ARCHIVE

Do you power through your day feeling like you’re putting out one fire after the next? Do you feel like you’re in “fight-or-flight” mode most of the time? Do you find it difficult to fully relax? Daily life is filled with many stressors and perceived threats triggering the “fight, flight, or freeze” stress response to the point that it dysregulates the HPA axis, and cortisol levels remain high.
Click to tweet
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from chronic stress and elevated levels of cortisol—and it’s likely affecting your mental health. You’re also not alone. Recent survey data shows that 33% of U.S. adults feel they are living with extreme stress. And 73% report that it’s impacting their mental health negatively. Here’s what you need to know about cortisol, and what you can do to keep stress hormone levels balanced to protect your mental health.

WHAT IS CORTISOL?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone made in your body’s two adrenal glands, which sit atop your two kidneys. Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” as it plays a critical role in activating your body’s stress response (although it serves many roles in the body). The “fight, flight, or freeze” stress response gets activated when your brain perceives a threat—real or imagined. The brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary glands send a signal to the adrenals to release cortisol.  This communication and relationship between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands is called the HPA axis. Once released into the bloodstream, cortisol goes to work to make more glucose available to your brain and body and substances for repairing tissue. It alters immune system responses and dials down the nonessential systems such as the digestive and reproductive system, as well as growth processes. It also documents and stores memories of potential danger. These physiologic responses are designed to help you fight off, flee from, or freeze in the face of the threat at hand. When the threat passes, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands signal the adrenals to stop releasing cortisol and bodily systems return back to normal functioning. Yet, the stress response is not the only function of cortisol. Cortisol receptors are found throughout nearly every part of your brain and body because this important hormone has a hand in most bodily processes and functions. Among the most critical functions, cortisol helps regulate and control the following: As you can see, cortisol is a vital hormone for life! It only becomes a liability when cortisol levels get elevated and remain elevated.

HIGH CORTISOL LEVELS

The cortisol levels in your body naturally fluctuate over the course of a day in a rhythm set by the brain. Cortisol is usually highest in the morning when you wake and then it gradually declines during the day and until it reaches its lowest level in the late afternoon. Then, starting around 2:00 a.m., cortisol levels begin to rise again. Having prolonged elevated cortisol levels is usually considered Cushing’s disease (alternatively called Cushing’s syndrome or hypercortisolism). Cushing’s disease or having higher levels of cortisol in the body can be caused by: In today’s world, chronic stress is all too common. Daily life is filled with many stressors and perceived threats triggering the “fight or flight” response to the point that it dysregulates the HPA axis, and cortisol levels remain high. Eating a diet filled with too many refined carbohydrates, consuming alcohol regularly, chronically poor sleep, inflammation, and pain can all lead to high cortisol levels too. Unfortunately, chronically high cortisol levels are corrosive to both physical and mental health.

HIGH CORTISOL SYMPTOMS

Signs of higher-than-normal cortisol levels may include:

HOW HIGH CORTISOL LEVELS IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH

Prolonged stress and high cortisol levels in the body make us more vulnerable to mental health disorders, an abundance of research has found. A 2021 research review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine notes multiple studies showing the crushing effects chronic stress and excessive cortisol levels can have on mental health, including the following findings:

HOW TO LOWER CORTISOL LEVELS

The key to lowering elevated cortisol levels is adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including the following: In some instances, high cortisol levels may need to be treated with medication by a medical doctor. Reach out to a professional immediately, if you suspect you’re having a cortisol balance problem or a mental health condition. Chronic stress, elevated cortisol levels, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-719-2501 or visit our contact page here.

If you go to a psychiatrist for anxiety, depression, attention problems, anger issues, or another “mental illness,” you’re likely to be asked a number of questions about your symptoms, your feelings, and your family history.

But there’s one question most psychiatrists—and other healthcare professionals—never ask but should:

“Have you ever had a head injury?”

There’s one question most psychiatrists—and other healthcare professionals—never ask but should: “Have you ever had a head injury?”
Click to tweet

Why is this question so important? In years past, experts believed that mild head injuries were innocuous. However, emerging research confirms that mild head trauma—even if you don’t black out or aren’t diagnosed with a concussion—can impact brain function and lead to serious neuropsychological issues.

In this blog, you’ll learn how common head injuries are, how concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries impact mental health, why it’s common to forget about a past head injury, and how to heal the brain to help your mental wellness.

HOW COMMON ARE CONCUSSIONS?

According to statistics, about 1.7 million Americans are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually. Some 80% of them are categorized as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) or concussions.

Millions more head injuries go unreported because the person doesn’t think the injury is severe enough to seek treatment.

Head injuries are common among patients at Amen Clinics, which has treated over 100,000 people over the past 30-plus years. In fact, its database of more than 300,000 brain SPECT scans shows that 40% of patients have experienced a significant brain injury before visiting one of the nationwide clinics.

COMMON CAUSES OF CONCUSSIONS

What are the most common causes of head injuries?

Note that sports injuries also include repetitive sub-concussive impacts to the head. These are mild impacts that don’t cause any immediate symptoms—no headache, no seeing stars, no feeling like you got your bell rung.

Think of a soccer player who repeatedly heads the ball or a football player who gets tackled several times per game. Research shows that these repeated head impacts can harm the brain and lead to problems later in life. 

THE LINK BETWEEN HEAD INJURIES AND MENTAL ILLNESS

Did you know that head trauma is a major cause of mental health problems? If not, you aren’t the only one. In fact, very few people—including psychiatrists—know it.

This is because most mental health professionals never look at the brains of their patients. And this is a major oversight.

A growing body of scientific research shows that concussions and other types of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) increase the risk of:

In some cases, mental health issues and cognitive problems occur soon after a head injury. In other instances, mental health symptoms don’t appear until months or even years after the incident.

Because of this, many people don’t make the connection between the head impact and their emotional symptoms, behavioral problems, or cognitive issues.

WHY PEOPLE FORGET PAST HEAD INJURIES

It’s astounding how many people forget they’ve had a significant head injury. At Amen Clinics, the mental health professionals routinely ask patients several times whether or not they have sustained any impacts to the head.

