Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
A 43-year-old woman who was married came to Dr. Amen concerned she may have ADD (predominantly inattentional type). She was having difficulty managing household chores and schoolwork. She was unorganized, and often lost her keys or wallet.
She frequently was late for appointments and was unable to keep the track of time. She had low self-esteem as well as a negative outlook. a constant sadness that was not depression.
Inattentional ADD
People with inattention ADHD are unable to pay attention to details and making rash mistakes. They may struggle to remember what they've heard or fail to complete a project or homework assignment. They often lose keys, wallets and other things they require to live. This is why they often arrive late for appointments or have difficulty keeping track of their bills and messages.
Children who have inattention ADD are not as obvious since they do not display any behavior issues that are obvious. Children who suffer from this subtype of ADD tend to be females than boys and a lot of teachers don't recognize their symptoms since they don't conform to the stereotype of a "bad kid."
Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to follow instructions at home and at work. They tend to delay tasks and avoid tasks that require a sustained mental effort. They may also have difficulty with lectures or conversations, and they can easily be distracted by irrelevant stimuli such as the television or the internet. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for laziness or inability to focus. Many adults are frustrated when their loved ones or colleagues constantly remind them of their missed commitments.
It is important to understand that inattention ADD can also be caused by stress, other mental issues, or physical ailments. A thorough evaluation by a health care professional or mental health professional is needed to determine the presence of symptoms and to determine whether treatment is necessary. They will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical exam and discuss your life style to help determine any other issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
Those with Overfocused ADD are incapable of shifting their focus and instead, they become focused on specific activities. They can also be extremely organized, which may cause confusion for some people and result in confusion and misdiagnosis. Since they lack dopamine and serotonin they are usually treated with conventional ADHD medications that increase serotonin and dopamine. However, this treatment may actually cause their ADD symptoms worse.
They can feel suffocated because they are unable to divert their minds, leading to anxiety and depression. Additionally, they are susceptible to getting stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that can be difficult to break free of without intervention. Cognitive-behavioral therapy that identifies and change negative patterns, mindfulness exercises to lessen rumination, as well as the development of skills have demonstrated positive results for adults with Overfocused ADD.
When a person has Overfocused ADD their brain's anterior cingulate gyrus is overactive, which can lead to hyper-focus and moodiness. add symptoms can stimulate this part of the brain to a great extent and can cause more symptoms and cause irritability. A healthy diet and non-medicated treatments have been proven to be helpful for these individuals.
People suffering from Overfocused ADD tend to get "stuck" in negative cycles, which can strain relationships and cause stress. Making a schedule or using a planner that is digital and joining in community-based support can help ease some of their symptoms. Couples coaching can be beneficial for those suffering from ADD as it assists to define roles and expectations between partners. This can help improve communication and help both individuals to lead a more balanced lifestyle. As always, the most effective treatment for ADD/ADHD involves working with a Naturopathic or Medical Doctor to determine the best program that will help manage and reduce the symptoms.
Anxious ADD
ADD patients often also suffer from anxiety. This could be pesky anxiety, tense periods of worry or more serious anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or specific phobias. Whatever the case, whether it's an occasional anxiety attack or a more chronic anxiety, it can significantly interfere with the way you live and work. Nearly 80% of those who suffer from ADHD have at least one additional diagnosis, and anxiety is the most common disorder that is a comorbidity.
Anxious ADD, one of the "7 types" of ADD is defined by a feeling of anxiety and nervousness as well as inattention. It is caused by dysregulated brain. In the case of this type the brain mapping qEEG can show that certain areas of the brain are hyperactive or unbalanced. These include the limbic system and prefrontal cortex.
People who suffer from this type of ADD are highly sensitive to external stimuli such as light, noise and touch. They are susceptible to overreacting and are prone to a quick temper. They are susceptible to repetitive negative thoughts and behaviors and frequently engage in self-sabotage. They are more likely to be impulsive, argumentative and possess an antagonistic personality.
Treatment for this kind of ADD involves balancing GABA and dopamine while encouraging relaxation. This type of ADD requires that people have enough sleep, are active and consume a balanced diet. They should also stay away from sugar and processed foods. If possible, they must keep the same routine throughout the day for waking up and sleeping. They should also strive to incorporate physical exercise into their professional or academic activities. If they are at desks then they must get up and move around every hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This kind of ADD is characterized by overactivity in the Cerebral Cortex as well as an increase in activity in the left and right Parietal Lobes, and the left and right Temporal Lobes. People with Ring of Fire ADD will likely suffer from all the typical ADHD symptoms, including difficulty staying focused and impulsive behavior. They may also exhibit high levels of anxiety, rapid thinking and anger. They can be overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, and are frequently inflexible and argumentative.
Ring of Fire ADD is often misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder because the symptoms are remarkably similar. The difference is that people with Bipolar Disorder have periods of depression or mania as those who suffer from Ring of Fire ADD experience their symptoms consistently.
Ring of Fire ADD can be more difficult to treat when compared to other types of ADHD. The symptoms are often related to a lack of brain chemicals. Treatment usually aims at correcting this imbalance. With the help of expert strategies, people can manage their Ring of Fire ADHD and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you're suffering from Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms It's crucial to seek out help from a medical professional who is trained. Although Dr. Daniel Amen's research has been viewed with suspicion by a large portion of the medical field, he does have some legitimate points. You can get the help that you need by identifying the various types of ADHD. Contact a specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin on the road towards a happy and healthy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is the type that most people think of when they hear ADHD. It includes all the symptoms of inattentive ADD but also hyperactivity and impulsivity. The people who suffer from this form of ADD struggle with organization, planning prioritizing, time management and self-monitoring. add symptoms are easily distracted, and lack the mental stamina to complete tasks they do not enjoy. They aren't usually referred to as "hyperactive," yet they struggle to follow instructions and frequently miss appointments. They are low in dopamine levels as well as a decreased flow of blood in the prefrontal cortex.
This type of ADD is characterized by emotional problems and difficulty in dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression. They may have experienced trauma or abuse in their family or suffered difficult separation. People with limbic ADD have less activity in their prefrontal cortex, as well as disturbances in the temporal lobes that control moods. This type of ADD is treated with antidepressants as well as supplements to regulate neuronal function.
Dr. Zlatin ivanov specializes in diagnosing and treating all kinds of adult ADD. His unique testing process identifies and determines the best treatment for each patient's symptoms. Contact Psychiatry NYC today to schedule an appointment to receive individualized ADHD care.