ADD and Treatment

ADD and its treatment are frequently related to issues at school, work, or home. The psychiatric illness is often difficult to identify and treat.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common name for this psychiatric disorder. Mental health professionals use SPECT brain imaging to diagnose ADHD.

The signs of classic ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. The use of medications such as stimulants and antidepressants 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. Scans of the brain show those with this type of ADD have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex both at rest and during concentration, but less activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia, which help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter which helps to increase motivation, focus, and calmness. People with this type have a difficult in shifting their focus and are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have shorter attention spans. They also have trouble falling asleep and are often woken up during the night with anxiety or nightmares. They are often overwhelmed by emotions and possess short tempers, and are easily frustrated and easily angered.

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 fast and are impulsive. They have periods of moodiness and fatigue, are quick to anger, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilty feelings.

Limbic ADD can be confused with depression, but it is different than depression because it has increased activity in the limbic part of the brain (the area that sets our emotional tone and regulates the level of happiness or sadness we are) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex at both when we are at rest and while in concentration. It is a condition that can be treated with supplements like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, and inositol that increase focus, alertness, mood, and mental clarity; amino acid GABA to regulate neural activity and stop nerve cells from firing too much or erratically; and liver support.

It is crucial to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder that can result in frustration and irritability, as well as low self-esteem. The distinction is that ADD with Limbic Symptoms has a more constant level of irritability and frustration over time, while Bipolar Disorder symptoms tend to come in waves.

Overfocused ADD

Over-focused ADD sufferers often get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors similar to people who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They may become emotional when they are requested to switch their focus between activities and may respond with oppositional or argumentative 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 frequently feeling hopeless and a sense of worthlessness. They might also have difficulty learning, have memory issues, or experience severe anger and aggression.

People with overfocused ADD are unable to adapt when it comes to changing tasks, and may become highly captivated by their work or interests. They are at risk of missing deadlines at work, and not remembering appointments at home, and they might not finish chores or school assignments. They can also be resistant and angry when they are disciplined or punished by their parents or teacher.

Children with hyperfocused ADD can be angry and stubborn, and they can throw temper tantrums if their interests aren't 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 rejection or criticism.

This form of ADD is difficult to diagnose, especially in children. Children often don't realize the cause of their condition. It's due to their inability to shift their attention between different things. It is important to speak with an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This kind of ADD can be treated using nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some medications are prescribed, but this type of ADD can be difficult to treat using stimulant medications, as these can increase a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is often used to identify the seven distinct types of ADD, and is particularly helpful for diagnosing overfocused ADD.

Anxious ADD

Many people suffering from ADD have a high degree of anxiety. Comorbidity, or having multiple disorders simultaneously is a common problem and affects as much as 50% of people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. A misdiagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and anger.

Anxious ADD can cause problems with school, work and social settings. This type of ADD can cause low performance and feelings of being unsatisfactory. People with anxiety ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or events because they fear they won't succeed.

They also fear being criticised or judged. They hide their problems to others. They can become so anxious and stressed that they experience panic attacks. They can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening, resulting in a pounding heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing. Anxious ADD is different from Classic ADD because it has an increased activity in the basal ganglia as well as the amygdala. These areas are instinctive and prioritize safety. This causes a shutdown of PFC and can make it difficult for these individuals focus.

If someone suffering from ADD/ADHD has anxiety, their symptoms are usually more difficult to manage than those of someone who isn't suffering from anxiety. This is due to the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate brain activity, may actually increase anxiety in people who have anxiety-related ADD.

Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging such as SPECT scans to identify where in the brain more or less activity are present. This allows them to differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD and determine the best treatment for each patient.

A psychiatrist will gather 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 in order to assess the patient's overall functioning. Sometimes, medications are prescribed to treat ADHD and ADD. However, in the majority of cases, patients require other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy and diet, exercise, sleep strategies and desensitization. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall function.

Temporal Lobe ADD

This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe in the brain which is responsible for mood and memory. People with this type of ADD struggle to learn and store information and experience mood swings and have extreme anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues, such as experiencing like they're in a dream when objects or shadows change form or hearing sounds that others don't hear. Iam Psychiatry Links to an external site. tend to be irritable and sensitive, and often become overstimulated by certain things, such as computer screens or crowds.

This kind of ADD has similar symptoms to Classic ADD. These include low attention spans and disorganization. It also has difficulty staying on task or following directions. However, this type of ADD doesn't cause impulsivity or hyperactivity. This type of ADD is more prevalent in females. People suffering from this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine which contributes to their feelings of depression and poor self-regulation. Symptoms can include trouble sleeping and feelings of irritability or anxiety.

In this case QEEG scans of ADD brain show that those with Overfocused ADD are having difficulty shifting gears. They are experiencing normal activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus (the brain's "gearshifter"). They are unable to move from one task or thought to the next, and they become stuck in negative thinking patterns and behavior.


This is a form of ADD that is characterized by people who are extremely motivated and productive but tend not to focus on important tasks. They can get lost in their schoolwork and their parents or teachers are often tired or ashamed of their behavior. They may be struggling in relationships due to their tendency to be impulsive and reactive. They also have difficulty multitasking and working in a group. In certain situations they may suffer from depression or anxiety. They may be prone hallucinations and panic attacks. The use of medication is not recommended for this type of ADD, because it doesn't tackle the root cause of the symptoms.