The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About ADD And Treatment
The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About ADD And Treatment
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ADD and Treatment
ADD and treatment is typically connected to problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric disorder may be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.
The psychiatric condition is often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images.
Symptoms 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 people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, but less activity in the cerebellum and the basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus and a sense of calm. People with this type have a difficult time shifting their attention and are easily distracted by distractions and noises, and have short attention spans. They also have trouble sleeping and frequently wake up during the night with nightmares or anxiety. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and possess a short fuse, becoming quickly frustrated with tasks and easily annoyed.
People with Ring of Fire ADD have all the hallmarks of classic ADD However, they also have trouble shifting 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 indecisive. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy, are quick to get angry and are prone to relapse into negative thoughts and guilt.
It is possible to mix the condition of limbic ADD with depression. However, it is distinct because it stimulates activity in the limbic area of the brain when it is at rest and when concentrating. It can be treated by supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) along with saffron, inositol which increase alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also help slow neural activity, preventing nerve cells from firing irregularly or excessively.
It is important to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause irritability, frustration and low self-esteem. The difference is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of frustration and irritability over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD patients tend to get caught up in negative thoughts and behaviors that result in excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those of people suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and that is why it's often mistakenly diagnosed. These individuals often become threatened emotionally when required to shift their attention from one activity to another and respond with argumentative or oppositional behavior.
These people tend to have a short fuse and their anger stems from a chronic depression or low-grade sadness "glass half-empty syndrome" and frequent feelings of hopelessness and desperation. They may also be afflicted by memory problems, experience severe anger, and may have a short fuse.
People who have hyper-focused ADD may be rigid when it comes switching tasks and can become absorbed in their job or pastime. They are at risk of missing deadlines at work and forgetting appointments at home, and may not complete homework or other school assignments. They can also be very stubborn and resentful if they are disciplined or punished by their teachers or parents.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be irritable and stubborn, and might throw temper tantrums when their interests aren't accepted. They may be obsessed with specific toys, activities and video games. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings and are very sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This type of ADD is difficult to identify, particularly for children. The majority of children don't understand that their issue is caused by their inability shift their attention between different things. It's important to consult a professional as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This type of ADD is treatable with diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Medications are sometimes prescribed, however this kind of ADD is difficult to treat with stimulant medications, as these can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to differentiate between the seven different types of ADD. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD experience high levels of anxiety. This comorbidity (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 may mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Misdiagnosis may result in inadequate treatment and frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues with work, school and social situations. This kind of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of unworthiness. People with anxious ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or events because they fear that they won't be successful.
They are also afraid of being judged or critiqued. This is why they often hide their problems from their peers. They can become so stressed and anxious that they have panic attacks. They can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in sweating, a pounding heart and breathing problems. Anxious ADD is different from Classic ADD because it has an increased activity in the basal ganglia and the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and place a high value on safety. This can shut down the PFC and can make it difficult for those with this condition to concentrate.
If a person suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD their symptoms are more difficult to manage. This is due to treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, that are designed to increase brain activity, can increase anxiety in people who have anxious ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning, to determine which areas of the brain are low and/or high levels of activity. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types of brain and determine the best treatment.
A psychiatrist will take a complete medical record and conduct a physical exam to determine if the patient suffers from the condition of ADD/ADHD. They may also inquire about mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, however, most patients need other therapies too, including cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other techniques for relaxation. This can increase their ability to manage their moods and overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD is a problem with the temporal lobe in the brain, which is responsible for memory and mood. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to learn and store information they experience mood instability and are prone to severe anger or aggression issues. They may also be suffering from sensory issues such as feeling like they're in a dream, seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They tend to be irritable and sensitive and are often overstimulated by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in following instructions or staying on task and procrastinating. However, this kind untreated adhd in adults test of ADD does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This type 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 low motivation or a lack of self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of irritability or anxiety.
In this case QEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that people with Overfocused ADD are experiencing difficulties shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to shift from one task or thought to the next, and they become stuck in negative thinking patterns and behaviours.
This is a form of ADD that is characterized by people who are highly motivated and hardworking but tend not to concentrate on their tasks. They may lose track of their school work and parents or teachers are often exhausted or embarrassed by their behavior. They may have difficulty in relationships due to their tendency be impulsive and reactive. They also have trouble multitasking and working in a group. In certain situations, they could be depressed or anxious. They could be susceptible to hallucinations or panic attacks. Treatments for this type of ADD aren't usually recommended, as they don't address the underlying reason for the symptoms.