“Have you ever had a head injury?” is one of the many questions on patient intake paperwork. An historian, who gathers patients’ personal histories before they see the physician, asks them again about hurting their head. Sophisticated computer testing that patients complete asks a third time about impacts to the head.

Typically, when the patient meets with their physician, the question will come up yet again. If they respond no again, they’re generally asked if they’ve experienced any of the most common causes of head injuries, which were outlined above.

It’s surprising how many people think their head injuries were too insignificant to mention. For others, they simply do not remember the incident as amnesia is a common occurrence in head traumas.

When asked the question for the fifth time, one patient put his hand on his forehead and said, “Oh yeah! When I was 5 years old, I fell out of a second-story window.”

It’s hard to imagine forgetting such an incident, but many do. Some patients forget that they flew through a windshield in a car accident, smacked their head after slipping in the shower, or were knocked unconscious when they tumbled off their bicycle.

The vast majority of these people never realize the connection between their head injury and the signs and symptoms of mental health problems. And the traditional treatments they’re prescribed often don’t work because they don’t heal the underlying trauma to the brain.

You may be in the same situation. Anyone who is not responding to traditional treatment for major depressive disorder, anxiety attacks, or other mental health conditions should consider if a past head injury might be contributing to symptoms.

HEALING FROM POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME

The good news is that the brain can heal, and this can help you overcome a wide range of psychological symptoms. Strategies to enhance the brain following a concussion or other head injury include:

Neurofeedback: Learning to control your brainwaves with this noninvasive treatment can reduce the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, according to research.

Implementing these strategies can help speed your recovery from a head injury, whether it happened recently or years earlier. When your brain is healthier, you’ll experience fewer mental illness symptoms and feel better overall.

Anxiety, depression, attention problems and other mental health issues related to head trauma can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.

It’s easy to make light of phobias—until you or someone you love develops one. Imagine missing a vacation to Tahiti with your partner because of your debilitating fear of flying. Picture a teen who isolates at home and misses out on formative friendships because of their overwhelming social phobia. Imagine if someone you love failed to get a life-saving medical procedure because of their nervousness about medical treatments. People with phobias will make great efforts to avoid the very places, situations, or things that trigger their overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety.
Click to tweet
Untreated phobias are serious and potentially devastating. As a type of anxiety disorder, they differ from rational fears that protect us from danger. Phobias are excessive, unfounded fears that can disrupt daily life, work performance, personal relationships, and self-esteem. They are also quite prevalent, affecting more than 19 million Americans—both children and adults. They are more common in women and girls than men and boys. Here’s vital information about this type of anxiety disorder, how to identify it, and what treatments are available.

WHAT ARE PHOBIAS?

Phobias are intensely exaggerated and illogical fears most often surrounding situations, objects, or places. They are different than the manageable uneasiness you might typically feel when confronted with a potentially dangerous object or situation. For example, you may feel uneasy looking down from a high place or have a moment of alarm if you encounter a snake or spider. You may feel a little anxious when flying or if you enter an enclosed space like when having an MRI exam. These are not phobias. A phobia magnifies fear and anxiety to an unmanageable level. People with this type of mental health disorder will make great efforts to avoid the very places, situations, or things that trigger their overwhelming feelings of dread. They will do this even knowing they have the condition.

TYPES OF PHOBIAS

There three types of phobias:

  1. Social Phobias

About 15 million U.S. adults have social phobias (also known as social anxiety disorder), making it the most common type. An individual with this form of the disorder has distress and anxiety about potential rejection, embarrassment, or humiliation in social interactions. They worry people are watching and judging them and are extremely self-conscious. They have trouble making friends, maintaining relationships, and with daily functioning.

  1. Agoraphobia

An individual with agoraphobia fears being trapped in a specific place, situation, or space where there’s no escape or escape is difficult or humiliating. It can also occur in places where no help is available if they start to panic. Common triggers are being in a crowd, elevator, bus, movie theater, or train. Distressing feelings may also arise standing in a line or being in an open space like a parking lot. An agoraphobic will actively avoid the triggering place or situation, insist on a companion, or endure magnified anxiety and fear. If agoraphobia goes untreated, it can lead to an individual being unable to leave their home due to their angst.

  1. Specific Phobias

A specific phobia involves irrational and pronounced fear related to a specific trigger, which is usually an object, place, or situation. Some people have more than one specific phobia. Currently, experts have recognized more than 500 specific phobias. Even though there are so many, phobias will usually fit into one of several categories involving fear of animals, situations, natural environment, medical procedures, or something else unspecified. Here are 10 common specific phobias:   There are many unusual, lesser-known phobias, too. For example, there’s  hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, the fear of long words (ironically). And there’s ephebiphobia, the fear of teenagers. They may seem funny, but for those who have them, they are real and distressing.

PHOBIA SYMPTOMS

The physical symptoms of phobias include the following: Signs of phobias in children may include: In addition to these hallmark symptoms, people with phobias may develop or have other mental health disorders. That’s because phobias, over time, impact mental and physical health. While phobias don’t necessarily cause these conditions, they usually precede them and factor into their development:

WHAT CAUSES PHOBIAS?

There’s no specific cause of phobias, but any of the following can lead to their development:

PHOBIAS AND THE BRAIN

Brain-imaging studies clearly indicate that anxiety disorders, such as phobias, are associated with biological changes in the brain. Research presented in Neurology Live makes note of studies that show functional differences in the brains of individuals with phobias. Specifically, increased activity of the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula—areas that govern fear and emotion—were observed when individuals with phobias were exposed to a trigger. In phobic individuals who experience an exaggerated expectation that they might encounter the object of their phobia (called expectancy bias), underactivity was noted in the lateral prefrontal cortex and visual cortex. This would make emotional regulation more difficult. Hence, phobias are not due to a character flaw or personality weakness—they have clear neurobiological underpinnings.

