adhd in adults treatment and Treatment
ADD and treatment is usually connected to problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric condition isn't easy to identify and manage.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most popular name used for this psychiatric disorder. Mental health professionals utilize the SPECT brain imaging method to determine ADHD.
Symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetful and disorganized. Antidepressants and stimulants 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. The scans of the brain reveal that those suffering from this type of ADD are able to maintain normal activity while concentrating and rest in the prefrontal cortex but they are less active in their cerebellum as well as the basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivation, calmness and concentration. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli, and is unable to switch focus. They have trouble falling asleep, and often wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. They are easily frustrated and can be easily angry.
People with Ring of Fire ADD have all the hallmarks of classic ADD however, they also have trouble shifting their attention from one thought to another thought and from task to task. They are sensitive to light, noise and even touch. They talk too quickly and are highly impulsive. They are prone to moodiness, low energy and anger. They also tend to get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt feelings.
Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, but it's distinct from depression in that it causes increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the part that determines our emotional tone and controls how happy or sad we are) and reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration. It can be treated with supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) as well as saffron, inositol which increase alertness, mood and clarity. Amino acid GABA can also help calm neural activity, inhibiting nerve cells from firing in a erratic manner or excessively.
It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which can cause frustration and irritability as well as low self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has more consistent frustration and irritability over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to come in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD patients are often stuck in negative thoughts and behavior that result in excessive worry. They exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to the ones of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is why it's frequently mistakenly diagnosed. They are often frightened emotionally when they are asked to shift their attention from one thing to another and may react with a threatening or hostile behavior.
They are often unhappy, and their irritability is due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negativity. They may also struggle with memory issues, experience extreme anger, and may have a short fuse.
People with hyperfocused ADD might be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and become engrossed in their job or pastime. They may forget appointments and deadlines at work or at home and may not finish their homework or chores. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when they are reprimanded by their parents or teachers.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be angry and stubborn, and might throw temper tantrums when their needs are not being respected. They may be obsessed with specific activities, toys, and video games. They are also unable to express their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to criticism or rejection.
This type of ADD is more prevalent among children, and is difficult to recognize. Children often don't realize that their issue is caused by their inability to switch their attention between different things. It's important to consult an expert as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This kind of ADD can be treated using dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Medications are sometimes prescribed, but this type of ADD is difficult to treat using stimulant drugs, since they can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to differentiate between the seven different types of ADD. It is especially useful 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 about half of sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and the wrong diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and further frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause issues at work, at school or in social situations. This kind of ADD can lead to underachievement and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxiety ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and activities because they think they won't do well.
They also fear being judged or being criticized. Because of this, they often hide their troubles from their peers. In some cases, sufferers are so anxious and stressed that they develop panic attacks. These can be severe and life-threatening, causing a pounding heart, sweating and breathing difficulties. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD have increased activity in their basal ganglia and the amygdala, which operate on an instinctual basis and prioritize safety. This shuts down PFC and can make it difficult for people with this disorder to concentrate.
If someone suffers from anxiety and ADD/ADHD their symptoms are more difficult to manage. This is due to the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to increase brain activity, may actually increase anxiety among people with anxiety-related ADD.
The psychiatrists at Amen Clinics employ functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning, to determine where in the brain there are areas of low or high levels of activity. This helps them differentiate between the seven types of brain and determine the most effective treatment.
A psychiatrist will take a complete medical record and perform a physical examination to determine if the patient suffers from the condition of ADD/ADHD. He or she might also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior in order to assess the patient's overall performance. Sometimes, medications are prescribed to treat ADD/ADHD. However, in many instances, patients also require other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy, diet, exercise sleep strategies, and desensitization. This can improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain which is responsible for memory and mood. This kind of ADD is characterised by a problem learning and storage of information and mood swings, as well as severe anger or aggression issues. They also are often affected by various sensory issues, like feeling like they've experienced deja vu, or seeing shadows or objects change shapes and hearing sounds that other people don't hear. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overstimulated.
Symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans and disorganization, difficulties in following directions or staying focused and procrastinating. This kind of ADD does not cause an excessive amount of impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in females. People suffering from this type of ADD might have low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine which can lead to feelings of depression and poor 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 difficulty shifting gears. They show normal activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one task or thought to another and get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a type of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and productive but have a tendency not to focus on important tasks. They can lose track of their school work and parents or teachers are often exhausted or ashamed of their behavior. adhd adults treatment may be struggling in relationships due to their tendency be reactive and impulsive. They also have difficulty managing multiple tasks and working with others. In certain situations, they could experience anxiety or depression. They may be prone hallucinations or panic attacks. Medications for this type of ADD are not usually recommended since they do not address the underlying reason for the symptoms.