New Genetic Study Could Transform Approach to Mental Health
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Feel tired all day long, even after a good night’s sleep? This could point to one of the most overlooked health concerns: signs of adrenal fatigue caused by excessive stress on the adrenal glands.
The adrenals are a pair of triangle-shaped glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and they take center stage in your stress resilience, cognitive function, and hormone balance. The truth is adrenal exhaustion, also known as adrenal fatigue, is one of the most common yet most overlooked health problems in recent times.
The adrenal glands are involved in producing adrenal hormones in the body, including cortisol, which is involved in the fight-or-flight response.
Imagine that you’re hiking through the woods with your children when suddenly, a mountain lion appears. Immediately, your heart starts pounding and your adrenals begin producing adrenaline and other hormones to give you a quick burst of energy to fight the lion or pick up your children and run away as fast as you can.
The problem is that your body doesn’t recognize the difference between one kind of stress and another. Whether it’s physical stress at the sight of a mountain lion or mental stress caused by working 60 hours at your job each week, your body reacts the same way: it pumps out loads of stress chemicals.
When running from the lion, you put the chemicals to use and get them out of your system—no problem. But many people are faced with the latter type—intense mental stress—daily, and eventually, it can lead to adrenal exhaustion.
In our go-go-go society, we experience stress regularly. Traffic jams, relationship problems, and last-minute work projects mean that we’re stressed from the time we open our eyes until we hit the sack at night. This can cause our adrenal glands to go into overdrive, making them produce the hormone cortisol continuously.
Prolonged exposure to chronic stress can lead to adrenal glands burning out, manifesting as key signs of adrenal fatigue, such as persistent tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and low energy levels. We call this adrenal exhaustion, adrenal fatigue, or adrenal gland failure, and it reduces your body’s ability to cope with daily stressors.
When this occurs, you may feel fatigued throughout the day, have trouble tackling or completing chores or tasks associated with daily living, and may find it difficult to perform at work.
Adrenal fatigue can also make you fat—especially in your abdomen, which increases your risk for cardiovascular disease. Chronic exposure to stress hormones also kills brain cells in the hippocampus, a major memory structure in the brain.
Chronic, unrelenting stress is one of the primary contributors to signs of adrenal fatigue, which can also result from poor sleep, an unhealthy diet, or exposure to toxins. Chronic stress can affect the function of the pituitary or adrenal glands, leading to adrenal fatigue.
One of the contributors to chronic stress is a lack of sleep. An estimated 50-70 million Americans aren’t getting enough of it, according to statistics from the State of Sleep Health in America in 2022. If you aren’t getting adequate sleep—approximately 7-8 hours at night—your body enters a state of stress overload.
Other potential causes include a poor diet, excessive use of caffeine or stimulants, chronic pain, negative thinking patterns, emotional trauma, exposure to environmental toxins, and food sensitivities.
In addition to these issues, people with adrenal fatigue may also have low levels of DHEA, a master hormone that is involved in the production of many other hormones.
DHEA levels generally begin to decline once a person hits age 30 and may be depleted in some people with medical and mental health issues, such as anorexia, end-stage kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes), AIDS, and more.
Certain medications, such as insulin, steroids, and opiates, may also play a role in lowering DHEA levels.
Wondering if you or a loved one might have adrenal exhaustion? Look out for these signs of adrenal fatigue:
In addition to these, there are other symptoms that may indicate adrenal fatigue, such as muscle weakness and mood changes.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to discuss them with a healthcare provider who is familiar with adrenal fatigue.
Getting diagnosed with adrenal fatigue can be challenging. This is why it’s important to see a medical professional, such as an integrative medicine (or functional medicine) physician, who is familiar with the condition.
Diagnosing adrenal fatigue often requires evaluating cortisol and DHEA-S levels, especially if you’re experiencing persistent signs of adrenal fatigue, such as morning fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
In some cases, blood tests may not be helpful, however, saliva tests may be beneficial in helping to detect abnormal levels.
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, particularly cortisol. This can be caused by damage to the adrenal glands or a problem with the pituitary gland, which regulates the adrenal glands.
Depending on the underlying cause, adrenal insufficiency can be categorized as primary, secondary, or tertiary.
Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin. If left untreated, adrenal insufficiency can lead to serious complications, such as an Addisonian crisis, which is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately:
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms of adrenal issues, make an appointment with your healthcare provider:
It’s also important to seek medical help if you have a history of adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease and are experiencing any of the following:
Early diagnosis and treatment of adrenal insufficiency can help prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.
If you’re noticing signs of adrenal fatigue, incorporating natural remedies can help restore adrenal function:
Recovering from adrenal fatigue takes time. Remember, it took months or even years to wear down your adrenal function, so it will take some time to heal. The best way to accelerate the healing process is to adopt healthy lifestyle changes that reduce stress and support adrenal function.