TREATMENT OF PHOBIAS

Here’s the great news: Phobias are highly treatable. There’s no reason to suffer. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been used to treat phobias and other anxiety disorders successfully for decades. With CBT, patients learn to identify the thoughts that are driving the feelings they want to overcome. Once identified, they then learn how to replace those troubling thoughts with more useful ones. Exposure therapy (a form of CBT) may also be used in treatment to safely and gradually talk and expose (usually with pictures) the patient to their trigger, helping to lessen fear and anxiety in small doses. This is called systemic or graded exposure. This type of exposure therapy combined with virtual reality has been effective in helping people with fear of flying and other phobias, according to research. Another type of exposure therapy called flooding involves direct and abrupt exposure to the triggers, rather than in small bits over time. There are also a host of lifestyle practices that support brain function, reduce anxiety, and help keep fears in check. However, there can be no effective treatment without an accurate diagnosis. Be sure to reach out to a qualified mental health professional for evaluation if you or someone you love is showing signs and symptoms of phobias. Phobias, anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.  

Did you know that by simply breathing, using a common skin lotion, or sleeping on a certain type of mattress you might be harming your brain? The 3-pound supercomputer between your ears is the most metabolically active organ in your body. As such, it is vulnerable to damage from toxins.

Toxins are one of the major causes of psychiatric issues, but traditional psychiatrists almost completely ignore them. In part, that’s because they rarely look at the organ they treat—the brain.

Toxins are one of the major causes of psychiatric issues, but traditional psychiatrists almost completely ignore them. In part, that’s because they rarely look at the organ they treat—the brain.
Click to tweet

The brain-imaging work with SPECT at Amen Clinics reveals that toxic brain patterns are common in people with addictions to alcohol or drugs. Surprisingly, these same patterns can also be seen in people who aren’t substance abusers. Why do their brains look so bad?

In this blog, you’ll discover how everyday toxins harm the brain and contribute to mental health disorders. You’ll also learn how to detox your brain to restore your health and mental wellness.

HOW TOXINS TAKE A TOLL ON MENTAL HEALTH

Based on over 300,000 brain scans at Amen Clinics, it has become clear that environmental toxins—such as toxic mold, inhalants, and pollution—are often to blame for unhealthy brain function.

Environmental toxins impact nearly every aspect of your body and can damage the brain, leading to a variety of physical and mental health symptoms.

From a psychiatric standpoint, exposure to toxins can increase the risk of:

On the physical side, issues can include:

Our biological systems get rid of toxins (through the gut, liver, kidneys, and skin), but when those natural detoxification processes are overwhelmed, it can cause problems in the brain.

10 WAYS TOXINS POISON THE BRAIN AND CONTRIBUTE TO MENTAL ILLNESS

  1. Reduce cerebral blood flow: Blood flow is critical for optimal brain function. Anything that restricts blood flow harms the brain and can negatively impact mental wellness.

On SPECT scans, decreased blood flow has been associated with clinical depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADD/ADHD, and more. Research shows that low blood flow is the #1 brain-imaging predictor that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

  1. Disrupt the endocrine system: Toxins interfere with hormone production, which can cause serious imbalances. Having low or high levels of hormones—such as thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, or cortisol—can wreak havoc on your brain and body.

For example, when hormones are out of whack, it raises the risk of mental health symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, and panic attacks.

  1. Impair the immune system: Your body’s immune system performs two major functions.

When toxins impair immune system function, it increases your risk of physical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders and cancer. At the same time, it raises the likelihood of developing as mental health issues like anxiety disorders, depression, and even psychosis.

  1. Disrupt the gut microbiome: Poor gastrointestinal health can lead to a condition called leaky gut. This occurs when the gut lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream.

Leaky gut has been associated with a wide range of cognitive issues and mental health problems, such as mood and anxiety disorders, ADD/ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

  1. Increase the risk of diabesity: Having high blood sugar levels and/or being obese or overweight is known as diabesity. As toxic load rises, so does the risk for this common combination of conditions.

Toxins are also called diabesogens and obesogens because they contribute to both diabetes and obesity. Having one or both of these medical conditions takes a major toll on brain function and mental health.

Obesity is harmful to brain and psychological health and has been associated with increased risk of depression, panic disorder, agoraphobia (fear of going out), bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.

High blood sugar levels have been linked to shrinkage of the hippocampus, a brain region involved in mood, memory, and learning. Rates of depression and anxiety are two to three times higher in individuals who have Type 2 diabetes compared to the general population. Diabetes is also associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

  1. Damage DNA: This can accelerate brain aging and lead to problems with mood, anxiety, irritability, temper, and irrational behavior, as well as memory.

Research shows that many environmental toxins, including herbicides and sodium benzoate, may damage DNA. A 2023 study found that sucralose-6-acetate, a chemical found in sucralose, may also harm DNA.

  1. Impair enzyme systems: This disrupts many biological processes, including the ability to produce energy and fight free radicals.
  2. Harm detoxification organs: Your body’s detoxification system includes your liver, gut, kidneys, and skin. These organs need to be healthy to do their job.

For example, your liver filters blood to identify and hold toxins. Its enzyme systems break down the toxins, and the liver releases bile to flush them out. Your liver has finite toxin-processing capacity, which means it is highly vulnerable to toxic overload.

Your kidneys filter your blood an astounding 60 times per day. However, kidney function decreases with age by 50 percent from age 20 to 85, so they need your support!

Excessive exposure to toxins can impact the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, and brain. This damage reduces the body’s detoxification system’s ability to do its job, creating an even greater buildup of toxins.

  1. Alter gene expression: In some cases, this may turn on harmful gene variants and/or turn off beneficial ones.
  2. Damage cell membranes: This can also disrupt communication between brain cells.

HOW TO DETOX YOUR BRAIN

Reducing or eliminating your exposure to the toxins is the first step to healing your brain and regaining control of your life. To perform a brain detox, following these steps:

By decreasing your exposure to toxins, you can help restore your brain function and may reduce mental health symptoms.

Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues related to toxic exposure can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.

When you think of divorce, you may envision screaming matches, resentment, and manipulative behavior. A divorce can be one of the most difficult events for a couple, or a family, to go through. Even divorces that start amicably can erupt in anguish as the process unfolds. However, separating from your spouse doesn’t have to turn into a nasty divorce. Couples can choose more positive and productive ways to work through this difficult event. Partners who are separating promote a much more peaceful experience simply by using some forethought, kindness, and awareness. Read on for 6 ways you can create a healthy divorce and a happier outcome for the entire family. Going with the flow, without holding resentments, helps the entire family unit make the transition through divorce far less painful.
Click to tweet

HOW COMMON IS DIVORCE?

