ADD Symptoms May Be Different For Boys and Girls
ADD symptoms may differ in boys and girls. People with ADD who are mostly inattentive have trouble paying attention and are easily distracted. They are often distracted and forget their daily tasks.
Avoids or does not like tasks that require constant mental effort (e.g. Schoolwork and chores. Many times, parents forget to return phone calls or pay bills.
Inattentional ADD
Oft overlooked, the primarily inattentive form of ADHD is one of the most annoying symptoms of this condition. While everyone misplaces their keys or forgets to pay their phone bill from time to time but if these errors become an everyday occurrence that interferes with your daily functioning and well-being it could be an indication of inattentive ADD.
People with inattentive ADHD may have trouble completing projects. External and internal distractions are constant. They are often unorganized or messy at home or at work. They may also be chronically late for school or work. They miss appointments and frequently fail to locate important documents. Inattention ADD adults often find it difficult to follow written instructions and make careless mistakes in their work. They can lose track of conversations and meetings and are often referred to as "space cadets" or "flaky."
Children with this subtype of ADHD struggle in school because they are not always paying attention. They are often distracted by daydreaming or gazing out the window. They are often unable to complete their homework and struggle with verbal directions or listening in class. They rush through exams and often forget to answer questions they already know the answers to. Their failure to carefully proofread emails or documents could have serious consequences at work.
Inattentive ADD can be treated by medication and behavioral therapy. Stimulants ease ADD symptoms quickly. Examples of stimulants are Adderall, Ritalin and Metadate. Non-stimulants, which are slower to work but are longer lasting are often used by those with inattentive ADHD if they don't respond to stimulants. Medications are often used in conjunction with talk therapy, which is regular sessions with a therapist to reduce negative patterns of behavior and strengthen positive ones.
Limbic ADD
Limbic ADD is an attention disorder that affects the limbic part of the brain. This brain area is responsible for regulating our moods, as well as the fight or flight response. This kind of ADD can lead to emotional issues and stress that can overwhelm people. They might also experience low self-esteem, or have difficulty creating emotional bonds with other people. They are often misdiagnosed as having depression, however antidepressants may cause more symptoms.
Patients with this kind of ADD suffer from primary ADD symptoms plus symptoms related to the temporal lobe located beneath the temples. Memory, learning and mood stability are all affected. Their behavior can turn explosive and they can be quick to anger. They are very sensitive to light, sound and touch. Scans of their brain show that their prefrontal cortex is underactive and the limbic area (responsible for determining the mood of an individual) is overactive.
The treatment for ring of fire ADD involves increasing the levels of dopamine in the patient that are achieved through diet changes as well as blood pressure medications and stimulating supplements like DL-phenylalanine, L-tryosine, and SAMe. It is essential to build a collection of happy memories as this can help stabilize your mood. This type of ADD can be cured by practicing cognitive behavioral therapy, and by forming strong bonds. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can also be beneficial. This is a difficult diagnosis to treat, since it can take an extended time to progress in improving mood and regulating impulses. A extensive ADD program that incorporates diet and exercise, as well as meditating, can improve moods in people suffering from this type of ADD.
Anxious ADD
This type of ADD is characterised by all the typical ADD symptoms as well as severe anxiety and nervousness. These symptoms are worsened when they are with others or in times of stress or uncertainty. They tend to avoid situations which trigger these feelings. Even if they are unable to avoid them, it can be hard for them to concentrate on tasks that require concentration.
This is due to the fact that the basal ganglia and amygdala which form part of our "reptilian brain," override the higher functioning prefrontal cortex and shut down the ability to process additional information. This causes the person to feel overwhelmed, anxious and unable to focus.
It is important to note that it is sometimes difficult to discern the difference between ADD and anxiety, since there are a variety of symptoms that are similar to each the other. It is important to keep in mind that if a person has ADHD criteria, they might also be a candidate for an anxiety disorder such as social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or panic disorders.
Anxious ADD sufferers can suffer from a variety of physical reactions like digestive problems or headaches. They might be fatigued, restless or experience headaches. These symptoms can be addressed through the combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Drake Institute treatment protocols for Anxious ADD are similar to those for the classic ADD. The goal is to help them reduce their anxiety by increasing blood flow to the brain and increasing dopamine and serotonin levels. This is usually done by combining diet, supplements and medication. This is a complicated procedure that requires the expertise of a doctor such as the Drake Clinic.
Temporal Lobe ADD
Temporal lobe ADD is defined by being easily distracted and unable focus. People with this type of ADD are also unable to remember things and have difficulty understanding people. They might also feel as if things have happened before.
Those with this type of ADD may have trouble managing their emotions and may become easily angry or irritable. A rapid change in mood can also make it difficult for them to sleep or fall asleep. They may also be having difficulty managing stressors that are present in their daily lives and may also suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.
This kind of ADD is visible on brain scans as overactivity in the cerebral cortex and other areas of the brain. It's similar to classic ADD but without the hyperactivity and impulsivity. This kind of ADD is distinguished by a deficiency to control behavior. It can lead to major occupational and social issues.
adhd symptoms of ADD is also linked to bipolar disorder, but unlike the classic bipolar, it doesn't include episodes of mania.
The best treatment for this condition is to use behavioral programs and supplements which promote calmness. These include GABA (gamma-aminobutryic acid) which helps to regulate the brain's neural activity brain; magnesium, which can aid in reducing anxiety and irritability; and vinpocetine or gingko, which can help with memory issues. It is also recommended to get 30 to 45 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise each day to boost blood flow and release endorphins, which improve the mood. Keep a record of your mood changes to keep track of triggers and formulate a plan.
ADHD Combined Type
People with ADHD combined type exhibit symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive subtypes of the disorder. This form of the condition may also be called "dysfunctional attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder" (ADDHD). This presentation is more common for boys than girls, and usually begins at age 12.
People who have ADHD combined type often have difficulty to manage their daily tasks at work, school, or relationships. They may have difficulty to organize their time or supplies and can easily be distracted by external stimuli. They may forget appointments, school or work deadlines or lose their keys to their car or wallet. They might be unable to wait for their turn, blurt out answers or engage in risky behaviors to relieve boredom or frustration.
Unlike the inattentive form of ADHD those with the combined type tend to have a more restless and fidgety appearance. They are more prone to extreme fatigue, difficulty staying still or experiencing an internal tenseness. They may struggle to control their emotions, resulting in frequent emotional outbursts.
Diagnosis of ADHD combined type is based on a thorough consultation with an expert in mental health, as well as an evaluation of the person's development and medical background, family history work performance and symptom manifestation. Standardised rating scales and behavioural checklists are also used to determine the severity of a person's symptoms.
Nonstimulant treatments for ADHD combined type include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and lifestyle changes. Parents of children with ADHD can also benefit from programs of training that assist them in managing their child's behavior. The variety of effective drugs for ADHD combined type has grown and is continuing to expand and allows for personalized treatment plans that meet the specific needs of each individual. These include methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine, all of which are non-stimulants. These drugs target how certain chemicals interact with the brain to regulate a person's behavior.