Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Dr. Amen was concerned that a woman who was married and 43 years old might have ADD. She was struggling to keep up with her schoolwork and household chores. She was disorganized, and often lost her wallet or keys.
She was often prone to losing track of time. She had a low self-esteem and a negative outlook. She also suffered from an ongoing sadness that was not depression.
Inattentive ADD
People who have inattention ADHD tend to make mistakes without paying attention to the finer details. They may struggle to remember the information they've heard or forget to finish a task or homework assignment. They frequently lose keys, wallets and other items they require to live. In the end, they are often late for appointments or have difficulty keeping track of their bills and messages.
Children who have inattention ADD aren't as obvious since they do not display any overt behavioral issues. Children with this subtype of ADD are more likely to be females than boys and teachers are often unable to recognize their symptoms because they don't fit into the stereotype of a "bad child."
Adults with inattention ADHD struggle to follow directions at home and at the workplace. They also tend to procrastinate and avoid tasks that require a sustained mental effort. They may also have difficulty with lectures or conversations and can easily be distracted by irrelevant media such as the television or the internet. Signs of inattention ADHD could be misinterpreted as lazyness or apathy. Many adults feel frustrated when they are constantly reminded of missed obligations by loved ones or coworkers.
It is important to understand that inattentive ADD can be caused by stress, other mental disorders, or physical illnesses. A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is necessary to confirm the presence of symptoms and determine if treatment is needed. They will conduct a thorough medical history, conduct an examination of your body and discuss your lifestyle to help determine any other issues that might contribute to your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
People with the condition of over-focused ADD have difficulty shifting their focus and are often obsessed with certain activities. They can also be extremely organized, which can cause confusion to certain people and cause misdiagnosis. Because they are lacking dopamine and serotonin These individuals are typically treated with the standard ADHD medications that increase dopamine and serotonin. However, this treatment could actually cause their ADD symptoms worse.
People who suffer from this condition may feel suffocated due to their inability to redirect their thoughts, causing them to suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also susceptible to becoming stuck in negative behavior and patterns of thought that can be difficult to break free from without intervention. Cognitive-behavioral therapy to identify and change negative patterns, mindfulness practices to decrease rumination, and the development of skills have demonstrated positive results for people with over-focused ADD.
When a person is suffering from hyperfocus ADD and has an anterior cingulate region of their brain is overactive. This can cause hyperfocus and moodiness. Stimulant ADD medications can stimulate this area of the brain too much, which can exacerbate their symptoms and cause irritability. This is why a balanced diet and other non-medicated therapies have been proven helpful for those suffering from this condition.
People who suffer from over-focused ADD tend to "stick" in negative cycles. This can create stress and stress relationships. Some of their symptoms can be alleviated by creating a plan by using an electronic planner and joining communities that support. Couples coaching for ADD can also be very beneficial in creating clear roles and expectations for both partners. This can improve communication and help develop a more balanced life for both people. The most effective treatment of ADD/ADHD is to work with an naturopathic doctor or a medical professional to find a program to help you manage and minimize your symptoms.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD also suffer from anxiety. It may be a few nagging worries or a full-blown 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 life and work. Nearly 80% of those with ADHD have at least one additional diagnosis and anxiety is the most common comorbid diagnosis.
Anxious ADD is one of the theorized "7 types of ADD." This type is distinguished by a severe anxiety and a feeling of nervousness and inattention. It is caused by a disordered brain. In this instance it is evident that qEEG mapping reveals that certain brain regions are hyperactive or out of balance. These include the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex.
People with this type of ADD have a high sensitivity to external stimuli such as light, noise and touch. They are prone to overreacting and have a short temper. attention deficit disorder symptoms adults are more prone to repeating negative thoughts and behaviors and are often involved in self-sabotage. They are more likely to be impulsive, argumentative and possess an antagonistic personality.
Treatment for this kind of ADD involves the balance of GABA and dopamine as well as encouraging relaxation. This type of ADD requires that individuals get enough sleep, are active and consume healthy food. They should also stay away from sugar and processed foods. If possible they should follow the same routine for sleeping and waking up and stick to it daily. Additionally, they should try to incorporate physical activities into their educational or work-related tasks. For example when they work at a desk job, they should stand up or walk around at least once per hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This kind of ADD is characterized as having an overactive Cerebral cortex and increased activity on the right and left Parietal Lobes and the left-right Temporal Lobes. People who suffer from Ring of Fire ADD are likely to suffer from all the classic symptoms of ADHD and have trouble staying focused and impulsive behavior. They might also exhibit high levels of anxiety and erratic thoughts. They are often overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and are usually inflexible and argumentative.
Ring of Fire ADD is often mistakenly referred to as Bipolar Disorder because the symptoms are remarkably similar. The distinction is that people suffering from Bipolar Disorder have periods of mania or depression as those with Ring of Fire ADD experience their symptoms consistently.
Ring of Fire ADD can be more difficult to treat when compared to other forms of ADHD. The symptoms are often related to an imbalance in brain chemical. Treatment is usually aimed towards resolving this imbalance. The good news is that by implementing expert strategies, individuals can manage their Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms and lead a balanced and productive life.
If you're experiencing Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms, it's important to seek assistance from a trained medical professional. Although Dr. Daniel Amen's work has been viewed with suspicion by a large portion of the medical world, he does have some legitimate points. You can get the help you require by identifying the various types of ADHD. Talk to a professional for an accurate diagnosis and begin on the path towards a happy and healthy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is what the majority of people think of when they hear ADHD. It encompasses all of the symptoms of inattentive ADD but also hyperactivity and impulsivity. People with this type of ADD are unable to organize tasks, prioritizing their priorities, managing time, and monitoring themselves. They are easily distracted and do not have the mental strength to finish tasks that are not their favorite. These people are typically not labeled as "hyperactive," but they have trouble following instructions and often miss appointments. They have reduced blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as low levels of dopamine.
People with this type of ADD have trouble with their emotions and have difficulty in coping with stress, anxiety and depression. They may have a history of family abuse or trauma, or have gone through a difficult divorce. Individuals with limbic ADD have less activity in their prefrontal cortex, as well as disturbances in the temporal lobes, which control moods. This type of ADD is treated with antidepressants and other supplements to regulate neuronal function.
Dr. Zlatin Ivanov specializes in diagnosing and treating various forms of adult ADD. His unique testing method is able to identify and determines the best treatment for each patient's needs. Call Psychiatry NYC to schedule an appointment today for personalized ADHD treatment.