Divorce is painfully common. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that 673,989 divorces occurred in 2022. In fact, about half of all first marriages end in divorce. Second, third, and subsequent marriages have even higher divorce rates.

WHAT IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DIVORCE?

According to a 2023 Forbes Advisor survey among 1,000 Americans who are divorced or going through the process, there are a variety of reasons for ending a marriage. Lack of family support (43%) and infidelity (34%) were the top 2. The next 3 most common claims each received 31% of respondents’ votes: lack of compatibility, lack of intimacy, and too much conflict/arguing. Other motives that made the list included financial stress, lack of commitment, parenting differences, marrying too young, opposing morals/values, and substance abuse. Additionally, many couples don’t realize the myriad ways in which brain and mental health issues can spark the relationship problems that often lead to the dissolution of marriage. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics using SPECT scans shows that underlying brain dysfunction is a common contributor to conflict in relationship. In other words, if you’re facing the pain of divorce, you’re not alone. But you can make the process easier for all parties by adhering to a few basic principles.

HOW TO DESIGN A HEALTHY DIVORCE

Keep in mind the following steps to create a healthy divorce process:

1. Keep RELATING.

Even though your relationship in its current form is coming to an end, it’s wise to use the same relationship skills you’d want to employ if you were remaining a couple. Remember the acronym RELATING when it comes to fostering healthy relationship habits:

2. Face your emotions.

Marital conflict and divorce are bound to bring up a whirlwind of emotion. Partners may feel fear, anger, grief, sadness, hopelessness, overwhelm, and anxiety. They may also feel positive emotions, such as relief, which can bring about feelings of guilt or confusion. Because these emotions can be uncomfortable, many people push them down or stay busy to distract themselves. But remember that feeling is the way toward healing. Find natural ways to process your feelings and boost mood. Taking up a new sport or hobby, journaling, starting psychotherapy or counseling sessions, meditating, or joining support groups can greatly improve your mental health during difficult times. It’s also important to tend to fundamental self-care, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep. Prioritizing these basics ensures you’re in the optimal state to process your emotions and deal with difficulties if they arise.

  1. Care for any children involved.

There’s no question that divorce is not good for children. However, staying in a chronically unhappy, conflicted, negative relationship is even worse. You can navigate a divorce to minimize the fallout on your kids. Studies have shown that effective parenting will affect children’s ability to cope with stressors such as divorce. The mental health professionals at Amen Clinics typically recommend a few strategies to soothe children amid a divorce: When arranging child custody and living arrangements, you and your partner should act as a team working in the best interests of the children. Meanwhile, keep the lines of communication open with them, so that they’re comfortable sharing their feelings. Ensure they feel supported and as stable as possible during this tumultuous time.

  1. Explore alternative divorce methods.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, may be a great way to avoid draining legal proceedings. Any of these options can help reduce the emotional and financial toll on a divorcing couple. Such alternatives are designed to reach agreements between the partners that are more peaceful and mutually beneficial. The end result can be much less stress on both partners, compared to a traditional divorce carried out in the courtroom with lawyers.

  1. Keep an open mind.

Remain flexible and open to changes—whether it’s a scheduling issue that arises when co-parenting your children or a conflict over who will keep the family pet. Understand that not all things will flow smoothly when separating two lives. Also be willing to make some concessions and compromises. Going with the flow, without holding resentments, helps the entire family unit make the transition through divorce far less painful.

  1. Acknowledge endings and beginnings.

Divorce may be a closing of one life chapter, but it also signals a new beginning for both partners and the entire family. If possible, take time to process the experience with your partner and attempt to establish some closure. Then, on your own, reflect on what lessons you’ve learned through the relationship. Take accountability and consider what you might do differently in the future. Embrace this opportunity to begin again, this time with more knowledge about what does and doesn’t work for you within relationships. However, be careful not to rush into a new partnership. Healing takes time after a marriage ends. And, in the case of longer marriages, it may be necessary to learn first who you are individually, without being part of a couple.

OVERCOMING THE PAIN OF DIVORCE

Divorce, understandably, turns a couple’s world upside-down. It’s normal to feel disillusionment or despair when the secure, happy future you envisioned at the altar is no longer a possibility. But with half of Americans facing divorce, it’s important for everyone to brush up on the conflict-resolution and communication skills that can ease the process for all parties. With a little bit of patience and a lot of forgiveness and flexibility, you can turn a painful experience into a springboard toward a healthier, happier future. Marital conflicts, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. When your memory begins to slip, it makes everything in your life more challenging. Your work, health, finances, relationships, and independence are all likely to suffer. If you’re like most people, you probably have certain beliefs about cognitive decline. However, many of those accepted views are wrong. And they could be hurting your memory. When it comes to your ability to remember, it’s important to know the facts. Here, we debunk 7 common memory myths and show you how to supercharge your brain and improve your memory. If you’re like most people, you probably have certain beliefs about memory. However, many of those accepted beliefs are wrong. And they could be hurting your memory.
Click to tweet

7 COMMON MEMORY MYTHS

MYTH #1: It’s normal to experience memory loss as you age.

FACT: If you’re in your 40s or beyond and you’re routinely forgetting where you put your keys, having difficulty remembering what you read in an article, or having trouble recalling people’s names, you may think it’s normal. It’s common for friends, family members, and even medical professionals to downplay forgetfulness. A physician may even tell you that you have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and reassure you that it’s normal for your age. But it isn’t. Memory loss at any age need to be taken seriously. Developing brain fog or becoming increasingly forgetful in your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s or even 80s may be common, but it’s not normal. It’s a sign of trouble.

MYTH #2: If you’re struggling with memory loss, it’s definitely Alzheimer’s disease.

