ADD And Treatment: A Simple Definition

ADD And Treatment: A Simple Definition

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ADD and Treatment

ADD and its treatment are frequently connected to problems at school, work or home. The psychiatric condition isn't easy 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 determine ADHD.

Symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. Medications like stimulants and antidepressants can aid in overcoming.

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. Scans of the brain show those suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, however they have reduced activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which enhances focus, motivation and calmness. This type has a shorter attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli, and has a hard time shifting focus. They also have trouble falling asleep and are often woken up in the middle of the night with nightmares or anxiety. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and have a short fuse, becoming quickly frustrated with tasks and easily angered.

Ring of Fire ADD is defined by all the standard ADD symptoms however, it also has a difficulty in shifting their attention between thoughts and between tasks. They are sensitive to noise, light, and touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness and anger. They are also prone to getting stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.

It is possible to mix limbic ADD with depression. However, it's distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic area of the brain at the moment of rest and while concentrating. 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 can also help slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or excessively.

It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which can trigger irritability, anger and low self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more consistent degree of irritability throughout the course of time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves.

Overfocused ADD

Over-focused ADD sufferers often get stuck in negative patterns of thoughts and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can be emotional when they are asked to switch their attention between different activities, and they may react with oppositional or argumentative behavior.

They are generally angry, and their irritability is caused by a low-grade chronic depression or sadness. They might also have difficulty learning, struggle with memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.

People with hyperfocused ADD can be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and may become absorbed in their work or hobby. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and may not complete their schoolwork or chores. They can also be resistant and angry when they are punished or reprimanded by their parents or teacher.

Children with hyperfocused ADD can be irritable and stubborn, and they may throw tantrums if their interests aren't respected. They can be obsessive about specific activities, toys, and video games. They may also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and can be very sensitive to rejection or criticism.

This form of ADD can be difficult to identify, particularly in children. Children who show this behavior are often unable to comprehend that their issues are caused by a lack of ability to switch their focus between tasks. It is essential to talk to an expert since these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This kind of ADD can be treated with diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This kind of ADD is hard to treat even with stimulant medication, because it can increase hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to differentiate between the seven types of ADD. It is especially useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.

Anxious ADD

Many people suffering from ADD experience high levels of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common and affects about half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and incorrect diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and further frustration.

Anxious ADD can lead to problems at school, work and social situations. This type of ADD treating adhd and anxiety in adults may lead to low achievement and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxious ADD tend to avoid difficult tasks and activities because they think they're not capable of completing the task.

They also fear being criticized or judged. Because of this, they often hide their troubles from their peers. In some cases, sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they suffer from panic attacks. These panic attacks can be extremely severe and life-threatening. They trigger a pounding of the heart, sweating and difficulty breathing. 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 prioritize safety. This shuts down the PFC and can make it difficult for those with this condition to concentrate.

If someone with ADD/ADHD has anxiety the symptoms are typically more difficult to treat than those of someone who doesn't have anxiety. This is due to treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among those with anxiety-related ADD.

Psychiatrists at Amen Clinics use functional neuroimaging, such as SPECT scanning, to learn where in the brain there are areas of low or high levels of activity. This allows them to distinguish between the seven different types of ADD and determine the best treatment for each patient.

A psychiatrist will gather a complete medical record and conduct a physical examination to determine if a patient has the condition of ADD/ADHD. He or she may also ask about mood and behavior in order to assess the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients require other treatments too, including cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other relaxation techniques. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning.

Temporal Lobe ADD

This type of ADD is a problem with the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. People suffering from this kind of ADD struggle to learn and store information, experience mood instability, and suffer from extreme anger or aggression issues. They also are often affected by a variety of sensory issues, like feeling like they have déjà vu, experiencing shadows or objects changing shapes and hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They are irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.

The symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in staying focused, and procrastinating. This type of ADD is not associated with excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in females. People suffering from this kind of ADD may suffer from low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to feelings of depression and low self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anxiety and irritability.

In this case QEEG scans of the ADD brain show that those with over-focused ADD are having difficulty shifting gears. They have normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They aren't able to shift from one task or thought to the next and are stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.

This is a kind of ADD where individuals can be highly motivated and hardworking, but they tend to get distracted by non-essential or unimportant tasks. They can lose track of their school work and their teachers or parents are often tired or ashamed of their behavior. They may be struggling in relationships due to their tendency be reactive and impulsive. They also have trouble multitasking and working with others. In certain situations they may suffer from depression or anxiety. They may be susceptible to panic attacks, and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medication is not advised for this kind of ADD as it doesn't address the root cause of the symptoms.