Did you know that there is more than one type of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention-deficit disorder (ADD)? In fact, over 30 years of brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics—over 250,000 SPECT scans—show that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD.
One of the most recently identified types is called anxious ADD/ADHD. Think of it as anxiety and inattention combined. Why is it so important to know if you have this type? One of the reasons is because standard treatments, such as taking stimulant medications alone, may make anxiety worse in these individuals.
The brain-imaging work using SPECT scans at Amen Clinics shows that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD and each has a unique set of symptoms that requires a customized treatment plan.
In part 7 of this 7-part blog series, you’ll learn more about anxious ADD, its signs and symptoms, what SPECT scans show about this type, and science-backed strategies to reduce symptoms.
ADHD, or ADD, is a neuropsychiatric disorder that is characterized by problems with focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity (in some cases). Commonly diagnosed in childhood, ADD/ADHD may persist throughout adulthood.
Some people may have signs and symptoms of ADHD but go undiagnosed as children. These individuals may struggle with symptoms for years or even decades before finally getting diagnosed with adult ADHD.
Among patients at Amen Clinics, anxious ADD/ADHD is becoming more prevalent. Unlike the other types of the condition, people with this type typically don’t seek excitement and conflict.
In fact, it’s more common for these individuals to avoid situations that cause stress or conflict.
People who have anxious ADD/ADHD often latch onto the worst possible outcome and fixate on it. Those with this ADD/ADHD type frequently freeze in situations that trigger anxiety, such as taking a test or giving a big presentation.
How does anxious ADD/ADHD differ from anxiety disorders? In general, anxiety disorders tend to fluctuate over time, while anxious ADHD symptoms typically remain constant.
Core symptoms of ADHD that are seen in all 7 types of the condition include:
People may have some or all of these symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.
In addition to the common symptoms listed above, the signs and symptoms of anxious ADHD include:
As with the core symptoms, these can vary in terms of severity.
At rest and concentration there’s increased activity in the basal ganglia. With concentration, there is decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum.
As with most of the 7 ADD/ADHD types, this type is associated with abnormal brain function. During concentration, blood flow to the brain decreases, which lowers the ability to focus or pay attention.
On SPECT scans of people with anxious ADD/ADHD, blood flow decreases are seen in the prefrontal cortex and the cerebellum. Reduced blood flow in these areas is associated with difficulties with planning, focus, organization, impulse control, empathy, and judgment.
What’s unique about brain activity in these individuals is that there is also increased activity in an area called the basal ganglia. This uptick in brain activity is seen at rest and during concentration.
In the images below, red and white represent the highest levels of activity, while blue indicates average activity. In the anxious ADD/ADHD SPECT scan, there is overactivity in the basal ganglia.
Stimulant medications aren’t the only way to treat ADD/ADHD. There are also many natural ways to help ADD/ADHD. Science-backed strategies include:
The main treatment goal for this type is to promote relaxation. There are a variety of relaxation methods, including: meditating, diaphragmatic breathing and listening to calming music. Find relaxation techniques that work for you and use it whenever you feel stressed.
Nutritional supplements such as GABA, L-theanine, and magnesium can produce a sense of calm and relaxation. Multivitamin/mineral supplements and omega-3 fatty acids can improve focus and mental energy.
Your diet is another aspect that can help you control the anxious symptoms associated with this ADD type. Individuals with anxious ADD/ADHD should eat a lower-carbohydrate, higher-protein diet. Cutting out artificial sweeteners and MSG can also support healthy dopamine and GABA levels.
Laughing reduces stress and increases the release of endorphins in the brain. Laughter truly is the best medicine and can work wonders in relieving anxiety.
People with this type tend to avoid conflict, but it’s an absolute must to let friends and family know when you’re emotionally overwhelmed. If necessary, seek help from a mental health professional.
Having this type may increase the likelihood of saying yes to every request you get without thinking about the ramifications. You may agree to participate in projects to avoid seeming disagreeable, but it can end up making you feel overloaded. Learning how to say no is a skill you need to develop. Whenever someone asks you to do something, make it a habit to say, “Let me think about it.” This will give you time to decide if it’s something that is worth your time and effort.
Having anxious ADD/ADHD requires personalized solutions. For example, taking stimulant medications alone may improve focus and attention, but it can also exacerbate symptoms of anxiousness. To find the most effective treatment plan for your needs, it’s important to know two things:
To identify your type of ADHD, consider getting a brain SPECT scan. The blood flow and activity patterns in the brain can be very helpful in determining your type. Without looking at the brain, psychiatrists and other physicians can only guess if you have ADD/ADHD and which type you might have.
Want more information? Download Amen Clinics’ free Getting to Know the 7 ADD Types eBook.
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