Reviewed by Amen Clinics Inc. Clinicians
Wilson JL. Clinical perspective on stress, cortisol and adrenal fatigue. Advances in Integrative Medicine, Volume 1, Issue 2, May 2014, Pages 93-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aimed.2014.05.002
American Sleep Apnea Association. The State of Sleep Health in America 2023, https://www.sleephealth.org/sleep-health/the-state-of-sleephealth-in-america/
Muscogiuri G, Altieri B, Penna-Martinez M, Badenhoop K. Focus on vitamin D and the adrenal gland. Horm Metab Res. 2015 Apr;47(4):239-46. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1396893. Epub 2015 Feb 27. PMID: 25723858.
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Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.
Finding the right mental health treatment can feel like a slow process. You might expect dramatic shifts, but progress often involves small steps that build over time. Noticing these incremental gains can help on your healing journey.
One study found that taking responsibility and ownership of your mental health—not solely relying on your psychiatrist or therapist—drives better mental health outcomes.
Here are 10 ways to know if your mental health treatment is working so you can continue to improve. These signs may come as gentle shifts rather than huge transformations, but they’re powerful proof that you’re on the right track toward better therapy outcomes.
Common treatment options for mental health problems include helpful forms of therapy, natural solutions, nutritional supplements, lifestyle changes, and psychiatric medication (when needed). If you want to know if your treatment program is leading to better therapy outcomes, look for these signs.
One of the first signs that mental health treatment is working is increased self-awareness. You may find yourself more attuned to your emotions and start identifying specific triggers that influence your mood.
This awareness can help you navigate challenges with greater understanding and control. Once you start to feel more in control of your emotions and be more aware of your moods, it can be easier to implement the new strategies you learn in therapy.
Effective mental health treatment often involves learning and using healthy coping strategies. If you notice that you’re replacing old unhealthy habits with new ways that reduce stress, calm anxiety, and alleviate low moods, this is a great indicator of progress.
You’ll most likely start to look forward to implementing practices instead of turning to less helpful outlets. Here are a few things you may start using:
Progress in your healing journey can also reveal itself in how you respond to people around you. Rather than reacting impulsively with anger, anxiety, or negativity, you might find yourself pausing before responding to choose a more measured reaction. This growth in your emotional regulation is a key indicator that you’re getting better.
Reactive mood disorders, such as borderline personality disorder and certain forms of depression, often involve intense responses to triggers. Gaining control over these automatic reactions shows that your treatment plan is helping you manage emotions in a healthier way.
This can help you improve interactions with others, mend relationships with loved ones, and strengthen your resilience in challenging situations.
Mental health treatments often involve reshaping how you talk to yourself. If you catch yourself using gentler language and being less critical of yourself, it’s a sign you’re on the path to improvement.
Negative self-talk can be one of the hardest habits to break, so every step toward compassion in your inner dialogue is a positive sign of mental growth.
In the early 1990s, Amen Clinics founder Dr. Daniel Amen coined the mnemonic ANTs—for automatic negative thoughts—to explain the different kinds of unwanted and unhelpful thoughts that get stuck in your mind. These ANTs crawl around and undermine your mental well-being.
If your mental health treatment is working, you may notice these ANTs are less frequent or less intense than before.
This doesn’t mean they will disappear completely. It does mean that you’re getting better at challenging them. Questioning your negative thoughts is the best way to help you break the cycle of self-doubt and gain a better perspective of your circumstances.
The right treatment for mental disorders can make noticeable improvements in your energy levels by addressing underlying issues that drain your physical and mental stamina.
Mental health conditions like clinical depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic stress often come with symptoms of exhaustion, burnout, trouble focusing, and a lack of motivation. With an effective treatment plan, you may find that you have more enthusiasm to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
As your mood improves, that low-energy state starts to lift, and you can feel more energized to take on daily tasks without feeling overwhelmed. This is an encouraging sign that your treatment is helping. As stress decreases, your body conserves energy and you’ll feel refreshed and more resilient through your mental health journey.
Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it affects your relationships too. If your connections with family, friends, or partners are becoming stronger and less stressful, it’s a clear sign you’re getting better.
Working with a mental health professional may be improving your communication skills and providing deeper self-awareness. This shows that the positive changes within you are extending outward.
The ripple effect of better personal relationships can reach your professional life as well. This can reduce the amount of stress you need to juggle on a daily basis and allows you more space to invest in your social life as well.
Progress in your mental wellness brings a greater sense of clarity in your thoughts and actions. If you notice your mind is feeling less cluttered and you’re able to focus better, you’ll also be able to organize your thoughts and reduce mental fog.
