20 Resources To Make You Better At ADD And Treatment
20 Resources To Make You Better At ADD And Treatment
Blog Article
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 manage.
The psychiatric disorder is most often referred to as attention hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health professionals use brain imaging using SPECT to diagnose ADHD.
The signs of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. Medications such as stimulants and antidepressants may 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. The scans of the brain show that people suffering from this type are able to maintain normal activity while concentrating and at rest in the prefrontal cortex but have decreased activity in their cerebellum as well as the basal ganglia. These areas help produce dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, calmness and concentration. This type has a shorter attention span, and is easily distracted by sounds or other stimuli and is unable to shift focus. They have trouble falling asleep, and they often wake up in the middle of the night, battling anxiety. They are often overwhelmed by their emotions and have a short fuse, becoming quickly annoyed by tasks and easily annoyed.
People with Ring of Fire ADD have all the symptoms of classic ADD however, they also have trouble shifting their focus from thought to thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise and touch; they talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily provoked into mean behaviors. They are susceptible to low energy, moodiness, and anger. They also tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt-related feelings.
It is possible to mix limbic ADD with depression. But it is different because it increases activity in the limbic part of the brain during time of rest and during concentration. It can be treated with supplements like L tryptophan (5-HTP), saffron and inositol which increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or excessively.
It is important to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can cause irritability and frustration and low self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of frustration and irritability over time, whereas Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to appear in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behavior that cause excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to the ones of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is the reason it's often mistakenly diagnosed. These individuals often become threatened emotionally when they are required to shift their focus from one thing to another and respond with argumentative or oppositional behavior.
These people tend to have a short fuse, with their irritability coming from a chronic low-grade sadness or negativity "glass half-empty syndrome," and often feeling of despair and desperation. They might also have memory issues, feel intense anger, and are prone to having a short fuse.
People who have hyper-focused ADD are unable to adapt when they have to change tasks, and may become highly captivated by their work or interests. They might forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home, and they may not complete their homework or chores. They may also be stubborn and resentful when they are punished or reprimanded by their teacher or parents.
Children with overfocused ADD can be irritable and stubborn, and might throw temper tantrums when their interests aren't accepted. They might be obsessed with particular activities like video games, toys, and toys. They may also have difficulty in expressing their emotions and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This form of ADD is more common in children and is often difficult to recognize. Children who exhibit this behavior are often unable to comprehend that their problems are caused by a lack of ability to switch their attention from one task to another. It's important to consult a professional as these children are more likely to have their ADD misdiagnosed. This kind of ADD is usually treated using diet changes, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some medications are prescribed, however this kind of ADD is difficult to treat using stimulant drugs, since they can raise a person's levels of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to identify the seven distinct kinds of ADD and is especially useful in diagnosing over-focused 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 and affects the majority of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mirror the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can result in unsuitable treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with school, work and social situations. This kind of ADD can cause under-performance and feelings of unworthiness. People with anxiety ADD avoid difficult tasks or events because they fear they won't succeed.
They are also afraid of being judged and criticised. This is why they tend to hide their issues from others. In some cases, sufferers are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. These can be dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in a pounding heart, sweating and breathing difficulties. 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 can shut down PFC and makes it difficult for those with this condition to concentrate.
If someone suffering from ADD/ADHD has anxiety, their symptoms are usually more difficult to treat than those of someone who does not suffer from anxiety. This is because treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to increase brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among those with anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinic psychiatrists utilize functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans to identify where in the brain 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 person.
A psychiatrist will gather a complete medical record and conduct a physical examination to determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD. Additionally, he or she may ask questions about behavior and mood to determine a patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medication is used to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in the majority of instances, patients also require other therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy and exercise, nutrition, sleep strategies and desensitization. This can aid in improving their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to retain and here learn they experience mood instability and are prone to extreme anger or aggression issues. They may also suffer from sensory issues like feeling like they're in a dream and seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.
This kind of ADD is characterized by similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also includes difficulty staying on task or following directions. However, this type of ADD doesn't cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in females. This type of ADD is characterised by low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to feelings of depression or insufficient self-regulation. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, anger and anxiety.
In this instance brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain show that people with Over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate gland, the brain's "gear shifter," but they are struggling to shift gears. They are unable to shift from one thought or task to another, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD where individuals can be highly motivated and productive however, they tend to get distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost in their school work and their parents or teachers are often tired or ashamed of their behavior. They may have a difficult relationship due to their tendency to be impulsive or reactive, and have a hard time managing multiple tasks or working with other people. In some instances they might be depressed or anxious. They could be susceptible to hallucinations and panic attacks. Treatments for this type of ADD are not recommended since they do not address the underlying cause of symptoms.