ADD and Treatment

ADD and its treatment are frequently associated with problems at school, work or home. The psychiatric disorder is difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat.

The psychiatric disorder is often referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals utilize SPECT brain imaging to diagnose ADHD.

Symptoms of typical ADD include being easily distracted, forgetful and unorganized. 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 those with this type of ADD 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, a neurotransmitter which helps to increase motivation, focus and a sense of calm. People with this type have a hard to focus their attention, are easily distracted by noise and other stimuli, and have short attention spans. They also have trouble sleeping and frequently wake up during the night with nightmares or anxiety. They are easily frustrated and often get angry.

People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD have all the hallmarks of the classic ADD However, they also have difficulty shifting their attention from one thought to another thought and from task to task. They have a sensitivity to light, noise, and touch and they talk too fast and are impulsive and easily triggered into a mean-spirited behavior. They can experience periods of agitation and low energy levels, are quick to get angry, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilty feelings.

It is possible to mistake limbic ADD with depression. However, it's different because it increases activity in the limbic region of the brain when it is at the moment of rest and while concentrating. It is a condition that can be treated using supplements like L-tryptophan 5-HTP as well as saffron and inositol, which boost alertness, focus and mood. They also improve mental clarity. They also use amino acid GABA to reduce neural activity and stop nerve cells from firing too much or in a erratic manner and liver support.

It is crucial to differentiate between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder, which also can cause irritability, frustration and low self-esteem. The distinction between ADD with Limbic Symptoms and Bipolar Disorder is that ADD has a more consistent level of irritability over time. Bipolar Disorder tends to suffer from symptoms that occur in waves.

Overfocused ADD

Overfocused ADD sufferers tend to get stuck in negative patterns of thoughts and behavior that cause excessive worrying. This is because they exhibit rigid behaviors that are similar to those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). People with OCD are often threatened emotionally when required to shift their focus from one task to the next, and can respond with an argumentative or hostile behavior.

They tend to be unhappy and their irritability may be caused by a low-grade chronic sadness or negativity. They may also struggle with memory issues, feel intense anger, and may have a short fuse.

People with overfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes to changing tasks and become engrossed in their work or hobby. They may not remember appointments or deadlines at home or at work, and they may not finish their homework or chores. They can also be stubborn and resentful when disapproved of by their teachers or parents.

Children with overfocused ADD have a high degree of stubbornness and irritability, and are likely to throw inconsolable tantrums when their interests are violated. They can be obsessive about specific activities, toys, and video games. They are also unable to express their emotions, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.

This type of ADD can be difficult to identify, particularly for children. Children who exhibit this behavior are often unable to comprehend that their issues are caused by a lack of ability to switch their focus between tasks. It's important to consult an expert as these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed for ADD. This kind of ADD is treatable with dietary modifications, supplements, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This type of ADD is extremely difficult to treat even with stimulant medication due to the fact that it can cause hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is a method to differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD. It is particularly useful in diagnosing hyperfocused ADD.

Anxious ADD

Many people suffering from ADD experience high levels of anxiety. This co-morbidity (having more than one disorder at the same time) is common, affecting about half of people with ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can mimic the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Misdiagnosis may lead to unsuitable treatment and frustration.

Anxious ADD can lead to problems at work, school, and social situations. This kind of ADD could cause low performance and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxious ADD are hesitant to take on difficult tasks or events because they fear they won't succeed.

They also fear being judged or critiqued. They hide their problems to others. In some cases, these people are so stressed and anxious that they develop panic attacks. These panic attacks can be severe and life-threatening. They trigger heart pounding sweating, breathing difficulties and difficulty. 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 the brain to shut down the PFC which makes it hard for these individuals to concentrate.

If someone with ADHD or ADD has anxiety their symptoms are generally more difficult to manage than those of a person who doesn't have anxiety. This is because the treatment programs for ADD/ADHD that are designed to stimulate brain activity, can actually increase anxiety among those with anxious ADD.

Amen Clinic psychiatrists employ functional neuroimaging techniques like SPECT scans in order to determine which areas of the brain have high and/or lower levels of activity are present. This helps them differentiate between the seven kinds of ADD and determine the most effective treatment for each patient.

To diagnose ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist gathers a complete medical history and conducts an examination. In addition, he / she may ask questions about behavior and mood to determine the overall health of a patient. Sometimes, treatment for adult add Links to an external site. is used to treat ADHD and ADD. However, in most instances, patients also require other treatments, like cognitive behavior therapy, exercise, nutrition sleep strategies, and desensitization. This can help improve their ability to manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning.

Temporal Lobe ADD

This kind of ADD affects the temporal lobe of the brain, which is responsible both for mood and memory. People suffering from this kind of ADD struggle to process and store information they experience mood instability and suffer from severe anger or aggression issues. They might also experience sensory issues, such as experiencing deja vu, seeing shadows or objects change shape or hearing sounds that others don't hear. They tend to be sensitive and irritable and are often overwhelmed by certain activities, such as computer screens or crowds.

This kind of ADD is characterized by 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 does not cause hyperactivity or impulsivity. This kind of ADD is more prevalent in females. This kind of ADD is defined by the low levels of dopamine in the brain, which can cause feelings of depression or a lack of self-regulation. The symptoms can include sleep problems and feelings of anxiety or irritability.

In this instance brain mapping scans using qEEG of the brain show that people suffering from over-focused ADD have normal activity in their anterior cingulate region which is the brain's "gear shifter," but they are having trouble shifting gears. They are unable to move from one thought or task to the next, and they get stuck in negative thought patterns and behavior.

This is a form of ADD where people can be highly motivated and hardworking however, they tend to get easily distracted by non-essential or unimportant tasks. They can get lost in their schoolwork and their teachers or parents are often tired 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 some cases they may experience anxiety or depression. They might be susceptible to panic attacks and hallucinations. Medications are typically not recommended for this type of ADD, because it doesn't treat the root of the symptoms.