You’ll find it easier to make decisions and stay engaged in activities without feeling mentally drained. The importance of clear goals for effective mental health treatment cannot be overstated.
A 2020 study found that people who felt unclear about their therapy goals tended to feel less connected to their therapist, experienced more severe symptoms, required more sessions, and felt less reliant on their therapist.
Overall, this shift in focus and organization is a powerful sign that your mental health treatment is helping you feel more in control and grounded in your daily life.
If you find yourself noticing more little moments of happiness—whether it’s a smile from a stranger, a warm cup of tea, or the sound of birds singing—these are powerful signs of positive mental health progress.
Remember, progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about small, positive changes that add up over time. Take time to care for your mental, physical, social, and spiritual health so you can enjoy those personal happy moments without overthinking.
One of the most rewarding indicators of a successful mental health journey is an increase in hope. If you find yourself looking forward to the future and believing that things can improve, you’re experiencing a profound mental shift.
Feeling hopeful is a cornerstone of better therapy outcomes in an effective mental health treatment. It fuels the courage you need to keep going and gives a clearer perspective on your journey with the confidence to keep moving forward.
Every moment matters in your growth toward healing. You can use these insights to guide your next steps in the right direction on your roadmap to healing and growth.
It can be easy to overlook these signs when you’re focused on everyday struggles, but they’re worth celebrating. If you’re noticing even a few of these changes, it’s a good sign that your mental health treatment is moving you in the right direction.
Reviewed by Amen Clinics Inc. Clinicians
Ventosa-Ruiz A, Moreno-Poyato AR, Lluch-Canut T, Feria-Raposo I, Puig-Llobet M. The meaning of the recovery process and its stages for people attending a mental health day hospital: A qualitative study. Health Expect. 2024 Feb;27(1):e13965. doi: 10.1111/hex.13965. PMID: 39102677; PMCID: PMC10771802.
Nonweiler, J., Vives, J., Barrantes-Vidal, N. et al. Emotional self-knowledge profiles and relationships with mental health indicators support value in ‘knowing thyself’. Sci Rep 14, 7900 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57282-w
Kraiss, J. T., ten Klooster, P. M., Moskowitz, J. T., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2020). The relationship between emotion regulation and well-being in patients with mental disorders: A meta-analysis. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 102, 152189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152189
Geurtzen N, Keijsers GPJ, Karremans JC, Tiemens BG, Hutschemaekers GJM. Patients’ perceived lack of goal clarity in psychological treatments: Scale development and negative correlates. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2020 Nov;27(6):915-924. doi: 10.1002/cpp.2479. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PMID: 32441801; PMCID: PMC7754282.
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.
Do you or your child have trouble focusing, staying organized, or completing tasks? It could be attention-deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you (or a loved one) have ADHD, you may think stimulant medication, such as Ritalin or Adderall, is the only answer. It’s not.
ADHD medications, while effective in increasing neurotransmitter levels to enhance focus and manage symptoms, can have potential side effects. Many natural treatments for ADHD are backed by science, offering effective ways to manage symptoms without relying solely on medication.
Although research in the journal Plos One found that the usage of stimulant medications for ADHD doubled from 2006-2016, it isn’t the only option. Scientific findings reveal that natural treatments for ADHD can improve symptoms like short attention span, distractibility, poor impulse control, procrastination, and disorganization, offering holistic approaches for better focus and behavior.
If you’re one of the 4.4% of adults in America who are affected by ADD, or your child is among the over 6 million youngsters who have this condition, you may benefit from some of these natural strategies. In some instances, natural ADHD remedies can help reduce or eliminate the need for prescription stimulants.
If you or your child are currently taking ADHD medication, be sure to discuss your situation with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your prescription medication.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity. It is a complex condition that affects both children and adults, impacting their daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being.
ADHD is not a result of poor parenting, too much screen time, or a lack of intelligence. Rather, it is a brain-based disorder that requires a comprehensive treatment approach.
ADHD symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs include difficulty paying attention, following instructions, and completing tasks. Individuals with ADHD may also exhibit hyperactive behavior, such as fidgeting, restlessness, and impulsivity.
These symptoms can lead to difficulties in school, work, and social relationships, making it essential to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Nutritional supplements are among the most effective natural treatments for ADHD, addressing deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and ferritin that are often seen in individuals with this condition. Fish oil supplements, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are often discussed for their potential benefits in treating ADHD symptoms, though reviews from experts are mixed.
Taking a high-quality daily multiple vitamin/mineral supports healthy levels of foundational nutrients. Similarly, studies have found that people with ADD/ADHD generally have lower levels of important omega-3 fatty acids.
