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For most people, distinguishing between reality and fantasy is a straightforward task, fundamental to daily functioning. But for those with psychosis symptoms, it can be difficult or impossible to tell what’s real and what’s not. Due to misinformation and negative stigma around mental health disorders and symptoms, many people assume that psychosis is a rare or untreatable phenomenon. But it’s more common than you probably think, and preventing future episodes is achievable. Every year, 100,000 adolescents and young adults face their first psychotic episode. And 3 out of every 100 people will have a psychotic episode in their lifetime. In recent years, researchers have even explored the possible link between COVID-19 and psychotic behavior. It’s clear that breaking through the myths, stigma, and misunderstandings is more important than ever. Every year, 100,000 adolescents and young adults face their first psychotic episode. And 3 out of every 100 people will have a psychotic episode in their lifetime.
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WHAT IS PSYCHOSIS?

Psychosis is defined as a temporary inability to discern what is real and what isn’t. Thoughts and perceptions may be skewed in a variety of ways: Meanwhile, early psychosis, also called first-episode psychosis, describes the individual’s first break with reality. Don’t ignore or overlook the warning signs—early detection leads to earlier treatment, and thus better mental health outcomes. And, no matter how long symptoms have persisted, it’s crucial to seek help. Symptoms of early psychosis to watch out for include: Psychosis symptoms fall on a spectrum, from mild to severe. Some people may experience a level of impairment that can affect their ability to function in daily life. Due to the symptoms listed above, they may be unable to maintain interpersonal relationships, attend work or school, or meet their basic physical needs. Keep in mind that those having a psychotic episode are not necessarily more likely to become violent or dangerous toward others. However, according to a study published in Psychiatry Research, psychotic experiences among U.S. adults are associated with higher odds for accidents and injuries—yet another reason why early treatment is essential.

CAUSES OF PSYCHOSIS

People who exhibit symptoms of psychosis and early psychosis simply have brains that work differently. These disorders are complex, involving multiple areas of the brain. Psychosis can point to a lack of integration, or increased segregation, among the different brain regions. It’s possible that connections within the brain are not working properly. There may be interruptions in the way neurons communicate with each other across different brain regions. Ultimately, more research is needed, but we know there are many factors that can contribute to psychosis and early psychosis. One possible contributing factor is genetics, since having a close relative with these symptoms increases the risk. Others may have a psychotic episode triggered by a traumatic event or a traumatic brain injury. Strokes, brain tumors, and chronic infections like Lyme disease can also change the brain and thus trigger a psychotic episode. According to one study, exposure to stressful life events raises the risk of initial psychotic episodes among vulnerable individuals. And many of them go on to have another episode in their lifetime. In fact, up to half of them will experience a second occurrence within 2 years that is severe enough to require a hospital visit. Thus, it’s best to utilize treatment methods that help reduce the negative effects of life stressors. Lifestyle choices can also play a role. For example, many people are now experiencing psychosis symptoms as a result of drug use and abuse. Substances like marijuana and alcohol are associated with psychotic episodes, either while using the drug or when attempting to quit the drug after a period of prolonged and/or heavy usage. This is especially dangerous for adolescents and young adults. They may already be at greater risk for psychotic episodes because their puberty-related hormonal changes can be a risk factor, too. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists various additional causes of psychosis. It may occur as a symptom of age-related diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and related types of dementia. Short-term disturbances of the body, such as sleep deprivation and certain prescription medications, can also contribute. You may be surprised to know that common medications—including antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers—have been found to induce psychosis in some people.

PSYCHOSIS AND EARLY PSYCHOSIS TREATMENT

Psychosis itself is not a mental health condition. It’s a symptom of a serious mental illness, or it may be happening as a side effect of a separate condition. Mental health disorders related to psychosis include: Meanwhile, conditions that may intersect with psychosis include: Because so many potential factors may be contributing to psychosis symptoms and early psychosis, it’s critical to seek help to pinpoint the root cause(s) of the problem. People who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis may be in denial about their issues and resist getting help. But early treatment creates better chances of recovery. Functional brain imaging, such as brain SPECT scans, may be helpful in detecting underlying causes of psychosis, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries or brain abnormalities. The SPECT scan database at Amen Clinics shows that psychosis may involve abnormal activity several brain regions. Meanwhile, lab tests can rule out any related concerns, such as infections or other illnesses.

FIND HELP AND HEALING FOR PSYCHOSIS SYMPTOMS

Sadly, the NMIH reports that it’s common for someone to experience psychotic symptoms for more than a year before receiving treatment. However, the organization’s research project Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) found that coordinated specialty care can help. Coordinated care can consist of several strategies, including individual or group psychotherapy, family support and education programs, medication, employment and education services, and teaming with a case manager for access to support. Thankfully, there is hope for those affected by psychosis and their loved ones. If you are noticing psychosis symptoms, reach out for help sooner rather than later. With early treatment, you’ll encourage the best possible recovery and help lower the risk of future episodes. Psychosis 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 844-360-9626 or visit our contact page here. Mental health problems in young people are skyrocketing. A recent survey found that 57% of teenage girls report being consistently sad and 24% have made plans to take their own lives. Are social media sites to blame? Hundreds of lawsuits claim this is the case. The City of New York has joined attorneys general in dozens of U.S. states and more than 200 school districts nationwide in filing lawsuits alleging that social media sites are responsible for the rising teen mental health epidemic. The New York City filing in February 2024 names the firms that own Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. The lawsuit attempts to compel these social media powerhouses to alter their operating models in addition to paying for the costs of youth mental health programs. New York City, attorneys general in dozens of U.S. states, and hundreds of school districts nationwide have filed lawsuits alleging that social media sites are responsible for the teen mental health epidemic.
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It remains to be seen how these lawsuits will play out. In the meantime, a growing body of research suggests that excessive social media use has negative consequences on mental health.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

In a press conference, NYC Mayor Eric Adams suggested that social media platforms utilize methods that are driving a host of mental health disorders in children, adolescents, and teens. This echoes a March 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General detailing some of the potential dangers of social media. Indeed, multiple studies have found a link between social media usage and mental health issues. For example, a 2020 systematic review of 16 scientific papers found a connection between social media activity and anxiety and depression. Other findings have suggested a link between social media and mental health problems, such as: Youngsters who use social media heavily tend to have poor sleep habits, which can lead to anxiousness and low moods. It can also exacerbate existing symptoms associated with anxiety disorders and clinical depression. Brain-imaging studies at Amen Clinics using SPECT scans reveal that overuse of social media, as well as video gaming, have negative impacts on brain function. For example, excessive social media use can cause changes in the brain that make it harder to regulate behavior and reduce self-control. These issues drive young people to spend even more time on social media platforms, creating an unhealthy cycle. One brain-imaging study in JAMA Pediatrics found that adolescents who habitually check social media sites experience changes in the brain related to social rewards and punishments. The researchers suggested that this may lead to changes in self-control and impulsivity.

