20 Resources To Help You Become More Effective At ADD And Treatment
20 Resources To Help You Become More Effective At ADD And Treatment
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ADD and Treatment
ADD and its treatment are usually associated with problems at school, work, or home. The psychiatric disorder isn't easy to identify and treat.
The psychiatric disorder is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Mental health professionals employ the SPECT brain imaging method to determine ADHD.
The signs of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized. The use of 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 people with this type have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, but reduced activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which are responsible for the production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation, focus and a sense of calm. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by noises and other stimuli, and is unable to switch focus. They have difficulty falling asleep, and they often wake up in the middle of the night, battling anxiety. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and possess a short fuse, becoming easily frustrated and easily angry.
People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the core symptoms of the classic ADD, but they also have trouble shifting their attention from thought to thought and from task to task. They have a sensitivity to noise, light, and touch and talk too quickly and are easily impulsive and easily triggered to a negative behaviour. They have periods of moodiness and fatigue, are quick to anger and can get stuck in negative thoughts and guilt.
Limbic ADD is often mistaken for depression, but it's distinct from depression because it has increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the area that sets our emotional tone and regulates how happy or sad we are) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at 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 mental clarity. Amino acid GABA is also helpful to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing irregularly or excessively.
It is crucial to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders such as Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause frustration, irritability, and poor self-esteem. The difference between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD is more consistent in its level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to suffer from symptoms that occur in waves.
Overfocused ADD
Over-focused ADD sufferers are often caught in negative thought patterns and behavior that cause excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behaviors similar to those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which is the reason it's often mistakenly diagnosed. They can be angry when they are asked to shift their attention between different activities, and they may react with oppositional or argumentative behavior.
They are often irritable, and their irritability is due to a low-grade chronic sadness or negative mood. They may also have trouble learning, struggle with memory issues, or feel intense anger and aggression.
People with overfocused ADD are not flexible when it comes to changing tasks, and could become enthralled by their hobbies or work. They are at risk of missing deadlines at work and not remembering appointments at home, and they may not finish homework or other school assignments. They may also be extremely stubborn and resentful when reprimanded by their parents or teachers.
Children with hyperfocused ADD can be angry and stubborn, and may throw tantrums if their interests are not accepted. They can be obsessive about specific activities, toys, and video games. They can also have difficulty communicating their feelings and are extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.
This kind of ADD can be difficult to diagnose, especially when it affects children. Children who exhibit treatment adhd 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. It is important to speak with a professional as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This type of ADD is usually treated using modifications to diet, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of ADD is difficult to treat, even with stimulant medication, because it can increase 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 simultaneously) is common and affects about half of sufferers of ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety may resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment and more frustration.
Anxious ADD can cause problems with work, school and social situations. This type of ADD can cause low performance and feelings of inadequateness. People with anxious ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or activities because they fear they won't succeed.
They are also afraid of being judged or criticised. They hide their problems to others. In some cases, sufferers are so stressed and anxious that they develop panic attacks. These can be dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in a pounding heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia as well as the amygdala, which operate on an instinctual basis and prioritize safety. This causes the brain to shut down the PFC which makes it difficult for people with ADD to focus.
If a person with ADD/ADHD has anxiety, their symptoms are usually more difficult to manage than those of a person who does not suffer from anxiety. This is because treatment programs for ADD/ADHD, which are designed to stimulate brain activity, may actually increase anxiety in people who have anxiety-related ADD.
Amen Clinics psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging, like SPECT scanning, to determine which areas of the brain are areas of low or high levels of activity. This helps them distinguish between the seven types and determine the most effective treatment.
To determine if someone has ADD/ADHD psychiatrist takes a thorough medical history and performs physical examination. In addition, he / she may ask questions about behavior and mood to determine the overall health of a patient. Some medications are used to treat ADD/ADHD, but most patients require other therapies in addition, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, strategies for sleep, desensitization and other techniques to relax. This will help enhance their ability to control their moods and overall function.
Temporal Lobe ADD
This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain, which is responsible both for memory and mood. People suffering from this type of ADD struggle to learn and store information they experience mood instability and have severe anger or aggression issues. They may also suffer from sensory issues such as feeling deja vu when objects or shadows change shape or hearing sounds that others don't hear. They are often irritable and sensitive and are often overstimulated by certain activities, like computer screens or crowds.
The symptoms of this type of ADD are similar to those of Classic ADD, including short attention spans, disorganization, difficulty following instructions or staying on task and procrastinating. However, this kind of ADD doesn't cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more common in women. This kind of ADD is characterised by low levels of dopamine in the brain which can lead to feelings of depression or poor self-regulation. The symptoms include insomnia, anxiety and irritability.
In this case QEEG scans of the ADD brain show that those with over-focused ADD are experiencing difficulties 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 the next and are stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors.
This is a form of ADD in which people are extremely motivated and productive but have a tendency not to pay attention to important tasks. They can lose track of their schoolwork and parents or teachers are often tired or embarrassed by their behavior. They may have a difficult time in relationships because they can be unpredictable or reactive and have difficulty managing multiple tasks or working with other people. In some instances, they can be depressed or anxious. They could be susceptible to hallucinations or panic attacks. Medications are typically not advised for this kind of ADD, because it doesn't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.