If you’ve ever wondered why you feel scattered when you’re anxious, unmotivated when you’re depressed, or stuck in an endless search for focus, the reason may be simpler than you think. That’s because not all depression is the same.
In fact, brain-imaging research at Amen Clinics has helped our clinicians identify seven distinct types of anxiety and depression. Each one requires a different approach to treatment.
Brain SPECT imaging has helped Amen Clinics clinicians identify seven distinct brain patterns, or subtypes, associated with depression and anxiety. Each one requires a different approach to treatment.
Type 7 (unfocused anxiety and depression) is a specific brain-based subtype in which emotional distress blends with cognitive fog, distractibility, and inconsistent attention. It’s the pattern that makes your mind feel too busy and not engaged enough at the same time.
Understanding your subtype matters.
Unfortunately, people with Type 7 are often misdiagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, high-functioning anxiety, or treated only for depression. Without looking at functional brain imaging, most mental health professionals are unable to see that multiple areas of the brain are affected, which can lead to unsuccessful treatment.
When treatment doesn’t match the underlying brain pattern, progress can stall, or symptoms can even worsen. This can be deeply confusing and discouraging to the individual, affecting both work and personal life. Some people begin to blame themselves, feeling as though they’re not trying hard enough or doing something wrong.
Learning how this subtype works opens the door to clarity, accurate support, and a treatment plan that truly addresses your lived experience.
Here’s what you need to know about Type 7 depression, and what to do if you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone you love.
Related: Understanding the Anxiety and Depression Types—Type 2: Pure Depression
You may be wondering what “unfocused” means in terms of symptoms. It essentially refers to symptoms rooted in inattention, distractibility, negative thinking patterns, mental fatigue, and brain fog.
With Type 7 anxiety depression, these unfocused symptoms occur along with the emotional symptoms of anxiety and depression. This can create an internal feeling of being overwhelmed while feeling externally disengaged, which presents as a cognitive slowdown (a decrease in thinking abilities like memory, attention, and reasoning).
Some typical signs of Type 7 include:
Symptoms of unfocused anxiety and depression may include any of the following:
Though this subtype is not a formal diagnosis in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it’s important to understand it and share it with your doctor if the symptoms seem to fit. Clinicians familiar with this subtype typically look for:
One important distinction of this pattern from more typical anxiety or depression is that the cognitive impairments occur alongside emotional symptoms, not independent of them.
Brain SPECT imaging conducted at Amen Clinics suggests that unfocused anxiety depression subtype 7 is characterized by a combination of underactive and overactive brain regions. Unlike structural imaging, which shows brain anatomy, SPECT is a type of functional imaging that measures blood flow activity in the brain.
Although research continues, there are several distinct blood flow activity patterns that have consistently emerged across studies of attention networks and mood regulation, including the following:
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the brain’s command center for focus, planning, impulse control, and organization. When it’s there’s too little activity in this area, especially during tasks requiring sustained attention, people experience distractibility, poor follow-through, and mental fog.
Studies show that reduced PFC activity is linked with attention problems, low motivation, and difficulty managing emotions. A 2018 neuroimaging review in Neuropsychopharmacology found that PFC hypoactivity (low activity) is common in both attentional disorders and depressive disorders, especially those characterized by cognitive slowing.
The basal ganglia and limbic system coordinate emotional regulation and threat sensitivity. When these regions show relative overactivity, symptoms such as worry, nervous energy, and emotional tension increase.
Research has shown that heightened limbic activation is associated with anxiety, rumination, and the negative mood states often seen in depression. When combined with an underactive prefrontal cortex, the result is a brain that feels “stuck on” emotionally but sluggish cognitively.
Unlike structural imaging that looks at anatomy only, SPECT scans show brain blood flow patterns in real time making it possible for a clinician to visually see if a patient’s attention issues may be stemming from anxiety, depression, trauma, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Brain SPECT imaging can reveal whether inattention stems from:
This distinction helps tailor treatment, especially since stimulant medications may worsen anxiety if your emotional circuitry is already overactive.
When symptoms overlap, it can be challenging for mental health clinicians to catch more nuanced presentations of combined disorders like brain type 7 anxiety depression. Here are some helpful clues.
