What is ADD/ADHD? ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) often begins in childhood and can continue in adulthood. It’s a national health crisis that is growing – yet it remains as one of the most misunderstood and confusing illnesses today. It also occurs frequently more in males than females. It’s when your brain is overactive, which can impair ones’ attention and focus. According to research done at the Amen Clinics, they have found that there are as many as seven different types of ADD.
Who is likely to have ADD/ADHD? The cause of developing ADD/ADHD is still unknown. Researches have said that several contributing factors may lead to it such as, genetics, environment, poor nutrition, brain injury and toxins, such as lead. Sugar, excessive use of video games and watching too much TV don’t cause ADD/ADHD. Though there’s no cure or prevention for ADD/ADHD, but spotting it early is key. Below are common symptoms and treatments.
Common Symptoms of ADD:
- Short attention span
- Inability to focus/distractibility
- Problems with organization
- Problems with following through
- Procrastination
- Poor impulse control
What are the 7 types of ADD/ADHD?
Type 1: Classic ADD– All the classic signs of ADD/ADHD with an emphasis on hyperactivity, often seen more in boys.
Type 2: Inattentive ADD– Second most common type where hyperactivity is not present, but being slow, lazy, or spacey are signs of this type of ADD.
Type 3: Over focused ADD– In this type it’s more about not being able to shift the attention from one task to another, they can become hyper-focused on one thing and tune anyone and everyone out.
Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD– This type of ADD affects the temporal lobe and the person’s ability to learn, store memory, and mood stability.
Type 5: Limbic ADD– This type deals with ones’ emotions, particularly depression associated with low energy, negativity, and feeling of hopelessness.
Type 6: Ring of Fire ADD– This type is high activity of the brain. These people have a hard time turning off their brain, and usually feel overwhelmed. This type also tends to do worse on medications (such as stimulants) because their brain is already “on fire” hence the name, “Ring of Fire.”
Type 7: Anxious ADD– Low activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is the executive functioning part of the brain, this type is usually anxious and lives out of fear.
Treatments
The typical approach to treating ADD/ADHD is through medication. The most commonly used medication to treat this disorder is a stimulant such as Adderall and Ritalin. Now researchers, such as Dr. Amen have tried to stray away from medication and want to focus more on diet, nutrition, and lifestyle habits in treating symptoms of ADD/ADHD. The idea that what you eat affects your brain and body is a fundamental aspect in treating ADD/ADHD at the Amen Clinics.
Sources: http://www.amenclinics.com/conditions/adhd-add/
The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.