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basal ganglia system bgs
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BGS Functions BGS Problems Some Conditions Affecting the BGS

Caudate
Sense of calm
Tension, nervousness
Sets anxiety level Anxiety/panic
Conflict avoidance
Predicting the worst

Putamen
Motor related
Tremors/tics

Nucleus Accumbens
Mediates pleasure
Addiction

Anxiety Disorders                                                         
OCD                                                                                                                                                  PTSD
Movement disorders
Tourette’s/tics

** ventral striatum has to do with limbic/emotional/neuroendocrine regulation, while dorsal caudate is more related to dorsal PFC/executive and ‘cold’ cog functions

BGS Treatments

Supplements Valerian                    
Body biofeedback
ANT therapy                                                                         
Hypnosis, meditation
Relaxing music                                                                                         
Assertiveness training
Limit caffeine/alcohol

    BGS Meds

Antianxiety Meds
   benzodiazepines (low dose, short time)
   Buspar (buspirone)
Antidepressant Meds
Anticonvulsants
Blood pressure meds such as propranolol

Increased basal ganglia activity is often associated with anxiety (left sided problems are often associated with irritability, right sided problems more often associated with inwardly directed anxiety). Often, we have seen increased activity in this part of the brain in our normal population as well. We have seen increased activity associated here with increased motivation. Clinical correlation is needed. We have seen relaxation therapies, such as biofeedback and hypnosis, and cognitive therapies help calm this part of the brain. If clinically indicated, too much activity here may be helped by antianxiety medications, such as buspirone. Sometimes, if the finding is focal in nature (more one side than the other), anticonvulsant medications can also he helpful.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. Alex has never been better. I feel like his real personality and his soul have been released. He is happy! He is at peace. He doesn’t worry, panic or over-react. He tells me about his day, he is funnier and more perceptive than ever. He is meeting the challenges of school without frustration. Socially, he is thriving. The ‘before’ picture and the ‘after’ picture of our life is striking”.

       Gilian T. Ontario, Canada
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Welcome to Amen Clinics

Amen Clinics, Inc. specializes in brain health, innovative neuroscience research, diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of neuropsychiatric, behavioral and learning problems in children, teenagers and adults. Established in 1989 by Daniel Amen, M.D., the center has an international reputation for utilizing brain SPECT scan imaging for a wide variety of neuropsychiatric problems, including ADD, anxiety, depression, autism and memory problems. Our philosophy at the Amen Clinics is simple: change your brain, change your life.

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