ADDICTIVE FEATURES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

In many of the lawsuits filed, plaintiffs point to several features used to drive excessive use of social media platforms. Some of these features are similar to those used in gambling or by tobacco companies to trigger compulsive usage. Drivers of social media addiction include algorithms that personalize content, infinite scrolling and autoplay, alerts to grab a person’s attention, and ephemeral content that disappears after a certain amount of time. These addictive features can affect people of all ages, however, adolescents with developing brains are more susceptible. In part, this is because the brain’s prefrontal cortex isn’t fully mature until a person’s mid-20s. The prefrontal cortex is involved in focus, planning, judgment, forethought, follow-through, impulse control, and more. This means that children and teens are more likely to be impulsive and to act without thinking about the consequences of their actions. Youngsters are also more vulnerable because they are at a point in their lives when they are involved in self-discovery and self-identity. Their desire for acceptance from their peers is especially high at this age.

TIPS TO HELP KIDS AND TEENS USE SOCIAL MEDIA SAFELY

Although it remains unclear if the owners of social media platforms will be held accountable in U.S. courts for the rising mental health disorders in adolescents, there are things parents can do now to help. The following tips are some of the recommendations given to the parents of thousands of young patients at Amen Clinics. Putting these strategies into action can be a good first step in safeguarding your child or teen from social media addiction and its consequences.

  1. Strengthen their prefrontal cortex.

A healthy prefrontal cortex is critical for self-regulation and impulse control. Help adolescents develop healthy habits that boost function in this developing brain region.

  1. Set social media limits.

When it comes to social media, young people need limits. Using parental controls is a good start, but it is only a start. Do not rely solely on technology to solve your youngster’s social media problems. Parents need to set and enforce rules and limits. For example, consider having a no phones at the dinner table rule. Have youngsters put their phones in a basket on your nightstand for the night when it’s time to go to bed. Only allow kids to use tech devices if you have access to their passwords.

  1. Be a good role model.

Parents can’t expect their children to self-regulate social media usage if mom and dad are glued to their phones too. Young people tend to engage in the same behaviors as their parents. If you want your teens to develop a healthy relationship with social media, you need to model that behavior for them. Social media addiction, depression, anxiety, 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. Does “no” seem to be your child’s favorite word? Do you expect temper tantrums whenever you set a boundary or deny your child something? Do you struggle with their constant arguments and pushback? Or has your child exhibited resentful, spiteful, or vengeful attitudes or behaviors? The word no may be only two letters long, but in some children the constant message of defiance comes across loud and clear. Children usually start to embrace their ability to say no when they reach around two years old, and it marks an important stage of their development. However, when your older child or teen is saying no to almost anything you ask, you may be dealing with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). If you find that asking a question receives a refusal from your child more than 7 out of 10 times—perhaps even reaching 10 of 10—that’s a sign you may be dealing with ODD.
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SYMPTOMS OF OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER

Many kids and teens demonstrate a rebellious streak or resistance to typical parental requests, like completing their chores or going to bed on time. But oppositional defiant disorder in children means that their responses of no are severe or persistent (lasting 6 months or more). They may even say no to things that most kids would enthusiastically agree to. ODD, a behavioral disorder, is estimated to affect 2% to 11% of all children. Kids with ODD tend to be uncooperative at both home and school, causing relationship difficulties with parents, teachers, peers, and siblings. They may argue, become easily annoyed, or throw temper tantrums. How many nos are considered excessive enough to indicate ODD? If you find that asking a question receives a refusal from your child more than 7 out of 10 times—perhaps even reaching 10 of 10—that’s a sign you may be dealing with ODD. More formally, the National Library of Medicine shares 8 symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The child should show at least 4 of these on most days for at least 6 months:
  1. Loses temper
  2. Touchy or easily annoyed
  3. Angry and resentful
  4. Argues with authority figures or (for children and adolescents) with adults
  5. Actively refuses or defies complying with requests or rules
  6. Deliberately annoys others
  7. Blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
  8. The child has been spiteful or vindictive at least twice within the past 6 months

OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER AND THE BRAIN

In brain SPECT scans at Amen Clinics, oppositional defiant disorder in children has been linked with increased activity in the front part of the brain, including in a brain region called the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG). Healthy Brain SPECT Scan Healthy Brain SPECT Scan ODD SPECT Scan ODD SPECT Scan SPECT is a functional brain-imaging technology that evaluates blood flow and activity in the brain. In simple terms, it shows areas with healthy activity, too little activity, or too much activity. In the scans shown here, blue represents average activity while red and white represent increased activity levels. In the healthy brain scan, the highest level of activity is seen in the cerebellum (situated at the back/bottom of the brain). In the ODD brain scan, there is excessive activity in the ACG. Known as the brain’s gear shifter, the ACG is the region that allows us to switch up our thoughts. Someone with too much activity in the ACG means they’re more likely to get stuck in a thought loop or fixed on a single action. Not surprisingly, SPECT scans also show this brain pattern in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But in oppositional defiant disorder, the brain gets stuck specifically on negating—which can look like repeatedly saying no or arguing. Due to the difficulty in shifting thoughts, parents can find themselves unable to dissuade their child from a problematic line of thinking or behavior. Though many children grow out of this condition, ODD is also possible in adults. Researchers have known for years that oppositional defiant disorder in adults often corresponds not only to ODD in childhood, but to other co-occurring mental health conditions. For example, one study found that people who had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a childhood history of ODD displayed increased risk for bipolar disorder, multiple anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders, compared to ADHD patients without ODD. Researchers concluded that both children with ODD and adults with a childhood history of ODD “have high rates of psychiatric comorbidity and more impaired psychosocial functioning” than those without ODD. 

OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER TREATMENT

Understandably, parents dealing with children who have oppositional defiant disorder symptoms often feel stressed, confused, or even hopeless. But children with ODD can be helped with treatments for oppositional defiant disorder—even without the use of prescribed drugs. It’s critical to diagnose and treat oppositional defiant disorder, because ODD can point to, or lead to, larger issues. The Cleveland Clinic reports that most children and teens with ODD have at least one additional mental health concern, such as: In addition, roughly 30% of children with ODD will eventually show signs of conduct disorder, which encompasses both behavioral and emotional problems that may escalate to aggression. On a positive note, patients at Amen Clinics have found success with natural treatments for ODD, including using nutraceuticals for symptom regulation. One study in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology showed that omega-3 fatty acid supplements, combined with individual and family psychoeducational psychotherapy (a family-focused type of cognitive behavioral therapy), showed promise in treating youth with depression and behavior problems like ODD. Another study in Frontiers in Psychology noted that diet may have an impact on ODD behavior, as children with both ADD/ADHD and ODD were found to experience a major decrease in symptoms by following a few-foods diet. In addition to individual and family therapy, a variety of other helpful treatment options for children and parents alike include:

HOW FAMILIES CAN MANAGE OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER

Families can also benefit from utilizing a variety of coping techniques at home with their children. For example, try offering positive reinforcement for good behavior and setting age-appropriate consequences for unacceptable behavior. Work with your child’s other authority figures, from teachers to other parents, to exchange management skills. Here are some additional tips for helping your child with ODD:

  1. Set an example.

When you engage in arguments by yelling or acting out, you’re only modeling the behavior that you’d like to eradicate in your child. Conversely, if you always give in to their tantrums, you’ll reinforce that behavior pattern, too. Instead, stay firm, calm, and kind. And, since ODD or oppositional thinking can run in families, examine your own behavior. Do you struggle with obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or an inflexible personality? Find ways you can make an effort to think and act in a more flexible manner.

  1. Prevent the no.

When you ask a child with ODD a yes or no question, chances are, you will receive a no in response. Instead, offer your child an either-or option—for example, “Would you prefer either X or Y?” An additional tactic is to include them in the decision-making process by offering possible time frames on completing a task. Allowing them to choose their timing can help remove them from the stuck thought patterns around being defiant.

  1. Break patterns.

Another way to interrupt the stuck thought patterns associated with ODD is to suggest a time-out when arguments feel heated. You’ll not only allow yourself and your child to cool down, but you’ll also throw a wrench in the loop of negative thinking. Distractions and cool-downs can be helpful for both children and parents. Return to the issue later, with a clearer and calmer head.

FINDING HELP FOR OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER

While oppositional defiant disorder symptoms in children can create stressful dynamics at home and in school, there is hope for those who are affected. It’s important to include the entire family in the management and treatment process, while ensuring proper diagnosis of any other mental health conditions that may be present. Brain SPECT scans can help identify co-occurring conditions. And pairing natural treatments with therapeutic techniques can help minimize the impacts of ODD, allowing your child to grow and develop into a healthy, responsible adult. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) 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 877-247-7938 or visit our contact page here. Do you tend to put others’ needs before your own? Do you have trouble saying no? Do you alter your personality in subtle ways to make yourself more likeable to others? These are signs of fawning, a type of people-pleasing behavior that stems from complex trauma or adverse childhood experiences. It’s time to learn what fawning is, the consequences of this behavior, and how to stop being a people pleaser.

WHAT IS FAWNING? 

Fawning is considered a fourth type of trauma response, adding to the more well-known responses of fight, flight, or freeze. It occurs when a person attempts to avoid harm by appeasing an abuser. Individuals may use this maladaptive coping technique to appease a perpetrator in an attempt to gain a sense of safety and security. When this behavior continues after trauma has passed, it can lead to a lifetime of people-pleasing. A 2021 study indicates that past trauma can influence personality traits, including agreeableness. Trying to look good in other people’s eyes may seem like a harmless behavior. Over time, however, the fawn response and people-pleasing can leave you feeling emotionally exhausted, bitter, and chronically stressed. Over time, fawning and people-pleasing can take a serious toll and leave you feeling emotionally exhausted, resentful, and anxious.
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Although people pleasing is not considered a mental health condition, it can take a serious toll on your emotional well-being. The fawning trauma response is associated with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma is also associated with changes in brain activity. A brain-imaging study on trauma survivors performed at Amen Clinics published in Plos One shows overactivity in the brain’s emotional centers. These changes may contribute to people stuck in unhealthy behaviors like people pleasing.

11 CONSEQUENCES OF FAWNING AND PEOPLE-PLEASING BEHAVIOR

  1. You can’t please everyone all the time.

Trying to please everyone is a losing proposition. It’s impossible to make everyone happy. This means you will likely feel chronically stressed because you aren’t able to keep some people smiling.

  1. You lose your self-identity.

One of the biggest dangers of fawning is losing your sense of self. By focusing your attention on appeasing others, you can lose sight of what makes you happy. When you spend so much time helping other people achieve their goals, you can be out of touch with what’s important to you in your own life.

  1. You have trouble saying no.

If you reflexively say yes when other people ask you for help, invite you to events, or make other demands on your time, it can become overwhelming. Having a hard time saying no to such requests is a sign that you can’t set healthy boundaries. You’re likely to overcommit to projects without thinking through the consequences. They make you so busy that you don’t have time for your personal priorities. Brain imaging with SPECT scans at Amen Clinics shows that, in some cases, this can be associated with low activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC is involved in forethought, planning, judgment, and learning from your mistakes. Decreased activity in this region is associated with impulsivity, poor planning, and trouble with self-control.

  1. You suppress your true emotions.

In your efforts to make others feel good at all times, there’s a strong possibility that you are masking your emotions. If you’re upset or angry, you probably stuff down these emotions to appear more agreeable. In some people, this can lead to dissociation, where you disconnect from your emotions.

  1. You stop being honest.

To keep people feeling great about themselves, you may tell little white lies. Trying to keep track of all the falsehoods you’ve told can greatly increase your mental stress load. With each person, you have to recall what you told them, which places a heavy burden on your brain’s memory centers. You may find that you are more forgetful or you feel like you have brain fog.

  1. You avoid conflict.

People pleasers typically hate conflict. In large part, this is because they’re afraid that any sort of disagreement could cause someone to dislike them. The drawback to being conflict avoidant is that it allows small issues to fester until they become insurmountable problems.

  1. Your self-worth is linked to others’ happiness.

When your self-esteem depends on how others perceive you, it puts you at risk for emotional ups and downs. You may find your sense of self-worth on a rollercoaster where you feel great about yourself at times then feel completely worthless.

  1. You put yourself last.

When you cater to everybody else’s needs before your own, you risk depriving yourself of getting what you need in life. This can have serious consequences for your overall health and well-being.

  1. You feel mentally exhausted.

Consistently trying to be what you think others want you to be is mentally exhausting. Similarly, failing to set boundaries and prioritizing the needs of others can lead to feeling overwhelmed.

  1. You become resentful.

If you’re a people pleaser, you may appear happy, but deep down inside, you may feel resentment. If people take advantage of you, which is common among people pleasers, it can lead to repressed anger.

