ADD and Treatment

ADD and treatment is usually associated with problems at home, school or work. The psychiatric illness is often difficult to identify and treat.

The psychiatric condition is commonly known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Mental health professionals employ SPECT brain imaging to determine ADHD.

Symptoms 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. adhd treatment in adults of the brain show those suffering from this condition have normal activity in the prefrontal cortex at rest and during concentration, however they have reduced activity in the cerebellum and basal ganglia which help make dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps to increase motivation, focus and a sense of calm. This type has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli and has a hard time shifting focus. They are unable to fall asleep and frequently wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious. They are easily frustrated and can be easily angry.

Ring of Fire ADD is distinguished by all the typical ADD symptoms, but also by difficulties in shifting their attention between thoughts and shifting their focus from one task to the next. They are sensitive to light, sound 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-related feelings.

Limbic ADD can be mistaken for depression, however it is distinct from depression in that it causes increased activity in the limbic region of the brain (the part that determines our emotional tone and regulates how happy or sad we feel) and decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex both rest and during concentration. It can be treated with supplements such as L tryptophan (5-HTP) as well as saffron, inositol, which improve alertness, mood and mental clarity. Amino acid GABA can also be helpful to reduce neural activity and prevent nerve cells from firing erratically or too frequently.

It is essential to distinguish between ADD and mood disorders like Bipolar Disorder which can also result in 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 suffer from symptoms that occur in waves.

Overfocused ADD

Over-focused ADD patients often get stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger excessive worrying. They exhibit rigid behavior patterns that resemble those of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and that is why it's frequently incorrectly diagnosed. They are often frightened emotionally when asked to shift their attention from one thing to another and respond with argumentative or oppositional behavior.

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

People with overfocused ADD may be rigid when it comes changing tasks and may become absorbed in their work or hobby. They might forget appointments and deadlines at home or at work and may not finish their chores or schoolwork. They could also be stubborn and resentful when they are reprimanded by their parents or teachers.

Children who have overfocused ADD exhibit a high level of irritability and stubbornness and may be susceptible to throwing a rage when their interests are trampled on. They might be obsessed with certain activities, toys and video games. They also have trouble expressing their feelings, and can be extremely sensitive to rejection or criticism.

This kind of ADD is difficult to recognize, especially in children. These children often don't understand the cause of their condition. It's due to their inability to shift their focus from one thing to another. It is important to speak with an expert since these children are more likely to be misdiagnosed with ADD. This kind of ADD is treatable with nutritional modifications, supplements and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Medications are sometimes prescribed, however this kind of ADD can be difficult to treat with stimulant medications, as these can boost a person's level of hyperactivity. Functional neuroimaging is sometimes used to distinguish the seven distinct kinds of ADD and is especially useful in diagnosing over-focused ADD.

Anxious ADD

Many people who suffer from ADD have a high degree of anxiety. This comorbidity (having more than one disorder simultaneously) is common and affects up to half of all people suffering from ADD/ADHD. Stress and anxiety can resemble the symptoms of ADD/ADHD and incorrect diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and even more frustration.

Anxious ADD can cause problems at work, in school, or with social situations. This kind of ADD may result in low performance and feelings of inadequacy. People with anxiety ADD tend to avoid challenging tasks and activities because they think they won't do well.

They are also afraid of being judged or criticised. They are afraid of being judged or criticised. others. These people can be so stressed and anxious that they have panic attacks. These can be life-threatening and cause a pounding heart, sweating and breathing difficulties. Unlike Classic ADD, those with Anxious ADD are more active in their basal ganglia and the amygdala, which operate on an instinctual basis and place a high priority on safety. This can shut down PFC and can make it difficult for people with this disorder to concentrate.

If a person with ADHD or ADD has anxiety the symptoms are typically more difficult to manage than those of a person who isn't suffering from anxiety. This is because treatment plans for ADD/ADHD which are designed to stimulate the brain can increase anxiety in those with anxiety ADD by reducing the activity in their PFC.

The psychiatrists at Amen Clinics employ functional neuroimaging techniques, such as SPECT scanning to discover which areas of the brain are areas of low or high levels of activity. This allows them to distinguish between the seven types and determine the best method of treatment.


To determine if a patient has ADD/ADHD, a psychiatrist collects a full medical history and conducts physical examination. He or she may also inquire about the patient's mood and behavior to evaluate the patient's overall performance. Medications are sometimes used to treat ADD/ADHD but most patients require other treatments too, including cognitive behavioral therapy, nutrition and exercise, sleep strategies, desensitization and other techniques to relax. This can enhance their ability to control their moods and overall function.

Temporal Lobe ADD

This type of ADD affects the brain's temporal lobe which is responsible for mood and memory. People with this type of ADD struggle to learn and store information, experience mood instability, and suffer from severe anger or aggression issues. They also suffer from a variety of sensory issues, like feeling like they've experienced deja vu, or experiencing shadows or objects changing shapes, and hearing sounds others don't. They can be irritable, sensitive and easily overwhelmed.

The symptoms of this kind of ADD are similar to those in Classic ADD, including short attention spans, disorganization, difficulty following instructions or staying on task, and procrastinating. This kind of ADD is not associated with excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This kind of ADD is more common in females. People suffering from this type of ADD may suffer from low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which can lead to feelings of low motivation and poor self-regulation. It is characterized by sleeplessness, anxiety and irritability.

In this case brain mapping scans qEEG of the brain show that individuals with 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 are stuck in negative thoughts and behavior.

This is a form of ADD which means that people are highly motivated and hardworking, but they tend to be easily distracted by mundane or insignificant tasks. They can get lost and feel embarrassed or exhausted because of their behavior. They may experience difficulties in relationships due to their tendency be reactive and impulsive. They also have issues multitasking and working with others. In certain situations they may experience anxiety or depression. They may be susceptible to panic attacks and susceptible to hallucinations. Medications for this type of ADD are not usually recommended since they don't address the underlying cause of symptoms.