When people experience memory loss, they usually fear that it’s Alzheimer’s disease. However, poor memory can be due to many different causes. For example, causes of memory loss can include hypothyroidism, exposure to toxic mold or environmental toxins, inflammation, infections, concussions and traumatic brain injuries, dehydration, diabetes, insomnia, and medication side effects. In addition, mental health disorders, such as clinical depression, anxiety disorders, and ADD/ADHD can contribute to memory impairment. It’s also important to remember that Alzheimer’s disease isn’t the only type of dementia, although it does account for 60-80% of dementia cases. There are several types of dementia, including:

MYTH #3: The only way to tell if memory loss is due to Alzheimer’s disease is through autopsy.

The notion that you can only determine if Alzheimer’s is to blame for cognitive dysfunction is through autopsy is wrong. Functional brain imaging with SPECT scans can help identify blood flow and activity patterns associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions. At Amen Clinics, which has performed over 300,000 SPECT scans, overall low blood flow in the brain is the top brain-imaging predictor that a person will develop Alzheimer’s. Healthy SPECT Scan

Alzheimer’s Disease SPECT Scan

SPECT can also help identify other causes of memory loss. For example, SPECT scans can show brain patterns linked to depression, head trauma, infections, exposure to toxins, and more. Seeing the patterns on the scans helps medical and mental health professionals ask better questions to get to the root cause of the issue. Without brain imaging, it’s much more challenging to make an accurate diagnosis. 

MYTH #4: Young people don’t have to worry about memory loss.

FACT: Approximately 40% of people who are 65 years old or older experience some degree of memory impairment. However, one study published in BMJ shows that memory loss can start as early as 45. This emphasizes why it’s so important to start protecting your memory as early as possible. People who are middle-aged may think that forgetting things like where you placed your glasses are just minor issues, but they’re an early warning sign that your memory could be in trouble. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics clearly shows that harmful brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease begin in the brain years or even decades before symptoms appear. This means the brain is already deteriorating long before major memory issues occur.

MYTH #5:  Alzheimer’s only happens to the elderly.

FACT: An estimated 50% of people 85 years old and older are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. But that doesn’t mean that these are the only cases. Early-onset dementia and early-onset Alzheimer’s is defined as disease occurring in people under the age of 65. Statistics from the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Health Index show that a growing number of Americans are being affected by the early-onset forms of these conditions. That data show that in 2017, about 131,000 individuals between the ages of 30 and 64 received a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. That represented a 200% increase over 2013 numbers.

MYTH #6: Memory loss is always the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

Memory loss can be one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is not always the first symptom. Other early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include poor judgment, losing track of time, loss of sense of smell, strange visual problems, trouble managing finances, difficulty finding the right words, misplacing items, and getting lost in familiar places. Additional signs include social isolation and changes in mood or personality. For example, some people become fearful and suspicious, while others develop depression and anxiety.

MYTH #7: Once your memory starts to fail, it’s too late to do anything about it.

FACT: Just because you’re starting to have memory problems doesn’t mean it has to continue getting worse. There are many strategies that can help improve memory. That’s because Alzheimer’s is a lifestyle disease. For example, eating a healthy diet, challenging your brain with new learning, getting regular exercise, and reducing chronic stress can support the brain. Engaging in these healthy activities can actually increase the size of your hippocampus, the part of your brain associated with memory. On the flip side, avoiding activities that harm the brain can also be beneficial. If you want to keep your mind sharp, eliminate excessive alcohol intake, stop using marijuana or other drugs, and avoid environmental toxins.  If you take good care of your brain and body, your risk of dementia can significantly decline. Keep in mind, taking preventative measures is the best way to avoid Alzheimer’s and dementia. Being serious about brain health has no age limit especially when a better brain means it can help improve your mood, health, appearance, memory, and body. You can create a brain-healthy life by learning how to love and care for the most important part of your body—your brain. Memory loss, cognitive decline, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.   Memory loss, getting lost in familiar places, forgetting how to complete routine tasks—these are all common signs of Alzheimer’s disease. New research, however, has found that in up to 15% of cases, the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s could be weird visual symptoms. Posterior cortical atrophy, also known as Benson’s syndrome, is an unusual group of visuospatial problems. It is a very strong predictor of Alzheimer’s, according to the study, which was published in a 2024 issue of the Lancet Neurology. Researchers suggest these visual problems could be a red flag that can help with early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. In this blog, you’ll learn more about posterior cortical atrophy, the visual symptoms it causes, how common it is in people with Alzheimer’s, and what to do about it. New research has found that in up to 15% of cases, the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease could be weird visual symptoms.
Click to tweet

WHAT IS POSTERIOR CORTICAL ATROPHY?

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes strange visual symptoms. A progressive condition, it is associated with worsening visuospatial and visuoperceptual processing. Brain-imaging research shows that PCA causes brain cells in the back region of the brain to die. This results in brain shrinkage in the posterior region of the brain. This is a common brain pattern seen in early Alzheimer’s disease. For example, at Amen Clinics, brain-imaging studies using SPECT scans on people with suspected Alzheimer’s disease show decreased activity in the parietal lobes, temporal lobes, and often in the posterior cingulate. This brain pattern can be seen on SPECT scans several years prior to the onset of memory loss symptoms.

SYMPTOMS OF POSTERIOR CORTICAL ATROPHY

Posterior cortical atrophy, or Benson’s syndrome, is associated with a wide range of visual symptoms, including: In the Lancet Neurology study, at the time of PCA diagnosis people experienced the following symptoms: Other non-visual PCA symptoms include anxiety, confusion, and behavioral changes. What makes this study so important is that the people typically did not have the hallmark symptoms of memory loss and cognitive impairment at the time of their PCA diagnosis. However, nearly 4 years later, on average, they began showing signs of memory deficits, cognitive decline, and other common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

POSTERIOR CORTICAL ATROPHY AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Being diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy is a strong indicator of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. In the 2024 study in the Lancet Neurology, researchers analyzed data on 1,092 individuals from 16 countries. In this study, 94% of people with PCA had neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s. The other 6% had evidence of other dementia types, such as Lewy body disease and frontotemporal dementia. Compare that to people with memory loss—only 70% of them are found to have Alzheimer’s pathology. Studies suggest that as many as 5-15% of people with Alzheimer’s disease have PCA. Even so, it remains under-recognized in the medical community.