  1. You feel anxious.

Anxiety disorders are common in people pleasers. Focusing on other people’s needs comes with a persistent fear that you won’t live up to their expectations. Toxic perfectionism ramps up anxiety levels.

HOW TO STOP BEING A PEOPLE PLEASER

  1. Find yourself.

The first step to putting a stop to this harmful behavior is getting to know yourself. Spend some time thinking about what is important to you in life and what makes you happy. Make a list of the things you love to do, regardless of how they affect other people. Ask yourself what you want in your career, relationships, and spirituality. Write it down and look at it every day to remind yourself what makes you tick.

  1. Strengthen your PFC.

Having healthy activity in the prefrontal cortex is critical for putting a halt to people pleasing behaviors. A strong PFC helps you think before you act. Strategies to boost PFC activity include meditation, a higher-protein diet, and nutritional supplements such as rhodiola, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea extract, and ashwagandha. Research shows that another way to enhance executive functions—such as planning, forethought, and self-control—is neurofeedback therapy. This non-invasive, interactive therapy involves EEG biofeedback to help you gain better control over your brain function.

  1. Develop self-discipline.

People pleasers have to learn how to set boundaries. Learning to say, “I have to think about it,” can be so helpful. Use this magic phrase to filter every request that comes your way. This gives you time to consider if it fits with your personal goals. Keep “I have to think about it” reminders in a few places at home, at school, or at the office where you will see them daily. You can also keep it in your notes or reminders on your phone. In addition, make it a point to only do nice things for people who respect you. If someone takes advantage of your kindness, politely decline the next time they make a request. Say something along the lines of: “I’m not going to be able to fit that into my schedule.”

  1. Soothe your emotional brain.

To calm overactivity in the emotional centers of the brain, practice deep belly breathing, learn to question your automatic negative thoughts (ANTs), and take nutraceuticals such as GABA and magnesium. One form of therapy that can help is called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Research shows EMDR can be especially helpful for people who have experienced emotional trauma. By putting these strategies into practice, you can optimize brain function and learn to overcome people-pleasing behavior. With healthier boundaries, you can focus on what’s most important to you and live a more fulfilling life. Emotional trauma, anxiety, 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. Thanks to advancements in medical imaging, there are numerous ways to see inside the human body. Imaging has significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions. Even better, one study found that medical imaging is directly linked to an increase in longevity. Despite the widespread use of medical imaging for physical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and fractures, it remains underutilized in the mental health field. Psychiatry remains the only medical specialty that rarely looks at the organ it treats—the brain. This is beginning to change, however. But which brain-imaging tools are best when it comes to evaluating brain function as it relates to behavior and neuropsychiatric issues? In this blog, you’ll discover the basic differences between SPECT scans, PET scans, MRI scans, and fMRI scans. Despite the widespread use of medical imaging for physical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and fractures, it remains underutilized in the mental health field. This is beginning to change, however.
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SPECT SCANS 

What is a SPECT scan?

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a nuclear medicine study that measures blood flow and activity in the brain. A single SPECT scan can show blood flow and activity across the entire brain. Often used in research, SPECT is becoming more commonly used in clinical psychiatric practice. Compared to other functional brain-imaging methods, SPECT is typically the most affordable. Over the past 30-plus years, Amen Clinics has built the world’s largest database of brain scans related to behavior with over 225,000 brain SPECT scans. Based on this groundbreaking work, as well as decades of research on brain SPECT imaging, a growing number of mental health providers are recommending brain imaging as part of a complete evaluation.

What do SPECT scans show?

SPECT scans show how the brain functions and reveal areas of the brain with healthy activity, too much activity, or too little activity. Healthy Brain SPECT Surface Scan Healthy-Brain-SPECT-Surface-Scan Low Blood Flow on Brain SPECT Surface Scan  Low-Blood-Flow-on-Brain-SPECT-Surface-Scan Healthy Brain SPECT Active Scan Healthy-Brain-SPECT-Active-Scan Overactivity on Brain SPECT Active Scan Overactivity-on-Brain-SPECT-Active-Scan In 2021, the Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine (CANM) unanimously adopted new procedure guidelines for SPECT imaging for psychiatry and neurology. CANM endorsed brain SPECT imaging for the evaluation of several common conditions that impact millions of individuals, such as: Based on findings from the Amen Clinics database of functional brain scans related to behavior, SPECT has also shown to be useful in the evaluation of: Among SPECT’s many benefits, it averages brain activity levels over a few minutes, making it ideal for evaluating brain function during everyday activities, such as concentrating, meditating, and reading. Some of the additional ways SPECT can help people with mental health disorders include:

MRI SCANS 

What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to view parts of the brain. MRI produces images of the brain’s structure.

What do MRI scans show?

The 3-D pictures produced can show problems in the anatomical structure of the brain or brain stem, such as: MRI does not give any information on brain function, which limits its effectiveness in providing useful information on conditions involving behavior or emotions. In addition, MRI scanners can feel claustrophobic and are very noisy, which causes anxiety for some people.

fMRI SCANS 

What is an fMRI scan?

Functional MRI, or fMRI, is a type of MRI that measures blood flow and brain activity. The fMRI is a very expensive tool that has become popular for scientific research but is not as commonly used in clinical settings.

What do fMRI scans show?

fMRI shows neural activity in real time, showing how the brain responds to various stimuli. For example, depending on which brain functions are being evaluated, a person will be asked to perform certain tasks. These tasks may include viewing pictures, reading, playing word games, or listening to audio files. Performing these tasks will cause increased activity and blood flow in certain brain regions. The fMRI machine captures the heightened activity in the images it produces. One drawback of using fMRI to evaluate the brain is that it only takes images of one particular brain region at a time. Depending on your symptoms, multiple scans may be required. This can be time-consuming and expensive. Another downside of fMRI is that like an MRI, the procedure can be uncomfortable and loud and can make people feel anxious.

PET SCANS

What is a PET scan?

PET (positron emission tomography) is a nuclear imaging technology that is similar to SPECT in that it is a functional brain scan. Like SPECT, PET scans show areas of the brain with healthy activity, overactivity, and underactivity. What are the basic differences between SPECT and PET scans? Importantly, PET scans are far more expensive than SPECT scans. In addition, with PET scans, the brain images are taken while an individual is lying in the camera. Many people find this to be noisy and unpleasant, which can be anxiety provoking. With SPECT, the images occur while a person is in the injection room. This increases reliability and makes the procedure easier to perform.

What do PET scans show?

