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Let’s Discuss Ring of Fire ADHD

Let’s Discuss Ring of Fire ADHD

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ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as it is known to be, is a neurodivergent mental condition that affects millions, usually in childhood. It is debilitating in the sense that it does affect the everyday lives of affected individuals. In this blog, we are here to discuss how it can affect in one particular way, which is what forms the point of discussion in the words below. We’ll also be discussing the Ring of Fire ADHD brain scan and its importance.

Defining ADHD

Before we try to understand Ring of Fire ADHD, we need to come to terms with ADHD itself, then only Ring of Fire will become understandable. ADHD, as mentioned before, is a neurodivergent condition that affects the executive functioning of the affected individual. This means that it is the type of condition that makes affected individuals a little different from normal people as neurodivergence literally means that a brain functions atypically when compared to a normal one.

And when we are talking about how it affects the executive functioning of the affected individual then we are essentially talking about how cognitive processes that are needed to sustain life every day are essentially affected by the symptoms of ADHD, such as inattentiveness, restlessness, time-blindness, impulsiveness, disorganization, and procrastination. It mostly affects people in their childhood but if it is left untreated it can change its shapes and sizes (which we are going to discuss in the next section) and can go well into adulthood.

Read More: Understanding ADHD Mood Swings: A Journey Through Emotional Waves

What is Ring of Fire ADHD?

ADHD is a broad term now because this mental condition has many different subtypes, which are characterized by one defining feature. One of these subtypes is called the Ring of Fire, and there is a specific reason behind this name. It is essentially one of the seven distinctive types of ADHD with the other six being (Amen, 2013):

  • classic ADHD
  • inattentive ADHD
  • over-focused ADHD
  • temporal lobe ADHD
  • limbic ADHD
  • anxious ADHD

It should be noted these types need more research to ensure diagnosis and treatment is provided accordingly!

As mentioned before, Ring of Fire ADHD is a proposed subtype of ADHD. It is associated with a wide range of severe and often unpredictable symptoms stemming from generalized overactivity across the brain that often resembles those of bipolar disorder or Major Depressive Disorder. These Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms include:

  • High sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as noise, light, or even touch
  • Anxiety
  • Unpredictable & challenging behaviors that can also lead to aggression
  • Cyclic mood changes that go from high to low that often contribute to a mood disorder
  • Inflexible and rigid thinking
  • mean, or insensitive comments by affected individuals
  • Increased talkativeness, or increased impulsivity
  • Grandiose thinking
  • The affected individual becomes demanding as much as one can
  • Racing thoughts and rapid speech
  • Irritability

Read More: The Struggles Of Living With Time Blindness ADHD

These overbearing and overactive symptoms frequently light up the brain’s activity centers when seen through Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, which is a type of imaging test used to identify variations in brain activity and blood flow (which also helps identify the other subtypes of ADHD), you will see a pattern that resembles a ring of fire. This is where the name of Ring of Fire ADHD comes from as the origin is essentially a Ring of Fire ADHD brain scan.

What’s The Similarity (And Differences) Between Ring of Fire ADHD and Bipolar Disorder?

Due to the overlapping of the different symptoms that lay between Ring of Fire ADHD and bipolar disorder, there is a considerable chance of misdiagnosis, especially when it comes to children.

The aforementioned symptoms such as impulsivity, irritability, and aggression are prominent in both ADHD and bipolar disorder, but the timing and persistence of these symptoms vary over time. Bipolar disorder is all about episodic, intense changes in mood, with periods of extreme symptoms intersped by more typical periods. In contrast, Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms tend to be more consistent.

It can be the case, that an affected individual is diagnosed with both disorders simultaneously but if appropriate treatment is needed promptly, then the diagnosis should be done correctly and separately.

Read More: ADHD vs Bipolar Disorder: Comparing The Two Conditions

Causes of Ring of Fire

The “ring of fire” pattern that is observed on SPECT scans is linked with increased brain activity throughout the cerebral cortex and various other related brain regions. Amen suggests that this overactivity is connected to inflammation, infection, or allergies. Ring of Fire ADHD pattern may also be related to bipolar disorder but when it comes to ADHD, it is usually the result of combining factors that involve genetic and environmental variables (Magnus et al., 2023). The risk significantly increases with the contribution of viral infections, maternal smoking, maternal obesity and gestational diabetes, nutrient deficiencies, and alcohol exposure during the prenatal stage of the affected individual (before actual birth).

Ring of Fire ADHD Treatment

While there is no actual Ring of Fire ADHD test in existence as only an expert can diagnose an ADHD issue, ADHD’s Ring of Fire treatment does indeed exist. Be it other ADHD types or Ring of Fire, treatment is the same for any type of ADHD even if it is Ring of Fire ADHD in adults.

Read More: ADHD vs Depression: Finding The Link Between Them

Stimulants are the mainstay of ADHD treatment in terms of medication. As bipolar-like symptoms tend to get spiked because of these stimulants, non-stimulants can act better in this regard for treating ADHD as these contribute to the regulation of chemical reactions involving neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is because their reuptake is stopped by stimulants, which essentially causes the symptoms similar to episodes of bipolar disorder to accentuate, which makes non-stimulants a better option for treating Ring of Fire ADHD.

Additionally, medication can be complemented by these treatment methods:

Elimination diet: It is believed that this type of ADHD is caused by an allergy or inflammation, an elimination diet can help identify at-fault allergens.

Supplements: Supplements such as L-tyrosine for ADHD, 5-HTP, and GABA, can help boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and GABA as they have been connected with improved ADHD symptoms.

Exercise: 30-45 minutes of exercise can reduce ADHD symptoms is important for reducing ADHD Ring of Fire symptoms such as hyperactivity and irritability.

Read More: Does Weather Affect ADHD? A Complete Guide For Your Questions

Conclusion

This is the end of the line here for the discussion of Ring of Fire ADHD. If it is treatment or therapy that you are looking for then you need to get a consultation from Orange Coast Psychiatry for treating not only Ring of Fire but also other problems such as Panic disorder, trauma, or acute stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

From having an elimination diet, and medication to taking supplements for increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin or GABA receptors, all of them are suitable.

Inattention, distractibility, and poor working memory.

They may struggle but they can learn to manage it via treatment methods like psychotherapy or medication. 

Reference and Footnotes
  1. Amen, D. G. (2013). Healing ADD Revised Edition: The Breakthrough Program that Allows You to See and Heal the 7 Types of ADD. (Revised.). Penguin Publishing Group. 
  2. Magnus W, Anilkumar AC, Shaban K. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441838/

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Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.

“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.