Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Dr. Amen was concerned that a married woman of 43 years old might have ADD. She was struggling to keep up with her school work and household chores. She was unorganized and often lost her keys or wallet.
She frequently forgot appointments and was unable to keep track of time. She was also depressed with constant sadness that was not linked to depression and a negative view of life and low self-esteem.
Inattentional ADD
People with inattention ADHD are prone to making careless errors and not paying attention to the finer details. They may struggle to remember what they've heard, or forget to finish a project or homework assignment. They frequently lose keys, wallets, and other things they require to live with. adhd symptoms and treatment are usually late for appointments or are unable to keep the track of their bills and messages.
Children who have inattention ADD aren't as evident because they do not display any overt behavioral issues. This subtype of ADD is more prevalent for girls than boys. Many teachers are unaware of their symptoms, because they don't fit the stereotype of a "bad kid'.
Adults with inattentive ADHD have difficulty following instructions at home and at the workplace. They tend to delay tasks and avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort. They might also struggle to keep track of lectures or conversations and can be easily distracted by other distractions, such as unrelated thoughts or the television or internet. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can be misinterpreted as laziness or apathy, and many adults are annoyed when they are constantly reminded of missed deadlines by their family or friends.
It's important that you understand that inattentive ADD can be triggered by stress, other mental issues, or physical illnesses. To determine the severity of the symptoms and determine if treatment is needed an extensive evaluation by a mental health professional or health care professional is needed. They will take a detailed medical history, perform an examination of your body and discuss your lifestyle to help you determine any other issues that could contribute to your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
Those with People with ADD are not able to shift their focus, and instead are focused on specific tasks. They might also be highly organized, which may cause confusion for some people and lead to an incorrect diagnosis. Since they lack serotonin and dopamine they are usually treated with the standard ADHD medications that increase serotonin and dopamine. However, this treatment could actually make their ADD symptoms worse.
They may feel overwhelmed because they are unable to control their thoughts, leading to anxiety and depression. They are also prone to becoming trapped in negative behaviours and patterns of thought which are difficult to break free from without intervention. Adults with Overfocused ADD have had positive results from cognitive behavioral therapies to recognize and alter negative thought patterns, mindfulness techniques that help reduce rumination, and skill training.
When a person has Overfocused ADD their brain's anterior cingulate gland is hyperactive, which could lead to hyper-focus and moodiness. The stimulant ADD medications can stimulate this region of the brain to an extent and can cause more symptoms and irritability. This is why a balanced diet and other non-medical treatments have proven beneficial for those suffering from this condition.
People suffering from Overfocused ADD are more likely to become "stuck" in negative cycles that can strain relationships and cause stress. Setting up a routine and using a digital planner, and engaging in communities that support each other can ease some of their symptoms. Couples coaching can be beneficial for people with ADD as it can help to clarify roles and expectations between partners. This can help improve communication and to create a more balanced and healthy life for both people. The most effective method of treating ADD/ADHD is to work with an naturopathic doctor or a medical professional to determine a program to assist you in managing and reducing your symptoms.
Anxious ADD
ADD patients are often also suffering from anxiety. It may be a few nagging concerns or a more severe anxiety disorder like social anxiety disorder or panic disorder. It doesn't matter if it is an anxiety that is mild or chronic, severe anxiety. It can impact your work and personal life. About 80% of people who suffer from ADHD have at least one additional diagnosis, and anxiety is the most common disorder that is a comorbidity.
Anxious ADD is one of the theorized "7 kinds of ADD." This kind is characterized by a strong anxiety and nervousness as well as inattention. It is caused by a dysregulated brain. In this case the qEEG map shows that certain brain regions are hyperactive or out of balance. These include the prefrontal cortex as well as the limbic system.
Those with this kind of ADD have a high sensitivity to external stimuli, such as light, noise and touch. They tend to overreact and have short fuses. They are more prone to repeating negative thoughts or behavior and often engage in self-sabotage. They tend to be impulsive, arguing and possess an antagonistic personality.
The treatment for this type is to balance GABA with dopamine, and promoting relaxation. People with this type of ADD must get enough sleep and exercise, as well as eat a balanced diet. They should also avoid sugar and processed foods. If they can, they should adhere to the same routine each day for waking up and sleeping. Lastly, review should try to incorporate physical activities into their educational or work-related tasks. If they are at desks and are not able to get up and move around every hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This kind of ADD is defined by excessive activity in the Cerebral Cortex as well as an increase in activity in the right and left Parietal Lobes, and the left and right Temporal Lobes. People with Ring of Fire ADD are likely to exhibit all the classic symptoms of ADHD and have trouble staying focused and impulsive behaviour. They may also show high levels of anxiety, erratic thoughts, and anger. They may be overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, and are frequently unresponsive and argumentative.
People who have Ring of Fire ADD are often misdiagnosed as having Bipolar Disorder, because their symptoms appear to be similar. The distinction is that people suffering from Bipolar Disorder have periods of depression or mania as those suffering from Ring of Fire ADD experience their symptoms in a constant manner.
Ring of Fire ADD can be more difficult to treat when compared to other forms of ADHD. The symptoms are usually linked to an imbalance in brain chemical. Treatment is usually aimed at correcting this imbalance. Through the use of effective strategies, people can learn to manage their Ring of Fire ADHD and live a healthy and balanced life.
If you're experiencing Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms, it's important to seek help from a qualified medical professional. Although Dr. Daniel Amen's work has been met with skepticism by a large portion of the medical world however, he does have good points. You can receive the assistance that you need by identifying the different types of ADHD. Contact a specialist to receive a valid diagnose and start on the road to a healthy and happy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is the type that most people imagine when they hear the term ADHD. It exhibits all the signs of inattention ADD however it also has hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. The people with this type of ADD are unable to organize tasks, prioritizing their priorities, managing time, and monitoring themselves. They are easily distracted and lack the mental strength to finish non-preferred tasks. They aren't usually referred to as "hyperactive," yet they have difficulty following instructions and are often late for appointments. They are low in dopamine levels as well as a decreased flow of blood in the prefrontal cortex.
People with this form of ADD struggle with their emotions and exhibit difficulty in dealing with anxiety, stress and depression. They might have a history of familial abuse or trauma or have experienced an emotional divorce. People suffering from limbic ADD have less activity in their prefrontal cortex, as well as disturbances in the temporal lobes, which control moods. This form of ADD is treated with antidepressants and other supplements to regulate the neuronal activity.
Dr. Zlatin Ivanov specializes in diagnosing and treating all forms of adult ADD. His unique test method identifies and determines the appropriate treatment for each patient's specific symptoms. Contact Psychiatry NYC today to schedule an appointment for personalized ADHD care.