Like SPECT, PET scans allow healthcare professionals to view how the brain functions. PET measures blood flow and glucose metabolism in the brain. PET scans are often used to investigate:

WHEN TO CHOOSE BRAIN IMAGING FOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

If you’re struggling with mental health issues or memory loss that isn’t responding to standard treatments, it’s time to consider brain imaging. Based on costs, availability in the psychiatric clinical setting, reliability, comfort, convenience, and research, brain SPECT imaging checks the most boxes. Functional brain imaging with SPECT helps psychiatrists ask better questions to get to the root causes of your problems. This leads to more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatment plans. Over the past 30-plus years, Amen Clinics has used SPECT to scan people across the globe from 9 months old to 105 years old. And it has helped them with a wide variety of mental health disorders and other cognitive issues. With this experience, as well as more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific studies on SPECT published, Amen Clinics has emerged as the world leader for brain SPECT imaging in the mental health field. Depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, memory loss, 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. Do you constantly worry about having a serious health issue. Do you frequently check your body for signs of illness, such as lumps, skin changes, numbness, tingling, irregular heart palpitations, or pain? Do you often call or see your primary doctor due to these concerns? Or, alternatively, do you avoid your doctor, afraid of what he or she might discover? If so, you may have a condition called health anxiety disorder. Patients with health anxiety will use health care services frequently, sometimes seeking treatment from multiple providers at once. However, they don’t often feel reassured and more commonly doubt that their medical care is adequate.
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Health anxiety can be debilitating—negatively impacting work, personal relationships, basic daily functioning, mental health, and even longevity. Actress/producer Tish Cyrus, mother of pop singer/songwriter Miley Cyrus, suffered for many years from health anxiety. In a segment of Scan My Brain with Dr. Daniel Amen, Cyrus opened up about her experience.
“I was just always worried about my health,” she says. “And that happened for a long time until my mom literally forced me to go see a doctor and get on some medication.”
Indeed, health anxiety can be managed by medication, different types of therapy, and actions that reduce anxiety. Here’s what you need to know about health anxiety and how to manage it.

WHAT IS HEALTH ANXIETY?

Health anxiety is a mental health condition that involves excessive worry about specific symptoms or fears that you are or may experience a serious illness. This condition was formerly known as hypochondriasis, or hypochondria. If you’ve ever expressed worry about a symptom, injury, or illness being something bigger or more serious than it actually was, you may have been called a “hypochondriac.” This casual term is dismissive and borders on disparaging. That’s one reason the diagnosis hypochondriasis was replaced with the two new, more specific diagnostic terms: The terms hypochondria and hypochondria symptoms may still be used, but not diagnostically. They are both forms of health anxiety.

WHAT IS SOMATIC SYMPTOM DISORDER?

SSD involves one or more chronic somatic (bodily) symptoms that cause excessive concern, preoccupation, or fear. This can lead to significant distress and trouble functioning in daily life. Usually, one symptom remains constant, but other symptoms may come and go. People with SSD feel concerned that their mild symptoms (such as minor pains, weakness, shortness of breath, etc.) are signs of serious conditions. Patients with SSD will use health care services frequently, sometimes seeking treatment from multiple providers at once. However, they don’t often feel reassured and more commonly doubt that their medical care is adequate. These individuals can spend exorbitant amounts of time and energy dealing with health worries. Sometimes they may be unusually sensitive to drug side effects. They may become demanding or dependent on others for help and emotional support. And they may feel angry when they feel unsupported.

WHAT IS ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER?

IAD is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive worry about having or developing a debilitating life-threatening illness, such as cancer, stroke, or heart disease. People with IAD may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, which are not overly distressing. However, if an individual with IAD has a medical condition or an increased risk for developing a medical condition (due to family history), the anxiety surrounding the medical condition or potential medical condition is abnormally high. Even when physical examination and laboratory testing results are normal, people with IAD continue to have intense anxiety or fear of having or developing a serious medical issue. Their health anxiety symptoms may include repetitive behaviors related to their fears like compulsively checking their body for bumps or other signs of disease. For a clinical diagnosis of IAD, the preoccupation with illness must last for 6 months or longer and cannot be better explained by another mental health condition. Other signs of IAD may include: Although it’s common for people with any type of health anxiety to see their doctors frequently, some individuals may be completely care avoidant. This may be due to fear that seeing a doctor will reveal a life-threatening illness.

THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF UNTREATED HEALTH ANXIETY

Untreated health anxiety can impact an individual in profoundly destructive ways. As mentioned, it can significantly interfere with a patient’s personal life and relationships, as well as normal functioning in their daily life. It can also cause severe psychological disability, according to the latest research. People with health anxiety are at greater risk of other psychiatric disorders, such as: But there’s more. A 2023 Swedish study has found that people with illness anxiety disorder tend to die earlier than individuals who don’t obsess about their health. People with IAD die at a mean age of 70 while those without the condition pass away at a mean age of 75. In this study, having health anxiety was linked to increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes, such as suicide. Data from this study indicate that those with IAD are four times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. In short, one’s overall quality of life—and even longevity—can be dramatically decreased.

WHAT CAUSES HEALTH ANXIETY?

Experts are not entirely clear about what causes health anxiety, but there are a number of factors associated with SSD and IAD. Contributing factors may include: For Cyrus, a few of these causes likely played a role in her health anxiety. While growing up, she was faced with the traumatic experience of slowly losing her father to throat cancer.
“Between 7 and 19, I saw a lot. He had his voice box removed, and he couldn’t talk for a year and a half before he died,” she says. “And he was also diabetic.”
Although medication initially helped with her symptoms, its effectiveness diminished over time. Her health anxiety resurfaced after a number of stressful life circumstances occurred, including the passing of her mother.
“I always knew when something happened to my mom, it would probably be the hardest day of my life,” she says.
She eventually visited Amen Clinics for help. As part of her evaluation, Cyrus underwent brain SPECT imaging, which measures blood flow and activity in the brain. Her SPECT scan revealed overactivity in the region of the brain known to control anxiety and body sensations. This may, in part, explain her health anxiety.

