Being diagnosed with ADD is a significant event for both teens and their parents. It helps everyone in the family understand the source of many of a young person’s problems. However, this seemingly simple diagnosis brings the potential for more specific clarity. Few people realize there are actually seven sub-diagnoses of attention deficit disorder.
Venture Academy can help bring clarity to teens and their families across Canada regarding attention deficit disorder. Call 866.762.2211 to learn about our mental health programs for teens.
What Is an Attention Deficit Disorder?
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a mental disorder characterized by difficulty focusing and paying attention for extended periods of time. Symptoms often include:
- Impulsiveness
- Hyperactivity
- Procrastination
- Restlessness
- Memory impairment
- Disorganization
- Behavioural issues
ADD is more common in children than adults and may continue into adulthood if not treated properly.
Living with ADD can be an overwhelming experience for both those affected and their family members. Those living with ADD often find it difficult to focus and manage tasks, resulting in a feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control. This can manifest itself in many ways, such as procrastination, difficulty beginning or completing projects, difficulties organising thoughts, problems staying on task and focusing during conversations or activities, hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning, restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty following directions. While there is no cure for ADD, there are strategies and treatments that can help individuals stay organized and focused.
Treatment options include medications such as stimulants or non-stimulant drugs to help manage symptoms. Behavioural therapy can also be used to help improve focus and organisational skills. It is important to seek professional advice if you suspect your child might have ADD so that the appropriate treatment plan can be developed. With the right support and resources, individuals with ADD can live successful lives.
The 7 Types of Attention Deficit Disorder
Once diagnosed with an attention deficit, your teen should receive specialised treatment and
help for the sub-type of their condition.
1. Classic ADD or ADHD
Classic ADD, also called ADHD, makes your teen inattentive, distracted, disorganized, and restless. It also brings impulsive and hyperactive behaviour. If your teen has classic ADD, they frustrate you in putting off chores or activities. Treatment for this type of ADD usually includes medication, supplements, diet changes, and exercise.
2. Inattentive ADD
This form of ADD brings poor attention and easy distraction but no hyperactivity. Your teen seems low energy, slow-moving, sluggish, and unmotivated. Maybe you describe your loved one as a daydreamer, couch potato, or space cadet. Girls more often suffer from this type of ADD than boys and experience no major behaviour problems with the condition. Treatment for this type of ADD is similar to classic ADD.
3. Overfocused ADD
Overfocused ADD causes symptoms similar to classic ADD, with problems in changing attention from one task to the next. Your teen with this ADD often suffers negative thoughts for periods of time, possibly with bad behaviour. They argue more than most teens while also suffering obsession, excess worry, and inflexibility. Behaviour treatment for this type of ADD is medication, supplements, and a low protein diet.
4. Temporal Lobe ADD
With temporal lobe ADD, your teen is irritable, quick to anger, aggressive, and mildly paranoid. They suffer from dark thoughts and moods while also possibly having hallucinations, learning problems, and memory problems. For this ADD, your teen needs medication, supplements, and a ketogenic diet.
5. Limbic ADD
Limbic ADD brings symptoms of classic ADD with non-depressive, chronic sadness. Your teen seems negative, low energy, and hopeless in nature. They also suffer from low self-esteem. Medications, supplements, and a diet free of dairy, sugar, wheat, or corn help your teen when one or more of those foods is found to cause increased symptoms.
6. Ring of Fire ADD
More extreme than classic ADD but with the same symptoms, this type also adds easy distraction, anger, irritability, sensitivity to stimuli, and highly verbal behaviour. Teens with this ADD show inflexibility, opposition, and cyclic moods. For this ADD, your teen’s doctor tries medication, an elimination diet for food allergies, and supplements.
7. Anxious ADD
True to its name, this ADD causes anxiety, tension, physical stress, and worry. In fact, a teen with this ADD needs calming supplements, medication, and neurofeedback.
Getting Professional Help for Attention Deficit Disorder
Getting professional help for ADHD is an important step in managing symptoms and living a successful and productive life. Professional care can provide guidance, education, and support that are essential to overcoming obstacles related to the condition. Counselling or psychotherapy can be beneficial in helping you learn how to control your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours associated with ADHD. Medications can also be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist to manage specific symptoms of the disorder.
Studies have shown that getting professional help for ADHD reduces stress and improves functioning both at home and at work. Treatment can help improve attention span, lessen impulsiveness, reduce emotional outbursts, increase motivation, improve organisation skills, and help regulate sleep patterns. It may also lead to improved academic performance as well as better relationships with family and friends. In addition, treating ADHD can help prevent other mental health issues from developing, such as anxiety and depression.
Overall, seeking professional assistance for managing ADHD symptoms is a positive step towards living an enjoyable life. By setting goals, making lifestyle changes, and following the advice of healthcare professionals, it is possible to experience the many benefits of treatment for ADHD. With proper treatment and support, you can take control of your condition and lead a fulfilling life.
Overcome Attention Deficit Disorder at Venture Academy
ADD can be a challenging and often debilitating condition. It affects both adults and children alike, making everyday tasks difficult or impossible to complete. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome ADD and lead a productive life. Professional help is available to those who are struggling with ADD.
With the proper support and guidance, individuals can successfully manage their condition and reach their full potential. Call Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
