ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are often related to issues at school, work, or home. The psychiatric condition is often difficult to identify and manage.
The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health professionals employ SPECT brain imaging to diagnose ADHD.
The symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. The use of medications such as stimulants and antidepressants 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 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 help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus, and calmness. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli and has a hard time shifting focus. They also have difficulty falling asleep and are often woken up during the night with anxiety or nightmares. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and possess an impulsive personality, getting easily frustrated and easily angered.
Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms as well as difficulties in shifting their focus from one thought to the next and between tasks. 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 experience periods of depression and low energy, are quick to get angry and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilty feelings.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, but it's different than depression because it has increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the brain region that sets our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we are) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It can be treated by supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) as well as saffron, inositol, which improve alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA is also helpful to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or in excess.
It is crucial to distinguish 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 consistent level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to have symptoms that come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors which trigger excessive worrying. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They are often frightened emotionally when they are required to shift their focus from one task to the next and react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They are generally angry and their irritability can be due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They may also have trouble learning, have memory issues, or experience severe anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD are unable to adapt when they have to change tasks, and may be captivated by their hobbies or work. They might forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and may not finish their homework or chores. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when they are disapproved of by their parents or teachers.
Children who have overfocused ADD have a high degree of irritability and stubbornness, and are prone to throwing inconsolable tantrums when their interests are not respected. They may be obsessed with specific 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 more prevalent in children and is difficult to recognize. Children often don't realize that their problem is due to their inability to shift their attention from one thing to the next. This is why it's essential to seek the help of an expert, since children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family doctors and even psychologists. This type of ADD is treatable with dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant medications, as these can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish between the seven kinds of ADD. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people suffering from ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. Comorbidity, also known as having more than one disorder simultaneously is a common problem and affects as much as 50% of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and even more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with work, school and social settings. This type of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or events because they are afraid they won't be successful.
They also fear being criticized or considered a victim. Due to this, they often hide their troubles from others. In some cases, sufferers are so anxious and stressed that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be severe and life-threatening. They can cause a pounding of the heart, sweating and difficulty breathing. Contrary to Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These organs operate on an instinctual basis, and are able to prioritize safety. This causes a shutdown of PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to focus.
If someone with ADHD or ADD has anxiety the symptoms are typically more difficult to manage than those of someone who does not suffer from anxiety. This is because treatment plans for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate the brain could actually increase anxiety among people with anxiety ADD due to a decrease in activity in their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists use functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans in order to determine where in the brain low and/or higher levels of activity are found. This helps them differentiate between the seven types and determine the best treatment.
A psychiatrist will take the complete medical history of a patient and conduct a physical exam to diagnose the condition of ADD/ADHD. Additionally, he or will ask questions about mood and behavior to assess a patient's overall functioning. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients require other treatments in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as nutrition and exercise strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques to relax. This will help improve their ability to control their moods and overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD involves the temporal lobe in the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. People with this type of ADD struggle to process and store information and experience mood swings and suffer from extreme anger or aggression issues. They also suffer from various sensory issues, including feeling like they've experienced deja vu, or seeing shadows or objects changing forms and hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They are sensitive, irritable and easily overstimulated.
untreated adhd in adults of this type of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in staying on task and procrastinating. This kind of ADD is not associated with hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD occurs more often in women. People suffering from this kind of ADD may have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine which can cause feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this instance QEEG scans of the ADD brain show that those with Overfocused ADD have difficulty shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are not able to move from one thought or task to the next, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
This is a form of ADD where people are extremely motivated and hardworking but have a tendency not to focus on important tasks. They may lose track of their school work and teachers or parents can become exhausted or embarrassed by their behavior. They may have difficulty in relationships due to their tendency be reactive and impulsive. They also have issues managing multiple tasks and working with others. In certain situations they might be depressed or anxious. They are susceptible to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD are not recommended, as they don't address the underlying cause of symptoms.