A. The Most Common ADD And Treatment Debate Doesn't Have To Be As Black And White As You Might Think

ADD and Treatment ADD and treatment is often connected to problems at home, school or at work. The psychiatric disorder may be difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly used term for this psychiatric condition. Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD using SPECT brain images. The signs of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. Medications 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. Brain scans reveal that 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 the basal ganglia which help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter which enhances focus, motivation, and calmness. People with this type have a hard in shifting their focus, are easily distracted by distractions and noises, and have short attention spans. They are unable to fall asleep, and often awake in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They often feel overwhelmed by emotions and possess short tempers, and are quickly annoyed by tasks and easily angry. Ring of Fire ADD is defined by all the standard ADD symptoms however, it also has a difficulty in shifting their focus between thoughts and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to noise, light and even touch. They talk too fast and are impulsive. They are prone to low energy, moodiness and anger. They can also get caught up in negative thoughts and guilt feelings. It is possible to mistake the symptoms of limbic ADD with depression. However, it is different in that it boosts activity in the limbic area of the brain at time of rest and during concentration. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol that improve focus, alertness, mood, and mental clarity; amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and inhibit nerve cells from firing too much or irregularly; and liver support. It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder that can cause frustration and irritability as well as low self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more consistent level of irritability that lasts over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to exhibit symptoms that appear in waves. Overfocused ADD Overfocused ADD patients often get stuck in negative thoughts and behavior that result in excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is the reason it's often incorrectly diagnosed. They may become emotionally upset when asked to switch their attention between tasks and can respond by displaying a hostile or argumentative attitude. They are often irritable, and their irritability is caused by chronic low-grade sadness or negativity. They may also be afflicted by memory issues, feel intense anger, and are prone to having a short fuse. People who have hyper-focused ADD are inflexible when they have to change tasks, and can become highly captivated by their work or interests. They might forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and may not complete their homework or chores. They can also be very stubborn and resentful when they are reprimanded or chastised by their teacher or parents. Children with overfocused ADD show a high degree of irritability and stubbornness and may be susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are not respected. They may be obsessed with specific toys, activities and video games. They are also unable to express their emotions and may be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism. This type of ADD is more prevalent among children, and is difficult to identify. Children who exhibit this behavior are often unable to comprehend the cause of their problems. by a lack of ability to switch their attention from one task to another. This is the reason it's crucial to seek out help from a professional, as children with this kind of behavior are more likely to be misdiagnosed by family physicians and even psychologists. This kind of ADD is treatable with diet modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this kind of ADD is difficult to treat using stimulant medications because they can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging can be used to distinguish between the seven types of ADD. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing overfocused ADD. Anxious ADD Many people suffering from ADD have high levels of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common, impacting up to half of all sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can cause unsuitable treatment and frustration. Anxious ADD can cause issues at work, at school or with social situations. This type of ADD can lead to low achievement and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People who suffer from anxiety ADD avoid difficult tasks or activities because they fear that they won't be successful. They are also afraid of being judged and critiqued. They hide their problems to others. These people can be so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. These can be life-threatening and cause sweating, a heart that is pounding and breathing difficulties. Anxious ADD differs from Classic ADD because it has increased activity in the Basal ganglia, as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and focus on safety. natural add treatment can shut down PFC and makes it difficult for people with this disorder to concentrate. If someone suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD, the symptoms they experience are more difficult to treat. This is due to treatment strategies for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate the brain can actually increase anxiety in people who suffer from anxiety ADD by decreasing activity in their PFC. Psychiatrists at Amen Clinics use functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning, to learn where in the brain there are areas of low or high levels of activity. This allows them to differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD and determine the most effective treatment for each individual. A psychiatrist will gather an entire medical record and perform a physical examination to diagnose the condition of ADD/ADHD. They may also ask about mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are used to treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. However, in the majority of cases, patients require other therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy and nutrition, exercise, sleep strategies and desensitization. This can aid in improving their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning. Temporal Lobe ADD This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe within the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to process and store information, experience mood instability, and suffer from intense anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues like feeling deja vu and seeing shadows or objects change shape, or hearing sounds that others can't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overwhelmed. This kind of ADD has the same symptoms as Classic ADD. These include inattention spans that are short and disorganized. It also presents with difficulty staying on task or following directions. This type of ADD is not associated with excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in women. People with this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine which can cause feelings of depression and low self-regulation. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety. In this case, qEEG scans of the ADD brain reveal that individuals with Overfocused ADD are experiencing difficulty shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's “gearshifter”). They are unable to shift from one task or thought to the next, and they are stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviours. This is a type of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and hardworking but have a tendency not to concentrate on their tasks. They may lose track of their school work, and their teachers or parents can become annoyed or ashamed of their behavior. They may have difficulty in relationships due to their tendency to be impulsive and reactive. They also have issues managing multiple tasks and working with others. In certain situations, they could experience anxiety or depression. They can be prone to panic attacks and are susceptible to hallucinations. The use of medications for this kind of ADD are not usually advised, since they do not address the root causes of symptoms.