What is Temporal Lobe ADD?

Temporal Lobe ADD is one of the “7 types of ADD” (i.e., Classic ADD, Inattentive ADD, Over-focused ADD, Limbic ADD, and Ring of Fire ADD, etc.), and is associated with abnormal brain activity in the Temporal Lobes of the brain on qEEG brain map scans.

The Temporal Lobes of the brain are located behind the temples and contain the primary auditory cortex. The temporal lobes are responsible for a variety of functions such as language comprehension and speech, auditory information processing, verbal memory, long-term memory, emotional processing, and the processing of sensory information from olfactory, and both auditory and visual sources. 

The onset of this disorder can have a variety of origins (e.g., lesions caused by a traumatic event such as a concussion or heredity), but the observable result is the same: because the activity in the brain is either slower or faster than what would be considered to be normal, or there is abnormal functional connectivity with other regions of the brain, the sufferer can endure a variety of symptoms such as dyslexia, aphasia, impaired language processing, poor reading comprehension, impaired sense of smell, memory problems, hindered mental capacity, moodiness, and emotional over-reactivity.

It is important to note that the above-mentioned 7 types of ADD, including Temporal Lobe ADD, are not disorders recognized by the APA (American Psychiatric Association). However, we still feel these types of ADD are worth addressing as they’ve become known by the general population after being heavily promoted by popular media outlets.

Symptoms of Temporal Lobe ADD

Temporal Lobe ADD symptoms can have a drastic effect on emotional and cognitive functioning, leaving an individual quite impaired. People suffering from Temporal Lobe ADD may be significantly compromised because the Temporal Lobes are responsible for inferring meaning from auditory and visual sensory input. Consequently, Temporal Lobe ADD can severely hinder a person’s ability to achieve success in both academic and professional tasks.

Our world is built upon auditory and visual sensory processing; however, if these sensory inputs are misinterpreted or misprocessed by the Temporal Lobes, the results can be very problematic.

School children suffering from Temporal Lobe ADD may have difficulty following a lecture given by their teacher, and instead, they may doodle in their notebooks or become distracted by some other tasks that they have deemed more preferable.

In normal children, focusing on a task creates a state of heightened activity in the brain; however, for the child suffering from Temporal Lobe ADD, this activity may not be optimal. Their brains may not be able to focus and process information normally unless the tasks are highly stimulating and/or rewarding.

These children may also find it difficult to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with their peers. People communicate to each other with words and physical gestures, interpreting social cues. Relationships are significantly developed based on the understanding of these social cues.

Those suffering from Temporal Lobe ADD can miss these social cues at times, and may misinterpret a conversation or situation. They can be emotionally overreactive with one’s “fight or flight” response getting triggered too easily and often.

Because the Temporal Lobes are also associated with memory, Temporal Lobe ADD is also why someone’s short and long-term memory may be reduced. Although the negative effects on memory are typically not as dramatic as those resulting from degenerative diseases like “Pick’s” disease, the memory problems caused by Temporal Lobe ADD can still dramatically reduce a person’s ability to function optimally in day to day life.

Similarities to Ring of Fire ADD

The difference between these two types of ADD is that where Ring of Fire ADD may appear on a brain scan as showing over activity on a global scale, Temporal Lobe ADD only shows improper functioning within the brain’s Temporal Lobes.

However, like Ring of Fire ADD, Temporal Lobe ADD can cause a person to become emotionally unstable, irritable, and overreactive to even the smallest annoyances.

It is important that we treat those suffering from Temporal Lobe ADD with patience and understanding, even though they may act out inappropriately or become verbally abusive. We must remember that the individual is compromised in trying to control their outbursts, and it is their brain that is pushing them to behave in such ways.

Temporal Lobe ADD Treatment

At the Drake Institute, we utilize qEEG brain mapping technology in order to create both Biofeedback and Neurofeedback treatment plans that are designed specifically to suit the needs of each and every patient in our care.

Many patients who come into our care have prior experience with other medical professionals who simply wanted to treat their symptoms with Temporal Lobe medications.

However, these medications often do not provide sustainable, long-lasting results, because they fail to resolve the root of the problem, and simply suppress symptoms. Medicating the symptoms may only be a short-term solution: once the medication ceases to be administered, the problems associated with Temporal Lobe ADD can return in full force.

Through our non-invasive Temporal Lobe ADD treatment plans, we can help patients who are already taking medication often reduce their medication intake, and in some cases, eliminate it altogether. This is possible because our treatment plans focus on the root of the problem: the brain being dysregulated.

Our treatment plans specifically target the human brain, giving the afflicted individual the opportunity to improve their brain functioning themselves without just relying on medications. With improved brain functioning, our patients can experience a significant reduction or resolution of symptoms associated with Temporal Lobe ADD,  improving their quality of life.

Get Help For Your Family Today

Temporal Lobe ADD can be extremely disruptive to a person’s life, but with careful treatment from our highly trained staff at the Drake Institute,  we can help most patients find effective relief.

The longer a person endures the symptoms of Temporal Lobe ADD, the more difficult a life they have to experience with frustrations and often damaged self-esteem, and it is our whole-hearted recommendation that anyone suffering from symptoms similar to Temporal Lobe ADD seek help immediately.

If you or your child is suffering from Temporal Lobe ADD or any other form of ADD, please contact us at drakepatients@drakeinstitute.com, or call us directly at 1-800 700-4333 to schedule a no-cost screening consultation.