone to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They also tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt-related feelings.

Limbic ADD can be confused with depression, however it is different than depression because it is associated with increased activity in the limbic region of the brain (the brain region that sets our mood and determines how happy or sad we are) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex at both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It is a condition which can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that improve focus, alertness, mood, and mental clarity; amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing too much or in a erratic manner; and liver support.

It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can trigger irritability, anger and low self-esteem. The main 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

Over-focused ADD sufferers are often caught in negative thoughts and behavior that cause excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behavior patterns similar to the ones of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is the reason it's often misdiagnosed. They can be emotional when they are they are asked to shift their attention between the same time) is common and affects the majority of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can be similar to the symptoms of ADD/untreated adhd in female adults and the wrong diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and even more frustration.

Anxious ADD can cause issues with school, work and social settings. This type of ADD can cause low performance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxiety ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and activities because they think they're not capable of completing the task.

They also fear being criticised or being judged. This is why they often hide their problems from their peers. These people can be so stressed and anxious that they have panic attacks. These can be very life-threatening and cause a pounding heart, sweating and breathing difficulties. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala, which operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This can shut down the PFC and can make it difficult for people with ADD to concentrate.

If someone suffering from anxiety or ADD, their symptoms are usually more difficult to treat than those of someone who doesn't have anxiety. This is due to treatment strategies for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate the brain could actually increase anxiety in people who suffer from anxiety ADD by decreasing activity in their PFC.

Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to determine where in the brain more or less activity are occurring. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types and determine the best method of treatment.

To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and conducts a physical exam. The doctor may also inquire about mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall functioning. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/Adhd Treatment Without Meds, however, most patients require other therapies too, including cognitive behavioral therapy or nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This may increase their ability to manage their moods and overall function.

Temporal Lobe ADD

This type 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 retain and learn and experience mood swings and are prone to severe anger or aggression issues. They also suffer from a variety of sensory issues, such as feeling like they have déjà vu, seeing shadows or objects changing shapes, and hearing sounds other people don't hear. They can be extremely sensitive and angry and are often overstimulated by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.

This kind of ADD has the same symptoms as Classic ADD. These include short attention spans and disorganization. It also presents with difficulty staying on task or following directions. This type of ADD is not associated with excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in females. This kind of ADD is characterized by low levels of dopamine in the brain which can result in feelings of depression or insufficient self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anger and anxiety.

In this instance brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain reveal that people suffering from 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 are not able to move from one task or thought to another, and they get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors.

This is a kind of ADD which means that people are highly motivated and productive, but they tend to be easily distracted by unimportant or non-essential tasks. They may lose track of their school work, and their teachers or parents are often exhausted or ashamed of their behavior. They might have a difficult relationship with others because they can be unpredictable or reactive and struggle with multitasking or working with other people. In certain situations, they can be depressed or anxious. They can be prone to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medication is not recommended for this type of ADD, because it doesn't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.