ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are often related to issues at school, work, or at home. The psychiatric disorder may be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Mental health specialists diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
Symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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. Scans of the brain show 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 are responsible for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which promotes motivation, focus and calmness. This type has a short attention span, is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli and has a hard time shifting focus. They also have difficulty falling asleep and are often woken up at night with anxiety or nightmares. They are easily frustrated and are often angry.
People with Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of the classic ADD however, they also struggle to shift their attention from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise, and touch. They talk too fast and are highly impulsive. They have periods of moodiness and low energy levels, are easily angered and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it is distinct from depression in that it has increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the area that sets our emotional tone and controls the level of happiness or sadness we are) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It can be treated with supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol that increase alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing irregularly or in excess.
It is important to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder that can cause frustration and irritability as well as low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of anger and frustration over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused 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 who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can become emotionally upset when requested to switch their focus between activities and may respond by displaying a hostile or argumentative attitude.
These people are likely to have a short temper and their irritability stems from a persistent negative or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome," and frequent feelings of hopelessness and desperation. They might also have difficulty learning, experience memory issues, or have extreme anger and aggression.
People with hyperfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes to switching tasks and can become absorbed in their work or hobby. They may forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work, and they may not finish their chores or schoolwork. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when reprimanded by their teachers or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD are often angry and stubborn, and they may throw tantrums if their interests are not recognized. They might be obsessed with certain activities, toys and video games. They may also have difficulty communicating their feelings and are extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This type of ADD can be difficult to identify, particularly when it affects children. Children often don't realize that their issue is caused by their inability switch their focus from one thing to the next. It is important to speak with an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This type of ADD can be treated using dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Medications are sometimes prescribed, however this kind of ADD is difficult to treat with stimulant medications because they can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to identify the seven distinct kinds of ADD and is especially helpful for diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD suffer from high levels of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common, affecting up to half of all people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can cause unsuitable treatment and anger.
Anxious ADD may cause problems at work, in school or with social situations. This type of ADD can cause underperformance and feelings of unworthiness. People with anxious ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and events, believing they won't do well.
They also fear being judged or being judged. They hide their problems to others. In some cases, sufferers are so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. These can be life-threatening and cause sweating, a heart that is pounding, 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 can shut down PFC and can make it difficult for these individuals focus.
If a person with ADHD or ADD has anxiety their symptoms are generally 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 can actually increase anxiety in people with anxiety ADD by decreasing the activity of their PFC.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning to discover where in the brain there are areas of low or high levels of activity. This helps them differentiate between the seven types and determine the best treatment.
A psychiatrist will collect a complete medical record and conduct a physical examination to diagnose the condition of ADD/ADHD. They might also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior in order to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medication is used to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in most cases, patients require other therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, nutrition sleep strategies, and desensitization. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain, which is responsible both for mood and memory. People suffering from this kind of ADD struggle to learn and store information they experience mood instability and suffer from intense anger or aggression issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues such as feeling like they're in a dream when objects or shadows change shape or hearing sounds that others don't hear. They tend to be sensitive and irritable and are often overstimulated by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those in Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in staying focused and procrastinating. However, treatment of add of ADD does not cause 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 cause feelings of depression or poor self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.
In this case QEEG scans of ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD have difficulty shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one thought or task to another, and are stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.
This is a type of ADD where people can be extremely motivated and hardworking however, they tend to be easily distracted by unimportant or non-essential tasks. They can lose track and feel embarrassed or exhausted due to their actions. They may have a difficult relationship because they can be unpredictable or reactive and have a hard time with multitasking or working with other people. In some cases, they can be depressed or anxious. They may be susceptible to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. Treatments for this type of ADD are not recommended, as they do not address the root causes of symptoms.