11 WAYS TO MANAGE HEALTH ANXIETY

If you believe you may have health anxiety, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional for an evaluation. Here are 11 ways to manage health anxiety: 
  1. Consider psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
  2. Talk to your doctor about antidepressant medication, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, which have been shown to help the condition in research.
  3. Get tested (and treated if tests are positive) for hypoglycemia, anemia, and hyperthyroidism, which are associated with increased anxiety.
  4. Try prayer, meditation, and hypnosis, which are associated with stress and anxiety reduction.
  5. Practice diaphragmatic breathing, which may reduce anxiety.
  6. Learn to eliminate automatic negative thoughts (ANTS).
  7. Practice calming exercises such as yoga, qi gong, or tai chi.
  8. Take calming nutritional supplements such as l-theanine, GABA, and magnesium (glycinate, citrate, or malate) with vitamin B6.
  9. Take probiotics. Gut health is important to keeping stress and anxiety levels low.
  10. Try neurofeedback which can alleviate anxiety, according to research.
  11. Consider eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which involves moving the eyes in a specific way. EMDR has been shown to be an effective trauma therapy in You can watch Tish Cyrus engage in EMDR with Dr. Amen in this video segment.
By putting one or more of these strategies into practice, you will be better able to get health anxiety under control. This can be beneficial in your daily life and can help you achieve a greater sense of calm and happiness. Healthy anxiety 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 855-508-1316 or visit our contact page here. Has your child been repeatedly pushing, hitting, or biting classmates? Do you have an adolescent son who has been picking fights, vandalizing property, stealing, or even starting fires? Has your teen daughter been staying out late, disobeying your rules, and failing to show up for school? Conduct disorder is characterized by a disregard for others, a lack of empathy, difficulty following rules and acting in a socially acceptable manner, and sometimes hostile and/or physically violent behavior.
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If you recognize any of these behaviors in your child or adolescent, it’s possible they may have conduct disorder (CD)—one the most common disruptive behavior disorders. Unfortunately, children and adolescents with conduct disorder are often misunderstood by peers, adults, and social agencies as delinquent or “bad.” In truth, they are dealing with a challenging mental health condition. The good news is there’s help available. Here’s what you need to know about conduct disorders, including causes, symptoms, and treatments.

WHAT IS CONDUCT DISORDER?

Conduct disorder refers to a group of persistent, repetitive emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents up to the age of 18. These disruptive behavior disorders also include oppositional defiant disorder. CD is characterized by a disregard for others, a lack of empathy, difficulty following rules and acting in a socially acceptable manner, and sometimes hostile and/or physically violent behavior. Children with CD tend to be impulsive and difficult to manage. Early signs of aggression in younger children with conduct disorder may include pushing, hitting, and biting others. When a child with CD enters adolescence and early teens, they may exhibit more serious behaviors such as picking fights, bullying, hurting animals, vandalism, theft, and arson. In the U.S., conduct disorder is estimated to affect 6-16% of males, and 2- 9% of females, according to data. It’s more common among adolescents than in younger children, researchers report. The average age when symptoms appear is 10-12 years for boys and 14-16 for girls. Early-onset conduct disorder—before age 10—is associated with a greater risk of persistent difficulties, academic problems, and troubled relationships with peers. According to recent data, young people with CD often have co-occurring mental health conditions, such as: While disruptive behaviors often stop in early adulthood, about 40% of individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for CD will later meet diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder, the American Psychological Association reports. Without early and comprehensive treatment, youths with CD are likely to have ongoing problems. They typically struggle to adapt to the demands of adulthood and persistently have problems with relationships and maintaining regular employment. Hence, it’s critical for parents to know the signs and symptoms to look for.

CONDUCT DISORDER SYMPTOMS

There are four basic types of behavior seen with conduct disorder:
  1. Physical aggression
  2. Violating the rights of others/destruction of property
  3. Lying, manipulating, and/or stealing
  4. Delinquent behaviors
Below are the signs and symptoms of each behavior: Physical Aggression Violating the Rights of Others/Destruction of Property Lying, Manipulating, and/or Stealing Delinquent Behaviors Additional signs that are common with CD include: While children and adolescents may have short-term bouts of troubling behavior, conduct behavior is something else altogether. Its frequency, intensity, duration of symptomatic behavior, and impact on a young person’s functioning are its distinguishing characteristics.

WHAT CAUSES CONDUCT DISORDER?

Conduct disorder develops from a host of factors, such as genetic vulnerability, child abuse or neglect, brain injuries, school failure, and traumatic life experiences. Structural brain differences may play a role as well. Additionally, the following factors put children and teens at a higher risk for developing CD:

CONDUCT DISORDER AND THE BRAIN

Brain differences have been found in young people with CD. One brain-imaging study on children and another study on teens with conduct disorder observed reduced volume in the temporal lobes and prefrontal lobes. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics using SPECT scans has found that deficits in the frontal lobes can potentially interfere with an individual’s ability to plan, avoid harm, and learn from difficult experiences. SPECT scans also show that abnormal activity in the temporal lobes may be associated with increases in aggression, mood instability, and learning problems. Another more recent study that analyzed brain scans of children with CD noted differences in their brain’s wiring that link the brain’s emotional centers together. The differences were found in the brain’s corpus callosum, an area linked to callous behavior, a lack of empathy, and disregard for other people’s feelings. However, more research is needed to fully understand how brain differences might play a role in the development of CD.

CONDUCT DISORDER TREATMENT

Accurate and early diagnosis of CD are critical, especially if there are co-occurring mental health disorders involved. With treatment, the condition can be managed and symptoms improved. One overview study found, in general terms, that in younger children (under age 11) with CD, parent-focused interventions appear to be the most effective treatment. With adolescents (age 11 and older), child-focused interventions seem to be more effective. Different types of psychotherapy have proved most effective in treatment, which is usually an intensive process that may last for months. In some cases, medications may also be helpful. Some nutritional interventions with diet and nutritional supplements can be beneficial as well. Therapy may include a combination of the following: If you suspect your child or teen has conduct disorder, reach out to a qualified mental health professional for a full psychiatric evaluation as soon as possible. Conduct disorder 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. Several years ago, when a 35-year-old patient named Michelle first visited Amen Clinics, she and her partner were baffled by her irritability, anger, and irrational behavior. This mood instability fluctuated throughout the month. Four days before her period, she might engage in extreme actions, like physically attacking her husband. By the third day after her period started, the temper flares usually ended. When she reached Amen Clinics, she appeared to be a gentle, soft-spoken woman. What could be causing these dramatic ups and downs? Was it bipolar disorder, depression, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? Functional brain-imaging studies using SPECT scans at Amen Clinics showed vast differences in her brain activity at various points of her menstrual cycle. At the time, she was diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, if she were evaluated today, she likely would have been diagnosed with PMDD. Back then, PMDD hadn’t yet been recognized as an official diagnosis. PMDD was finally added to the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) on January 1, 2022. PMDD comprises a group of moderate to severe symptoms—impacting mood, behavior, and the physical body—that occur cyclically, starting before menstruation and subsiding after the start of menstruation.
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WHAT IS PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER?