Because Type 7 blends emotional and cognitive symptoms, it’s often confused with ADHD or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A recent article for mental health professionals reported that up to 30% of adults with depression also meet criteria for attention impairments, which can mimic ADHD. However, Type 7 tends to fluctuate with mood, stress levels, or inflammation, whereas ADHD is typically lifelong.
Clinicians should consider Type 7 when:
People with Type 7 will often describe their experience as “unfocused because I’m overwhelmed,” rather than “unfocused no matter what mood I’m in.”
Type 7 is more likely when someone reports:
Research notes that cognitive in mood disorders often presents as slowed processing speed. Keep in mind that this trait is more characteristic of Type 7 than standard ADHD.
Type 7 may develop from a mix of biology, environmental factors, and prior health issues, which includes:
A family history of depression, anxiety, attentional disorders, or executive-function challenges increases risk.
Chronic stress, poor sleep, addictive behaviors, alcohol and substance abuse, hormonal fluctuations, systemic inflammation, or blood sugar instability can worsen Type 7 symptoms dramatically.
Head injury, concussion, toxin exposure, mold exposure, or untreated thyroid issues can all decrease PFC functioning, making cognitive and emotional symptoms more pronounced.
Managing Type 7 symptoms involves strategies that boost focus and calm emotional overactivation. The goal is to support prefrontal cortex function while calming limbic overactivity to promote better executive function and emotional equanimity.
Here are a number of easy, natural ways to help boost prefrontal cortex activity and calm the brain’s emotional centers:
For deeper support, many readers benefit from Amen Clinics’ resources on brain health, including related articles on depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
Remember that all types of depression are a brain health issue. The symptoms you experience with Type 7 serve as an indicator that your brain needs help. Be careful not to dismiss the symptoms as something else and delay getting the right treatment.
It can be helpful to note what Type 7 is not:
On a positive note, unfocused anxiety and depression is highly treatable. The challenging symptoms resulting from the emotional imbalance and cognitive underactivity that are characteristic of this anxiety-depression subtype improve with the right strategies. Type 7 responds extremely well to targeted intervention.
While brain SPECT is a vital aspect of Amen Clinics’ comprehensive evaluation, it’s just one portion of it. Clinical diagnosis is based on multiple factors. Our process also includes taking a thorough personal history, traditional psychiatric assessments, cognitive testing, and medical diagnostic. Such a comprehensive approach is aimed at uncovering underlying causes rather than just treating symptoms. The information gathered from each assessment serves as the basis for developing an effective, personalized treatment plan.
If you’ve been cycling between anxious thoughts, low mood, and foggy concentration, Type 7 may finally give a name to your experience. This anxiety-depression subtype has identifiable features, understandable brain patterns, and, most importantly, effective treatment options that address both the emotional and cognitive layers.
You don’t have to navigate these symptoms alone. Amen Clinics’ brain-based approach offers effective solutions to help restore focus, calm anxiety, and lift mood by treating the underlying causes. Personalized plans may include any number of targeted therapies, medication (when necessary), nutraceuticals, and specific lifestyle recommendations, plus ongoing support.
No. While the inattention can feel similar, ADHD is typically lifelong, whereas Type 7 emerges from mood patterns, stress, trauma, or brain chemistry shifts. ADHD involves consistent inattention across situations while Type 7 fluctuates with emotional state.
Imaging is not required, but it is incredibly helpful. Clinicians typically diagnose Type 7 based on medical history, symptoms, and functional changes. SPECT imaging can help clarify whether inattention stems from mood circuits or true ADHD.
Yes. Because it’s a functional pattern, and not structural damage, symptoms can often improve significantly with targeted brain-based strategies, psychotherapy, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.
After gaining an accurate diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional, an individual with Type 7 can initially be helped by establishing a daily rhythm and building healthy habits like eating high-protein meals, getting consistent sleep, and reducing stress with calming activities.