LIFESTYLE STRATEGIES TO PREVENT MEMORY LOSS

Increasingly, researchers are finding that Alzheimer’s is a lifestyle disease. Yes, there is a genetic component to Alzheimer’s, but your everyday habits greatly influence your risk for memory problems. Adopting brain-healthy habits can reduce your risk. Here are 7 natural strategies to lower your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
  1. Engage in physical activity on a regular basis. Exercise gets your heart pumping, which increases blood flow to the brain. Healthy blood flow levels in the brain are critical for a good memory. In fact, on SPECT, the top predictor of future Alzheimer’s disease is low overall blood flow in the brain.
  2. Learn something new every day. Increasing age is one of the biggest factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. To counteract your advancing age, keep your brain active by learning new things. For example, take piano lessons, learn to speak Japanese, or take up pickleball.
  3. Reduce inflammation. Research shows that chronic inflammation is considered a key mechanism in Alzheimer’s disease. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, which means reducing your intake of sugary sweets, refined grains, processed foods, cured meats, and sodas
  4. Avoid exposure to toxins. Smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and being exposed to environmental toxins contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Reducing your exposure to these toxins can lower your chances of developing memory problems.
  1. Get adequate sleep. A growing body of research has linked a lack of quality sleep and insomnia with memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Make sleep a priority in your life. Develop a nighttime routine that promotes relaxation and stick to it.
  2. Treat mental health disorders. Decades of studies point to a connection between mental health conditions—such as ADD/ADHD, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, chronic stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—and Alzheimer’s disease. This is one reason why it’s so critical to seek treatment for mental health problems.
What’s even more critical is to see a mental health professional who includes functional brain imaging, such as SPECT, as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Seeing how your brain functions can help determine the root cause of your issues, so you can get the most effective treatment.
  1. Investigate strange visual symptoms. If you’re experiencing unusual visual problems, be sure to seek medical help. Be aware that Benson’s syndrome, or PCA, is often misdiagnosed. In part, this is because people experiencing these visual symptoms frequently seek help from an eye doctor.
However, typical eye tests may show normal results, and optometrists and ophthalmologists may not consider brain dysfunction as a potential cause. If eye exams show normal results, but you’re having visual problems, consider making an appointment with a neurologist or brain health expert who uses functional brain imaging. Memory loss, dementia, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Are you dating—or married to—someone who is charming but overly confident? Are they constantly bragging about their accomplishments, exaggerating about their life experiences, and talking about all the amazing things they’re going to do one day? You may wonder if they’re a narcissist. Being in a relationship with a narcissist can be challenging. They may lack empathy for your feelings or gaslight you. They can be manipulative and exploitative. How can you tell if they’re just obnoxiously self-centered, or if they have narcissistic personality disorder? Look for these signs of narcissistic personality disorder. People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) go beyond these everyday characteristics—they express grandiosity, have a constant need for excessive admiration, and show a lack of empathy for others.
Click to tweet

WHAT ARE THE TRAITS OF NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER?

Many people fall into the category of being overly self-confident, arrogant, and demanding, but this doesn’t necessarily make them narcissistic. People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) go beyond these everyday characteristics. The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-V, spells out the following 9 criteria for NPD: For a clinical diagnosis as a narcissist, a person only has to meet 5 of these criteria. The number of people who meet the criteria for a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder is estimated to range from less than 1% to over 6% of the population. This mental health disorder is far more common in men, who make up 50%-75% of those affected.

NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER AND THE BRAIN

Many people fall into the category of being overly self-confident, arrogant, or demanding, but this doesn’t necessarily make them narcissistic. People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) go beyond these everyday characteristics. The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-5, spells out 9 criteria for NPD. To qualify for a clinical diagnosis of narcissism, a person only has to meet 5 of these traits: The number of people who meet the criteria for NPD is estimated to range from less than 1% to over 6% of the population. This mental health disorder is far more common in men, who make up 50%-75% of those affected.

NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER AND THE BRAIN 

Symptoms don’t tell the whole story. Brain-imaging studies have found that people who suffer from NPD tend to have abnormalities in the brain. In particular, a 2013 study found that narcissists have less gray matter volume in a region of the brain believed to be involved in empathy. Other brain-imaging research has found that people with NPD also have hypersensitivity in brain systems associated with distress and social pain networks.

5 SIGNS YOU’RE HOOKED ON A NARCISSIST

Some of the hallmark signs that you’re involved with a narcissist include:

  1. It’s all about them.

Narcissists have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and make everything revolve around them and their needs, not yours. You may find that over time, you give up on your own needs and desires, which is known as deselfing.

  1. They sweep you up in their grandiose goals.

People with NPD are preoccupied with fantasies about unbridled success and power. They manage to convince their partners that these unrealistic goals are in fact attainable due to their unique and special talents. When this success fails to materialize, it can leave you feeling resentful.

  1. Constant admiration is required.

Narcissists have a sense of entitlement and believe they deserve special treatment. They need you to provide an endless supply of admiration to keep the relationship going. If they don’t get the attention they want, they may get upset with you.

  1. No criticism allowed.

When questioned or challenged, your mate is likely to lash out with rage or anger. They may have a tendency to gaslight you by making everything seem like it’s your fault. This can contribute to relationship struggles or marital conflict.

  1. You’re being exploited.

People with narcissistic personality disorder have a lack of empathy that often leads to the manipulation or exploitation of their partners. This can make you feel used or taken advantage of.

THE TROUBLE WITH RELATIONSHIPS WITH NARCISSISTS

Because of their supreme confidence, charm, and life-of-the-party personalities, narcissists can be intoxicatingly attractive to some people. They tend to go overboard when wooing a love interest, sweeping you off your feet, and making it seem as if you must be very special to be invited into their extraordinary world. And it feels that way…at first. With time, however, you may realize that the narcissist’s exaggerated delusions of grandeur are merely fantasies. And you may find yourself stuck in an endless cycle of doing whatever it takes to try to please the narcissist, but no matter how much admiration you show them or how much you buy for them, it’s never enough. Trying to stand up for yourself by saying no to their demands can backfire and set you up for harsh criticism and psychological manipulation intended to make you take the blame for not living up to their expectations. This toxic unhealthy relationship can lead you to develop symptoms of anxiety or depression.