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. PMDD comprises a group of moderate to severe symptoms that impact mood, behavior, and the physical body. They typically occur cyclically, starting before menstruation and subsiding after the start of menstruation. Experts estimate that 6% of reproductive-age women have premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Let’s look at some causes and risk factors for PMDD, its associated brain changes, and some common premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms. The National Library of Medicine notes that, while genetic links are possible, other factors are proven risks, including past traumatic events, cigarette smoking, and obesity.

PMDD SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder? According to the Office on Women’s Health (a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services), symptoms of PMDD include: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms typically appear in about a week or so before a woman’s period begins and dissipate a few days after it starts.

PMDD AND THE BRAIN

Not surprisingly, the changes seen in PMDD are reflected in the brain. When Amen Clinics compared Michelle’s SPECT scans from the most difficult time in her cycle to those from 11 days later (the best time of her cycle), clear differences emerged. The first scan showed increased activity in the limbic system, the brain’s emotional center, and in the anterior cingulate gyrus, which acts as the brain’s “gear shifter.” This combination explains the tendency to get stuck in negative thoughts. In addition, Michelle’s brain showed low activity in the temporal lobes (associated with unstable mood) and reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (associated with impulse problems). Just 11 days later, her brain activity looked much more typical of a healthy woman her age. Michelle’s PMDD-Affected Brain: Michelle’s PMDD-Affected Brain
During worst time of cycle: Increased limbic and cingulate activity
Michelle’s Brain: During best time of cycle: Calmer overall activity
During best time of cycle: Calmer overall activity
In other words, PMDD is not an “imaginary” condition. A hijacking of the brain’s chemistry creates difficult-to-manage reactions. It’s also worth noting that the limbic system contains a higher density of estrogen receptors than other parts of the brain. This means it can be more vulnerable to estrogen fluctuations, such as those that occur at puberty, after birthing a child, or during menopause. Clearly, for Michelle and many other women, these brain changes can lead to dramatic—even dangerous—shifts in behavior.

PMDD, PMS, and Mental Health Conditions

How is PMDD different from premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? According to the ICD-11, certain qualifications must be met for a diagnosis of PMDD. First, symptoms must happen during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and occur in most cycles within the past year. PMDD also requires a combination of two types of symptoms: Finally, the condition must cause “significant distress.” PMS may present various physical and emotional disturbances before a period, but PMDD creates a much more intense set of symptoms, disrupting a woman’s life and the lives of those around her. Medical professionals admit that there is enough overlap between symptoms of PMDD and mental health disorders—such as bipolar disorder and clinical depression—to create the possibility of misdiagnosis. To complicate matters further, the American Psychological Association (APA) notes that women who have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, may experience a worsening of symptoms before the start of their periods. But this does not necessarily point to PMDD.

PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER TREATMENTS

Because PMDD can be both tricky to diagnose and potentially debilitating in its effects, it’s important to incorporate as many interventions as possible to help reduce symptoms. Here are some natural solutions to try:
  1. Track your cycle.
The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders notes that because PMDD can’t be determined through a blood, hormone, or saliva test, tracking symptoms is a must for diagnosis. The organization recommends tracking over a span of at least two menstrual cycles. You can do this on pen and paper, noting various symptoms and their severity, or through an app. Information is power, for both you and your healthcare providers.
  1. Increase serotonin.
This step is especially important during the last half of your cycle. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a category of antidepressants, are often used for this, but you can also reach for natural supplements to boost serotonin. Saffron has been shown in studies to help increase and maintain serotonin levels in the brain, making it a natural antidepressant—try a dosage of 30mg. Finally, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a natural building block for serotonin, has been studied in the medical community as an effective alternative to SSRIs.
  1. Exercise.
Getting regularly scheduled activity has been shown to have numerous positive effects on mood, making it an effective natural treatment for mental health issues. Exercise helps reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, improves sleep, and combats the effects of stress. It also stimulates feel-good endorphins. Aim for a mix of high-intensity exercise, like tennis or running, and more relaxing movements, like yoga. Find activities you love so they’ll be easier to stick with.
  1. Optimize vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D is believed to help regulate mood, and it also promotes bone health—crucial for women to help prevent osteoporosis later in life. Spending 15 to 20 minutes in the sun a few times a week can increase vitamin D levels. You can also obtain vitamin D through your diet, including fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel), eggs, and some mushrooms. If your levels are low, take vitamin D supplements to ensure you’re getting enough.
  1. Make dietary changes.
Women with PMDD might benefit from a diet that is higher in protein and eliminates sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. For example, some studies show that the ketogenic diet may help with stabilizing mood. One Amen Clinics patient, who was coping with severe PMDD, reported that her moods significantly improved on this kind of diet. With its focus on obtaining calories from protein and fat, plus reduced carbohydrates (less than 50 grams daily), this diet can considerably lessen pre-menstruation brain overactivity.
  1. Stress management.
Managing stress is important for everyone, but especially for those who have PMDD. Though the possibilities are numerous, here are a few suggestions. Add journaling or gratitude lists to your daily regimen. Confront your automatic negative thoughts and mental dragons. Seek therapy for talking through stresses and traumas. Join a support group to foster community. Practice meditation, prayer, and/or diaphragmatic breathing. Mix and match these and other approaches throughout your day, week, and monthly cycle.

A HOPEFUL FUTURE FOR PMDD

Despite the recent official medical acknowledgment of PMDD, it remains a controversial diagnosis. There may remain a long road ahead for acceptance and understanding among doctors and patients alike. More research is needed to learn more about this premenstrual disorder. Ideally, its establishment as a recognized disorder will help fuel those efforts. In the meantime, certain lifestyle choices combined with medical help can work wonders on reducing symptoms and their impact on daily life. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) 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.   In the summer of 1976, David Berkowitz (aka the Son of Sam) terrorized New York City with a series of shootings that continued for a year before he was arrested. He killed six people and wounded seven others. Many media reports, books, and movies have since followed, often painting him as evil personified. It raises the question, are psychopaths born or made? And can these individuals be treated? Antisocial personality disorder is a brain disorder. Neuroimaging research has found both structural and functional abnormalities in the brains of people with ASPD.
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Of course, the psychology of a violent person is not that simple. Brain abnormalities, genetic vulnerability, and adverse childhood experiences all play a role in the development of a personality disorder, which affects both thinking and behavior. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), also called sociopathy or psychopathy, is a serious mental health condition characterized by harmful behaviors without remorse. While it’s a particularly challenging condition to treat, individuals with ASPD can learn to manage and minimize their symptoms to lead better lives. Remarkably, it appears that’s what David Berkowitz has done. A psychologist who recently spent 34 sessions and 100 hours with him reports that he is a rehabilitated man. Prison officials describe Berkowitz as a model inmate. His story is a hopeful one. Here are the facts on ASPD and what treatments are most effective.