These simple lifestyle adjustments can help foster better focus, more calm, and a stabilized mood. Seeking a comprehensive evaluation at Amen Clinics would provide both an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
Unfocused depression and anxiety, and other mental health conditions can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we provide personalized, science-backed treatment plans designed to target the root causes of your symptoms. Our 360-approach includes brain SPECT imaging, clinical evaluations, innovative therapeutic techniques, medications (when necessary), and holistic lifestyle recommendations to promote the health of your brain, body, and mind. Speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
Does your toddler or preschooler struggle with hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention? Are they prone to tantrums or appear overly sensitive? If so, you may wonder if these are just normal phases of childhood, or if they indicate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Many children can demonstrate the early signs of ADHD, such as restlessness, outbursts, or lack of concentration. Parents may expect them to “grow out” of these tendencies by their later years. But if they do have the neurodevelopmental condition and carry it into adulthood—especially if they remain undiagnosed and/or untreated—it can negatively impact their entire lives.
Today, we have more knowledge than ever about this common mental health condition, which affects 7 million (11.4%) children ages 3-17, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Children who are found to meet the criteria for ADHD can be diagnosed as early as 4 years old.
Recognizing the earliest warning signs of ADHD is key to getting kids the help they need. In this blog, you’ll discover seven ADD symptoms every parent needs to know.
A retrospective study of risk factors for ADHD in different stages of infancy found that eight elements were significantly associated with the condition’s later development. At 0-1 month old, these factors were:
At 3 and 18 months, a decrease in head circumference growth was associated with later ADHD. And, at 9 and 18 months, there were correlations found between ADD, delays in motor and language development, and having a difficult temperament.
A 2023 systematic review of 48 articles also found that temperament in infancy or toddlerhood could indicate an early risk for childhood ADHD. Moderate associations were found with activity level, negative emotionality, and sustained attention.
The first two of these were found to be “predictive of all three symptom dimensions (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and combined).” The third, sustained attention, was associated only with combined symptoms.
Further research will help explore the links between ADHD’s development and sustained attention and inhibition in a child’s earliest months and years.
Finally, in an overview published in Health Psychology Research, a variety of genetic, neurobiologic, and neurochemical factors were explored as contributors to ADHD in young children. These include:
What does this mean for parents who are concerned about possible early symptoms of ADHD in their child? Here are some early signs of ADHD to look out for in your toddler or preschooler:
The overview mentioned above notes that ADHD in children can manifest with poor motor coordination or motor performance and balance.
These children are also more prone to accidental injuries and physical trauma, including head trauma, which itself can lead to or exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
One of the hallmarks of ADHD, impulsivity in a preschooler or toddler may present itself as speaking before thinking, impatience while waiting, or interrupting others.
An impulsive child may also yell or scream when they’re frustrated, get physical with other kids, or run into the street without looking for oncoming vehicles.
Once a child reaches preschool, their performance may already be compromised by the academic challenges associated with ADHD. One of the early signs of ADD in preschoolers, trouble with paying attention, impacts their ability to learn in a traditional classroom.
Parents working with their child’s teachers may be instrumental in helping children with ADHD perform better, which is one benefit of early diagnosis.
A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics noted that children with ADHD are more likely to have sleep disorders.
This association works in both directions. Not only does the degree of ADHD symptoms correlate with sleep disorder severity, but sleep disorders can trigger or worsen the symptoms of ADHD.
In the retrospective study mentioned above, researchers found that temperamental and behavioral problems in children 9 and 18 months old are “an important predictive factor for the development of ADHD.”
This may take the form of excessive crying during infancy. Later, these children displayed issues with sensory integration, attention, and behavioral development.
Emotional hyperarousal, emotional dysregulation, and rejection sensitive dysphoria are some of the common emotional issues faced by those who have ADHD.
Parents may notice that their child has intense reactions or stays “stuck” in emotions for longer periods than would be expected. Or perhaps their child has more, or longer-lasting, tantrums and outbursts, or frequently shows signs of frustration.
A 2021 study reported that 40% to 60% of children with ADHD also have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Another behavioral disorder that may overlap with ADHD is conduct disorder. Harming oneself and/or others (with behaviors such as biting) may also become an issue in children with ADHD.
Young children with ADHD can be excessively restless or fidgety, with difficulty sitting still and paying attention. They may be constantly in motion and excessively talkative. Parents may have trouble getting them to sleep, eat a meal, or focus on tasks.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents, ADHD criteria can be applied to children as young as ages 4-6. The guidelines advise medical professionals to note symptoms across multiple settings, such as home and preschool.