TREATMENT FOR NARCISSISM

If you’re involved with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder, it can be hard to get them to seek treatment. After all, they believe they are special and typically refuse to admit that they have a problem. Looking at the brain with functional SPECT scans, however, can help identify abnormalities associated with NPD. It can also reveal signs of co-existing mental health disorders, which are common in narcissistic people. For example, over 40% of those with NPD also have a substance use disorder, 40% struggle with anxiety disorders, and close to 29% suffer from mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you’re in a relationship with someone with narcissistic personality disorder, it can be just as important for you to seek psychotherapy. Working with a mental health professional can help you learn how to handle your own feelings and find strategies you can employ to improve the marriage or relationship.

HOW TO END A RELATIONSHIP WITH A NARCISSIST

In some instances, you may decide to walk away from a toxic relationship with a narcissist. If so, make sure you prepare for a divorce or a breakup. Maintaining your own mental health and sense of self-worth is critical in any relationship with a narcissist, whether you decide to stay with them or leave them. Narcissistic personality disorder, marital conflicts, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.     Although it’s not uncommon for two mental health diagnoses to intersect—mixed anxiety/depression, for example—the term “dual diagnosis” refers to a different kind of challenge. In these cases, a substance use disorder overlaps with a mental health condition. This is also referred to as a co-occurring disorder or co-morbidity. Dual diagnosis occurs more commonly than you might think. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 8 million of the 21 million people in the U.S. who have a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder. Other studies have found that, among adolescents and young adults, dual diagnosis can reach rates as high as 40-88%. The presence of more than one disorder complicates both diagnosis and treatment, while increasing health risks. Fortunately, with the right treatment for both issues—the mental health and substance use disorders—it’s possible to live a productive and fulfilling life. Many people who have undiagnosed mental health conditions self-medicate with drugs and end up addicted. Others experience brain changes through drug addiction, which pave the way for mental health conditions.
Click to tweet

SYMPTOMS OF DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Since various mental health conditions may be co-occurring, each with its own unique symptoms, the signs of dual diagnosis run the gamut. To confuse matters further, some symptoms of substance abuse, or the side effects of withdrawal when trying to quit a substance, can resemble those of certain mental health disorders. Symptoms of substance use disorders include: Meanwhile, symptoms of co-occurring mental health conditions can include:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Remember that substance abuse can occur with any drug, not only dangerous street drugs. For example, many people treat alcohol as a different category, because it’s legal and socially accepted. However, alcohol has been found to be the most harmful drug in multiple countries, surpassing cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine in terms of its societal damage. It is also one of the few drugs that can cause death during the withdrawal process when someone tries to quit drinking. Others hold a more tolerant view of cannabis, which is legally available in a growing number of U.S. states and is often misidentified as “nonaddictive.” But we know it is addictive—and potentially very harmful, especially to our youth. Finally, people can also abuse their prescription medications, such as benzodiazepines, opiates, stimulants (such as those prescribed for ADD/ADHD), sleeping pills, and more. As we have seen in recent years amid the opiate crisis, addiction can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, there is still a great deal of stigma surrounding addiction, and it’s often misunderstood or misdiagnosed by the medical community. However, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain scans can help. Through working with tens of thousands of patients, Amen Clinics has identified 6 types of addicts based on different brain patterns: Narrowing down the type is a key step in determining the proper treatment.

MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS IN DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Asking “Which came first?” when discussing mental health and substance use disorders can feel like a chicken-or-egg scenario. Many people who have undiagnosed mental health conditions self-medicate with drugs and end up addicted. Others experience brain changes through drug addiction, which pave the way for mental health problems. That’s why it’s so important to receive help for both the addiction and the mental health disorder in dual diagnosis cases. Though addiction may accompany any mental health condition, here are some of the most common:

DUAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Just as Amen Clinics has outlined 6 types of addicts, it has pinpointed 7 types within 3 common conditions: depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. These designations are based on over 30 years of brain-imaging work with patients grappling with addictions and mental health disorders. Knowing which type is at work is the first step toward receiving targeted, effective treatment. It’s also important to assess other factors—biological, psychological, social, and spiritual—that may be influencing the onset of dual diagnosis symptoms. Ultimately, having an addiction and a mental health disorder (or multiple disorders) means that there are multiple issues in the brain that must be addressed. For example, someone who is addicted will have a problem within the brain’s reward system. The brain’s drive circuits (the nucleus accumbens and deep limbic system) dominate, which lead the addict to seek out the desired reward (that is, the drug). Meanwhile, addiction compromises the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Because the PFC is responsible for tasks like judgment and impulse control, addicts show a lack of self-restraint in the face of their addictions to substances. That’s one reason why people feel like they can’t quit, even if they suffer severe consequences from using drugs. The dysfunction in the brain’s reward system pushes them to repeat the same behavior over and over again. A SPECT brain scan will determine which areas of the brain have too little or too much activity, along with healthy areas of activity. Substance abusers’ scans often show an unhealthy, toxic appearance of the brain. These brains look less active and more shriveled. Fortunately, many treatment options can help those with a dual diagnosis. Aside from prescription medications, the following may be helpful:

OVERCOMING DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Getting an accurate dual diagnosis is crucial to start on the path toward healing and recovery. By addressing any underlying mental health conditions and brain-related issues, you or your loved one will be much more likely to find success in an addiction treatment program. Likewise, by treating substance abuse, mental health symptoms are more likely to improve. Even while facing multiple issues, dual diagnosis patients can achieve a win-win through the personalized, multi-pronged treatment approach they require. Addiction and mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 833-543-1401 or visit our contact page here. Have you noticed that your child is struggling with learning certain skills in school, such as reading, writing, or math? Or maybe they have trouble staying focused, paying attention, or keeping organized. You might think that your child will simply “grow out of” these behaviors without treatment, but that’s not the case with learning disabilities. Ignoring the warning signs of learning disorders—which affect an estimated 1 in 5 children in the U.S.—can have lasting negative effects, far beyond school. From anxiety and troubled peer relationships to suicidal thoughts and substance abuse, the repercussions can last a lifetime. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to become more familiar with different types and symptoms of learning disorders, as well as where to seek help. Children with learning disabilities can be just as smart as their peers. They simply have neurologically based processing issues that make learning more challenging.
Click to tweet

WHAT ARE LEARNING DISABILITIES?

