Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
A 43-year-old woman who was married came to Dr. Amen concerned she may be suffering from ADD (predominantly inattentional type). She was having trouble keeping up with her school work and household chores. She was unorganized and frequently lost her keys or wallet.
She often was late for appointments and was unable to keep track of time. She was self-deprecating, a negative outlook and an ongoing sadness that was not depression.
Inattentive ADD
People with inattention ADHD are more likely to make mistakes without paying attention to the small details. They might have difficulty remembering what they've heard, or fail to complete a project or homework assignment. They frequently lose keys, wallets and other objects they need to live. They are usually late for appointments or have difficulty keeping up with bills and messages.
While children with hyperactive ADHD are easy to identify when they wiggle around in their seats, fidget or talk all the time, children who have the inattentive form of ADD do not get noticed since they don't show obvious behavioral issues. This subtype of ADD is more common for girls than boys. Teachers are often unaware of their symptoms because they don't fit the stereotype of a "bad kid'.
Adults with inattention ADHD often have trouble following instructions at home and at work. They make it a habit to procrastinate or skip tasks that require sustained mental effort. They might also struggle to keep track of lectures or conversations and are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, such as unrelated thoughts or the television or internet. Inattentive ADHD symptoms could be mistaken for laziness or apathy. Many adults are annoyed when their loved ones or colleagues constantly remind them of commitments they have not fulfilled.
It's important that you understand that inattention ADD can also be caused by stress, other mental or physical ailments. To determine the cause and determine if treatment is necessary an extensive assessment by an expert in mental health or health care professional is recommended. They will conduct a thorough medical history, perform an examination of your body and discuss your lifestyle to help you identify any other issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
People suffering from those suffering from ADD are unable to shift their focus and become obsessed with certain activities. They might also be highly organized, which may confuse some people and cause confusion and a misdiagnosis. Since they lack serotonin and dopamine These individuals are typically treated with standard ADHD medications that increase dopamine and serotonin. This can actually aggravate their ADD symptoms.
They may feel trapped due to their inability to redirect their thoughts, which causes them to suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also prone to get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviours that are difficult to get rid of without intervention. Adults with Overfocused ADD have seen positive results from cognitive-behavioral therapy to identify and change negative thoughts patterns, mindfulness exercises that reduce rumination and skill training.
When a person has overfocused ADD, their brain's anterior cingulate gland is hyperactive, which can cause hyper-focus and moodiness. The stimulant ADD medications can stimulate this part of the brain to much which can cause a rise in symptoms and irritability. A healthy diet and non-medicated treatments have been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from this condition.
People who suffer from over-focused ADD tend to "stick" in negative cycles. This can cause stress and strain relationships. Certain symptoms can be alleviated by establishing a routine, using an electronic planner, and forming supportive communities. Couples coaching can be beneficial for ADD as it assists to establish roles and expectations among partners. This can help improve communication and to create a more balanced and healthy life for both individuals. The most effective treatment of ADD/ADHD is always working with an naturopathic doctor or a medical professional to discover a treatment plan that can aid you in managing and reducing the symptoms.
Anxious ADD
Many people with ADD also suffer from anxiety. This can be annoying anxiety, tense periods of worry or full-fledged anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or specific phobias. It doesn't matter if it's an occasional feeling of anxiety or a longer-lasting anxiety that is serious that can be a major issue with the way you live and work. About 80% of people who suffer from ADHD also have a different diagnosis. Anxiety is the most prevalent.
Anxious ADD is one of the theorized "7 types of ADD." This type is characterized by a severe anxiety and nervousness and inattention. It is caused by a dysregulated brain. In this instance the qEEG map shows that certain brain regions are hyperactive or out-of-balance. These include the prefrontal cortex and limbic system.

People who suffer from this type of ADD are highly sensitive to external stimuli, such as noise, light and touch. They are more prone to reacting too quickly and have a short temper. They are prone to repetitive negative thoughts or actions and often engage in self-sabotage. They tend to be impulsive, argumentative and have an atypical personality.
The treatment for this type is to balance GABA with dopamine and encouraging relaxation. This kind of ADD requires that patients get enough sleep, are active and consume healthy food. They should avoid processed foods and sugar. If possible, they should use the same routine for sleeping and getting up and stick to the same routine daily. They should also try to integrate physical activity in their professional or educational tasks. For instance for those who have an office job and they are sitting, they should stand or walk around at least once an hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This type of ADD is known as having an overactive Cerebral cortex and an increased activity on the right and left Parietal Lobes and the left-right Temporal Lobes. Those with Ring of Fire ADD will likely experience all of the typical ADHD symptoms, such as the difficulty in focusing and impulsive behavior. They may also show high levels of anxiety and erratic thoughts. They can become overwhelmed by sensory stimulation and are often highly inflexible and argumentative.
People with Ring of Fire ADD are often misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, because their symptoms are similar. But the difference is that those who suffer from Bipolar Disorder will cycle through periods of depression and mania and those who suffer from Ring of Fire ADD typically suffer from their symptoms on a regular basis.
Ring of Fire ADD is more difficult to treat than other forms of ADHD. iampsychiatry.uk are typically related to an imbalance in brain chemicals, and treatment generally focuses on correcting that imbalance. By implementing expert strategies, people can manage their Ring of Fire ADHD and live a healthy and balanced life.
If you're suffering from Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms, it's important to seek help from a trained medical professional. While Dr. Daniel Amen's work has been viewed with suspicion by a large portion of the medical field however, he does have valid points. By recognizing the various types of ADHD and knowing what to look for, you will be able to receive the help you require. Contact a specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and get on the path to a happy and healthy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is what most people think of when they hear ADHD. It has all the symptoms of inattention ADD however it also has hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Those who have this form of ADD struggle with organization, planning prioritizing, time management and self-monitoring. They are easily distracted and lack the mental endurance to finish tasks they do not enjoy. These individuals are usually not classified as "hyperactive," but they are troubled in following instructions and frequently miss appointments. They have decreased blood flow to the prefrontal cortex and low levels of dopamine.
People with this type of ADD have trouble with their emotions and experience difficulties in dealing with anxiety, stress and depression. They might have experienced trauma or abuse in the family or have been through a difficult separation. People suffering from limbic ADD are less active in their prefrontal cortex and abnormalities in the temporal lobes, which control moods. This type of ADD is treated with antidepressants and supplements to regulate neuronal function.
Dr. Zlatin ivanov specializes in diagnosing the causes, treating and treating all kinds of adult ADD. His unique testing process identifies the source of the patient's symptoms and determines the best treatment. Call Psychiatry NYC to schedule an appointment today for a personalised ADHD treatment.