The most common treatment prescribed at these early childhood ages is parent training in behavior management (PTBM). The AAP explains that this consists of helping parents learn:
Parents who have spent time implementing and incorporating these strategies at home can then report their results to the medical professional, as well as provide a picture of the child’s persistent symptoms and struggles. This enables a more accurate ADHD diagnosis.
Brain SPECT scans can also help in the diagnosis of ADHD in toddlers and preschoolers. Because there are seven different types of ADD/ADHD, it’s crucial to pinpoint which type is interfering with a child’s development. With brain scans, clinicians can then determine an effective and personalized treatment plan.
Many doctors rely on prescription medications for childhood ADHD, and they can be highly beneficial for some kids. However, stimulant medications are not effective for all ADD types—and they may even cause harm. In addition to ADHD medication or in lieu of it, children can reap significant benefits from all-natural lifestyle changes, including:
Parents can also help by rethinking traditional discipline measures, which may not be helpful for children with ADHD. Instead of yelling, threats, and anger, these children tend to respond to different strategies. Remaining calm and positive will help better guide their behavior.
Finally, because there is a genetic component associated with the condition, parents of children with attention problems may want to undergo screening for ADHD themselves. At Amen Clinics, many adults with ADHD only learn about their condition after bringing in their child for an evaluation.
It’s never easy to be a parent. But it can be even more challenging when you’re parenting a child who shows the early signs and symptoms of ADHD.
Fortunately, we know more than ever about what to watch for in our toddlers and preschoolers—as well as the benefits of early diagnosis. With vigilance, patience, and understanding, we can help ensure that they are given the best chance of success in life.
Reviewed by Amen Clinics Inc. Clinicians
Amen, Daniel G et al. “Gender-Based Cerebral Perfusion Differences in 46,034 Functional Neuroimaging Scans.” Journal of Alzheimer’s disease : JAD vol. 60,2 (2017): 605-614. doi:10.3233/JAD-170432
Nishizawa, S et al. “Differences between males and females in rates of serotonin synthesis in human brain.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America vol. 94,10 (1997): 5308-13. doi:10.1073/pnas.94.10.5308
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube TL;DR:Sauna use may support brain health by improving circulation, reducing stress, and activating protective processes in the body. Research suggests regular sauna
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube TL;DR:Meditation for mental health helps counter life’s constant mental stimulation, giving your brain a chance to reset and recover from daily overload.
Does having ADD/ADHD put you at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19? If the ADD/ADHD is untreated, the answer is yes, according to a new study in the Journal of Attention Disorders. The research involving 14,022 people in Israel found that people with untreated ADD/ADHD are about 52% more likely to have tested positive for the coronavirus illness compared with individuals who don’t have ADD/ADHD.
The researchers found, however, that in people with the attention-deficit disorder who are being treated with stimulant medication, the infection rate for COVID-19 is no higher than in those without ADD/ADHD. In these individuals, the infection rate was about 10%.
An estimated 6.1 million children ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and approximately 8 million U.S. adults have the disorder. However, it is estimated that less than 20% of adults with the condition have received a diagnosis. And of those who have been diagnosed, only about 1 in 4 seek treatment. This adds up to millions of adults who are at increased risk of developing COVID-19 due to untreated ADD/ADHD.
What is behind the connection between ADD/ADHD and increased risk? It likely lies in the hallmark ADD/ADHD symptoms, including:
During the pandemic, these characteristics can manifest in potentially harmful ways, such as forgetting to wash your hands, impulsively hosting a wild party with a lot of people, or not following health directives. These actions put people at greater risk of exposure to COVID-19 and to developing the illness.
What most people don’t realize is that ADD/ADHD isn’t just one thing. Over 30 years of brain SPECT imaging studies at Amen Clinics have shown that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD. One size does not fit all, and each type has its own set of symptoms and requires a personalized treatment plan. What works for one person with ADD/ADHD may not work for another—or could even make the symptoms worse.
At Amen Clinics, brain scans of people with ADD/ADHD consistently point to decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Typically, when a person without ADD/ADHD tries to concentrate, activity increases in the PFC, but when someone with the condition attempts to concentrate, activity decreases. The harder they try, the worse it gets.
