Undiagnosed ADD Doesn’t Affect Just You, It Hurts Those Around You Too, But It Doesn’t Have To

Undiagnosed ADD Doesn’t Affect Just You, It Hurts Those Around You Too, But It Doesn’t Have to.

While ADD is most often thought of as a disorder for children and adolescent boys with behavioral issues, 4.1% of all US adults have ADD, and 41% of those adults have cases the National Institute of Mental Health classify as severe.

However, those are just those adults who are diagnosed with ADD.

When left untreated, ADD can be incredibly debilitating for not only the people struggling with it but their loved ones as well. They may have trouble focusing, but that isn’t all, patients with untreated ADD often suffer from other disorders as well, from social isolation to depression and anxiety. And those who love them may not know what makes them act so differently.

One of our patients named Larry was 62 when he came in to see us. He was experiencing a great deal of marital conflict and was on the brink of divorce.  His wife complained that he never talked to her, was unreliable, never finished projects that he started, and that he was very negative. He tended to be moody, tired, and disinterested in sex.

As a child, Larry had mediocre to poor grades in school, and as an adult he went from job to job, complaining of boredom. But, he was never diagnosed with ADD.

After his marital specialist referred him to Amen Clinics, and we had a chance to scan his brain, Larry’s SPECT scan showed decreased prefrontal cortex activity and increased activity in the deep limbic system of his brain.  Larry had Limbic ADD, with problems that looked like a combination of ADD and mild, chronic depression.

That’s right, Larry had suffered from limbic ADD, one of the seven types of ADD, for his whole life, and he had never been diagnosed. Luckily for Larry, after getting him on a personalized treatment program, his ADD is under control. Last time we spoke, they told me that he and his wife were happier than when they first were married!

ADD is a neurobiological disorder with serious psychological and social consequences. Children, teens, adults and parents need to know that it’s not their fault, they didn’t cause it, and there is hope.

Amen Clinics is here to help you understand the ADD brain and provide treatment options that address more than just symptoms. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit.

9 Comments »

  1. Wish we could afford this

    Comment by PaulandLea — April 11, 2017 @ 5:46 AM

  2. I concur completely. Ever since I’ve learned about it, I’ve wanted a SPECT scan. I’ve seen a neuropsychologist and am currently being treated for ADD but have yet to find the answer for me. I would love an answer based on what is not properly functioning in my brain, I feel like it could help me so I can begin to live life rather than struggling with it. Unfortunately lack of money stops me from being able to do so.

    Comment by Angel — April 11, 2017 @ 5:41 PM

  3. I feel I am beyond help as I cannot affectively stick to any kind of routine. How is treatment possible for me? jj

    Comment by Judy — April 15, 2017 @ 5:27 PM

  4. I’m with Paula and Angel about the money issue, but seem to be dealing okay with my ADD. I suspect I fall mostly into the Limbic Category, as I’m on Bupropion for the ADD, but am still unable to focus at times. I take Paroxetine for anxiety and it helps tremendously, but I still feel like I’m missing a key element of this brain differentiation. I’m not frustrated with myself but my mother and sister are, because they feel I’m not attending to my business as often or as well as I should tend to it.

    I no longer feel like they do because I know I’m doing my very best. I wasn’t social as a child and I’m still not, although there is a new form of being sociable called internet friendship. I’m easier with this type of communication because it creates a bit of distance between me and the folks with whom I chat. I also found a great source of support there when my marriage failed and I had to flee to Albuquerque to preserve my life. I’ll say no more, as it’s very private for a public forum.

    Thank you so much for doing your specials on PBS. I’ve learned a great deal about ADD and Autism (which I suspect I have but it hasn’t been diagnosed) and accepted my unique inner terrain through your lessons. Please change the last name on my account to Taylor, as I’m divorced and reverted to my maiden name. Oh yes, don’t be surprised if you see any letters transposed, as I also am severely dyslexic.

    Comment by Petra Katrine Barajas — August 30, 2017 @ 3:22 PM

  5. Does anyone know how much the SPECT scan for ADD costs

    Comment by Stephanie Visger — August 30, 2017 @ 3:33 PM

  6. Does anyone know how much the SPECT scan for ADD costs? I have emailed them and never heard back.

    Comment by Stephanie Visger — August 30, 2017 @ 3:35 PM

  7. Me too. All my live I have struggled in school and on jobs. I can’t keep a job because I lose interest. Can’t concentrate on anything and can’t finish projects. I have chronic depression .if I don’t take medication I am mean to my husband.

    Comment by Kerstin Balestrine — September 1, 2017 @ 3:51 AM

  8. And many more problems

    Comment by Kerstin Balestrine — September 1, 2017 @ 4:09 AM

  9. I think it’s around four or five thousand dollars, not exactly sure though.

    Comment by Laura — July 2, 2018 @ 1:42 PM

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