Learning disabilities negatively impact a child’s ability to learn. Amen Clinics’ brain-imaging work using SPECT scans has found that issues with learning are not single or simple disorders, and they can create attentional, emotional, or behavioral problems. Children with learning disorders can be just as smart as their peers. They simply have neurologically based processing issues that make learning more challenging. Brain-imaging research shows that learning disabilities are associated with abnormal function in brain regions involved with certain cognitive processes necessary for learning. Affected skills include reading, writing, language, math, memory, problem-solving, attention, and information processing. Left untreated, these issues can persist in adults, who may have issues with time management and organization. Those with learning disorders may also have difficulty with short-term memory or the ability to focus. A range of factors may influence the onset of a learning disability. This can include exposure to drugs (including alcohol) or illness to a fetus in utero, or brain damage caused at birth. Other children have a genetic predisposition or face an illness or psychological trauma in their early years. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and exposure to environmental toxins also may play a role.

7 TYPES OF LEARNING DISORDERS

Let’s look more closely at 7 types of learning disorders that have been identified through extensive brain imaging work at Amen Clinics, and the symptoms and brain patterns associated with them.
  1. Attention-Deficit Disorder, also called Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 6 million children ages 3-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Even with many children remaining undiagnosed, ADD/ADHD is the most common learning disorder of our youth today. And among the 6 million confirmed cases, 23% of them are not receiving treatment. ADD/ADHD symptoms include behavioral issues, such as problems paying attention and procrastinating, as well as being easily distracted, disorganized, and impulsive. SPECT brain scans show why: In most people, the act of concentrating increases blood flow to certain regions of the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex (PFC). But in ADHD-affected kids, concentration makes blood flow decrease in the PFC. However, be aware that this condition is complex—there are actually 7 types of ADD/ADHD, each with unique brain patterns and symptoms.
  1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The CDC reports that 1 in 36 children have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with boys almost 4 times more likely than girls to be affected. ASD is often associated with issues in communication, social skills, and behavior. Developmental delays and learning disabilities often accompany the condition, which (as its name indicates) occurs on a spectrum, from mild to severe. ASD is also complex, since it does not indicate a single problem—8 to 10 factors can influence the abnormal brain function. Brain-imaging studies at Amen Clinics using SPECT scans of children and adults with autism have shown that their brain patterns tend to show high activity or low activity (or both, in some cases). In addition, ASD impacts the developing brain by altering how neurons “talk” to each other.
  1. Emotional Disturbances
Children with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues can struggle in school. They may experience heightened anxiety during tests, have trouble with public speaking, lack motivation, or show excessive irritability. These issues are likely to increase in the U.S. as depression and anxiety continue to rise among teens. The CDC reports that 9.4% and 4.4% of teens have anxiety and depression, respectively. Amen Clinics has identified 7 types of anxiety and depression based on brain imaging. Common SPECT findings point to excessive activity in the basal ganglia (signaling anxiety) and overactivity in the limbic system (in cases of depression).
  1. Behavioral Problems
Behavioral problems are more severe than the typical temper tantrums that all children can occasionally have. When your child shows problems with defiance, aggression, and temper over an extended time period, there could be a deeper issue at work. This is especially true if there have been negative consequences but no change in behavior. Again, brain scans of these children show too little or too much activity in certain areas. In serious cases, the child may be diagnosed with an impulse control disorder, such as oppositional defiant disorder.
  1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
One 2020 study on adolescent TBIs noted that 20-22% of youth in the U.S. and Canada experience at least one TBI, caused by dangers like sports injuries and accidents. However, many parents aren’t aware of this silent epidemic, which occurs on a spectrum, from mild to severe. Even mild brain injuries can lead to symptoms like confusion, difficulty with concentration and paying attention, memory problems, anxiety, and depression. Any of these can interfere with academic performance. Brain SPECT imaging shows that these injuries are associated with areas of low blood flow in the brain.
  1. Dyslexia
Dyslexia (reading impairment) is a type of specific learning disorder (SLD), a grouping that also includes dysgraphia (writing impairment) and dyscalculia (math impairment). According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), an estimated 5-15% of school-age children struggle with a learning disability. An estimated 80% of those with learning disorders have an impairment in reading. Dyslexia affects 20% of the population, equally split among males and females. SPECT scans of dyslexic people often show decreased activity in 2 areas: the prefrontal cortex and the left temporal lobe.
  1. Irlen Syndrome
If your child struggles with completing homework, performs poorly on exams, or avoids reading assignments, consider screening them for Irlen Syndrome. This visual processing problem means that certain colors of the light spectrum can irritate the brain. The Irlen Syndrome Foundation notes that, in addition to affecting 14% of the general population, it’s more prevalent in those with ADD/ADHD or autism (33%), reading/learning challenges (46%), and head injuries (35%). These children may also display symptoms like anxiety, low motivation, light sensitivity, or headaches.

SEEKING TREATMENT FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES

In years past, children with learning disorders too often went undiagnosed. Instead, they were branded as troublemakers, lazy, or less intelligent. Today, we know how harmful these assumptions can be to children whose brains are wired differently, so it’s important to screen your child as soon as learning issues arise. You could potentially prevent the years of frustration, shame, and low self-esteem that often accompany learning disabilities. However, bear in mind that learning disorders are complex, so a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment will never work. Treatment that’s beneficial for one child (or adult) might not be effective for another—or could even worsen their symptoms. Getting a personalized treatment plan for each individual, based on their brain type, is necessary to target the issue effectively. In addition, natural interventions such as lifestyle changes and alternative learning strategies can make a significant positive impact. A comprehensive approach to treatment is the best strategy to ensure that children with learning disorders overcome their difficulties and enjoy the successful lives they deserve. Learning disorders and the mental health issues that come with them can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 833-543-1401 or visit our contact page here.