Type 1: Classic ADD: When most people think about attention-deficit disorder they think about this type, which is characterized by hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsivity, disorganization, distractibility, and trouble concentrating.
Type 2: Inattentive ADD: This is the second most common type of ADD/ADHD. People with this type tend to be labeled as slow, lazy, spacey, or unmotivated. They can be quiet and distracted.
Type 3: Overfocused ADD: People with this type have all of the core ADD/ADHD symptoms plus tremendous trouble shifting attention and a tendency to get stuck of locked into negative thought patterns or behaviors.
Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD: The temporal lobes, which are located underneath your temples and behind your eyes, are involved with memory, learning, mood stability, and visual processing of objects. Learning and behavior problems are commonly associated with this type.
Type 5: Limbic ADD: In this type, ADD/ADHD and depression intersect. The core ADD/ADHD symptoms are present in addition to negativity, moodiness, sadness, low energy, and decreased interest in life.
Type 6: Ring of Fire ADD: Unlike those with type 1 who have low activity in certain areas of the brain, these people tend to have excessive activity throughout the brain. On brain SPECT scans, it lights up like a ring of hyperactivity. Symptoms commonly seen in this type include irritability, hyperactivity, excessive talking, overfocus issues, extreme oppositional behavior, and cyclic periods of calm behavior alternating with intense aggressive behavior. Stimulant medication tends to make these people worse.
Type 7: Anxious ADD: In people with this type it is common for ADD/ADHD symptoms to become magnified and to be accompanied by anxiety, a fear of being judged, predicting the worst, being conflict avoidant, and having physical stress symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension).
Knowing your type of ADD/ADHD is the key to finding the most effective treatment.
ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.
At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.
Chronic pain can impact your life in so many ways. It can rob you of the activities you once loved and leave you feeling depressed and anxious. It can also alter your brain in ways that keep you mired in negative moods and emotions.
That’s what happened to Sam, a 38-year-old police officer. After three car accidents, he had pain that didn’t go away, even after six back surgeries. The pain was so intense, he was practically bedridden, and his family was about to leave him. He couldn’t stop thinking about the pain, and believing he had no way out, Sam attempted suicide. It was only after that attempt that Sam sought help to find out what was happening in his brain.
Chronic pain can change the way your brain functions. Brain imaging shows that people who have chronic pain often have high activity in the thalamus, which is part of the limbic system that is the brain’s emotional center. Too much activity in this region is associated with depression.
Sam also had marked overactivity in an area of the brain called the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG). This area of the brain acts like the brain’s gear shifter. When it is healthy, it helps you go from one idea to another. When it is overactive, you tend to get stuck on worrisome thoughts. It also indicates low levels of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin. When serotonin is low, people tend to be obsessive, moody, and inflexible. This caused Sam to get stuck on thoughts about his pain and his perceived hopelessness.
Even though chronic pain can alter the way your brain functions, it doesn’t have to be permanent. If you’re suffering from chronic pain, medication may be recommended, but there are also many natural ways to calm an overactive limbic system as well as an ACG that is working too hard.
Sam used a combination of these strategies—supplements, acupuncture, social bonding, and more—to balance his brain and address his pain. After a month, Sam said his back still hurt, but he was much less focused on the pain. He was able to get out of bed and go back to school to start training for a different line of work.
Don’t let chronic pain keep you on the sidelines of life. At Amen Clinics, where Sam was treated, brain SPECT imaging is performed as part of a comprehensive evaluation for people with chronic pain as well as symptoms of depression or obsessive thoughts. The Amen Clinics Method takes an integrative approach to diagnosis and treatment to help balance the brain utilizing the least toxic, most effective solutions so you can stop focusing on the pain and start living again.
To find a path to help you feel better fast, call 888-288-9834 to talk to a specialist today or schedule a visit.
A highly influential, walnut-sized area – deep in the center of your brain – is live wired with functions all critical to your survival. The limbic system in your brain, in fact, influences problem solving, organization, and rational thought, among other things. From an evolutionary standpoint, the limbic brain is an “older” part of the brain of mammals, enabling humans to experience and express emotions, freeing them from primitive behaviors and helping to develop the surrounding cerebral cortex. In order for these functions to have an effect in the world, though, your LS must fuel the passions and desires to enable them.