Supplementing with omega-3s can improve issues with impulse control, attention, and hyperactivity, according to findings in Translational Psychiatry and the Journal of Lipids.
Avoiding stimulating substances like caffeine and nicotine is a vital step in implementing natural treatments for ADHD, as these substances can worsen symptoms over time.
At Amen Clinics, brain SPECT imaging studies show that, over time, caffeine and nicotine reduce activity in the brain. SPECT is a type of brain scan that measures blood flow and activity in the brain.
During concentration in people with ADD/ADHD, SPECT scans show that there is typically lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, and this can be compounded with caffeine and nicotine use.
Additionally, consider exploring alternative treatments such as nutritional supplements, exercise, and dietary changes, which may offer non-stimulant options for managing ADHD symptoms.
Physical exercise enhances blood flow and activity in the brain, which can improve focus and attention. The benefits of intense physical exercise are so great, that it should be viewed as supplemental medication to improve ADHD symptoms.
Limiting screen time to no more than 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference in children with ADHD. A study in Plos One found that preschoolers who spent more than two hours of screen time per day had “clinically significant” increases in ADD/ADHD symptoms, such as attentional problems.
Consuming a higher-protein, lower-simple carbohydrate diet can help with focus and attention in most people with ADD/ADHD. As part of natural remedies for ADHD, dietary changes are crucial in managing symptoms. There is one exception, however.
People who have Over-Focused ADD—one of the seven types of ADD identified by Amen Clinics—usually do better with a diet that includes higher levels of complex carbohydrates.
Research shows that 60%-100% of kids with ADHD also struggle with co-existing disorders. And these co-occurring conditions can last into adulthood.
For example, head trauma, depression, and hormonal imbalances are common in people with ADD/ADHD. Another condition called Irlen Syndrome, which is a visual processing problem, is commonly seen with the condition.
Brain SPECT imaging, in addition to lab testing, can help determine the root causes of your (or your child’s) symptoms.
Randomized controlled trials show that treating any co-existing conditions can be a critical part of the process of healing from ADD and in managing ADHD symptoms.
Behavioral therapy is a crucial component of ADHD treatment, helping individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall functioning. This type of therapy focuses on teaching new skills, behaviors, and strategies to overcome challenges associated with ADHD.
Behavioral therapy can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, whether it’s a child, adolescent, or someone with adult ADHD.
There are several types of behavioral therapy used to treat ADHD, including:
Behavioral therapy can be conducted individually or in a group setting, and it’s often used in conjunction with ADHD medication and other treatments. By addressing the behavioral aspects of the condition, individuals can learn to manage their ADHD symptoms, improve their relationships, and enhance their overall quality of life.
As discussed earlier, SPECT scans show that there are seven types of ADD/ADHD. Natural ADHD remedies, such as relaxation practices, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes, can benefit both children and adults experiencing different types of ADHD. Knowing which ADD/ADHD type you (or your child) have is an important step in finding the most effective natural solutions.
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Chang, J.PC., Su, KP., Mondelli, V. et al. High-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) improves attention and vigilance in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and low endogenous EPA levels. Transl Psychiatry 9, 303 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-019-0633-0
Derbyshire E. Do Omega-3/6 Fatty Acids Have a Therapeutic Role in Children and Young People with ADHD? J Lipids. 2017;2017:6285218. doi: 10.1155/2017/6285218. Epub 2017 Aug 30. PMID: 28951787; PMCID: PMC5603098.
Gnanavel, Sundar et al. “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity: A review of literature.” World journal of clinical cases vol. 7,17 (2019): 2420-2426. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v7.i17.2420
Young, S et al. “Cognitive-behavioural therapy in medication-treated adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and co-morbid psychopathology: a randomized controlled trial using multi-level analysis.” Psychological medicine vol. 45,13 (2015): 2793-804. doi:10.1017/S0033291715000756
Gillies D, Sinn JKh, Lad SS, Leach MJ, Ross MJ. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Jul 11;2012(7):CD007986. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007986.pub2. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Apr 14;4:CD007986. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007986.pub3. PMID: 22786509; PMCID: PMC6599878.
Piper BJ, Ogden CL, Simoyan OM, Chung DY, Caggiano JF, Nichols SD, McCall KL. Trends in use of prescription stimulants in the United States and Territories, 2006 to 2016. PLoS One. 2018 Nov 28;13(11):e0206100. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206100. PMID: 30485268; PMCID: PMC6261411.
Tamana, S. K., Ezeugwu, V., Chikuma, J., et al. (2019). Screen-time is associated with inattention problems in preschoolers: Results from the CHILD birth cohort study. PLoS ONE, 14(4), e0213995. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213995
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.