WHAT IS ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER?

Antisocial personality disorder is one of many personality disorders, which all share the traits of unhealthy, inflexible thinking patterns and behaviors that negatively impact daily functioning and relationships. Specifically, ASPD is characterized by an established pattern of manipulating, exploiting, and taking advantage of others for personal gain. Showing little respect for the law or the rights of other people is another common trait. Importantly, a key defining feature of ASPD is a lack of remorse. Individuals with this disorder are cruelly indifferent to the pain their behavior causes to others. ASPD is also referred to as sociopathy or psychopathy. Unfortunately, these non-diagnostic terms tend to conjure images of frighteningly callous characters or violent criminals depicted in films and television, which are mostly inaccurate. This has added to the disorder being highly stigmatized and greatly misunderstood. In fact, a 2022 survey found that ASPD and schizophrenia are the most stigmatized psychiatric disorders. In truth, the condition can range in severity from occasional bad behavior to committing serious, and sometimes violent crimes.

SYMPTOMS OF ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder will typically demonstrate at least several of the following symptoms: ASPD is not diagnosed until adulthood (age 18). In most ASPD diagnoses, a patient will have previously received a conduct disorder (CD) diagnosis before the age of 15. The small percentage of adults with ASPD who never received a CD assessment or didn’t meet the criteria in their youth usually have milder symptoms. Antisocial personality disorder symptoms can get better with age. They tend to be most challenging in an individual’s late teens/early 20s and improve by their 40s. The lifetime prevalence of ASPD amongst the general population is estimated to be 1 to 4%, and it is three times more common in men than women.

WHAT CAUSES ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER? 

Unfortunately, people with antisocial personality disorder are often labeled as simply bad or evil, which is inaccurate and unhelpful. It also overlooks its real causes and conditions. Antisocial personality disorder is a brain disorder. Indeed, neuroimaging research has found both structural and functional abnormalities in the brains of people with ASPD. Additional factors that play a role in the development of the condition include: There’s also some evidence showing that negative behavior modeling by parents and peers is linked to the development of antisocial traits. In addition, decreased serotonin function is associated with the impulsiveness and aggression commonly seen in ASPD.

ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER TREATMENT

Antisocial personality disorder is inherently difficult when it comes to treatment. Without remorse about their own behavior, individuals with ASPD often don’t think they need help. It usually takes having a co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health condition like depression and anxiety, ADD/ADHD, or PTSD for them to reach out to a mental health professional. They may also receive treatment if they end up incarcerated. On a brighter note, if a person with ASPD does see a mental health professional, they can receive a comprehensive treatment evaluation that utilizes brain imaging, lab testing, and more, from which a customized treatment plan can be developed. Treatment for antisocial personality disorder may include: Some of the lifestyle changes may include a nutritional supplement protocol, breathing techniques, exercise, and getting restful sleep. The elimination of foods known to disturb the microbiome or blood sugar levels can also improve brain function and mood. Critically, individuals with ASPD need family and friends involved in their treatment and care. They must also learn to maintain healthy relationships and create a sustaining support network. A 2022 report from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that psychotherapy can be helpful in treating some facets of the disorder. For example, some evidence indicates benefits from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mentalization-based treatment, motivational interviewing, and/or skills training. Early interventions may be helpful as well. In one study, the parents of young children exhibiting signs of severe antisocial behavior received specific training, which led to improved behavior and academic performance. The study found that this intervention may help prevent the development of ASPD later on. Additionally, the APA reports that some evidence shows treating impulsivity early in adolescence could help prevent the development of ASPD.

HOPE FOR ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER

People with antisocial behavioral disorder do not need to be labeled as bad, ostracized, or judged. Instead, they need to be met with understanding. Families and friends of those who have the condition can learn how to take care of themselves while learning to support their loved one in effective ways. Early diagnosis and treatment results in better outcomes. If you or someone you love is showing signs of ASPD, reach out to a qualified mental health professional for a psychiatric evaluation. Antisocial personality disorder 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 your brain starts to deteriorate decades before you have any symptoms? Losing your memory or developing brain fog in your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, or even 80s is not normal—it’s a sign of trouble. But it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to develop dementia. By adopting the following brain-healthy habits, you can outsmart your genes, pump the brakes on brain aging, and even reverse memory loss. By adopting brain-healthy habits, you can outsmart your genes, put the brakes on brain aging, and even reverse memory problems.
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12 HABITS TO PREVENT MEMORY LOSS

  1. Drink water.

Your brain is 80% water, so anything that dehydrates it (such as too much caffeine or alcohol) should be avoided. When you’re dehydrated, your brain has to work harder to perform cognitive functions. A 2019 study on dehydration and cognitive performance found that being dehydrated had negative effects on short-term memory, attention, and more. What’s surprising is that you don’t have to be severely dehydrated to experience cognitive problems. Research in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that being just 2% dehydrated lowers performance in tasks that involve memory skills and attention. Brain-Healthy Habit: How much water should you drink? Aim for half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water each day.

  1. Get enough sleep.

Sleep is essential for learning and memory. While you sleep, your brain is hard at work consolidating what you learned that day to form memories. Lack of sleep—whether it’s from obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or other issues—impacts your memory in multiple ways. For example, a night of tossing and turning makes it harder to concentrate and absorb new information. In addition, disrupted sleep interferes with your brain’s ability to process new learning, so it’s harder to remember it. Findings from a 2020 study indicate that sleep deprivation leads to fragmented memory loss. This includes difficulty with episodic memory, which is a type of long-term memory. Brain-Healthy Habit: Try to get at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep per night.

  1. Move your body.

Adults who are sedentary for more than 10 hours per day are at significantly increased risk for dementia, according to a 2023 study in JAMA. This means the more time you spend sitting at your computer, scrolling on Instagram, or driving, the more likely you are to develop memory problems. Exercise has been found to increase the ability to generate new brain cells, which helps prevent brain aging or reverse aging. In particular, research shows that exercise-induced neurogenesis takes place in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning and memory. In addition, physical activity can boost your energy, mood, and metabolism. It truly is the closest thing to a happiness pill that you will ever find. Brain-Healthy Habit: Get moving on a daily basis. Engage in any activity you enjoy or simply walk for 30 minutes a day, but be sure to do it at a quick pace, as if you’re late for an appointment.

  1. Protect yourself from brain injuries.

Mounting evidence shows that memory loss is common in people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. This includes mild concussions and minor bumps or blows to the head that don’t cause you to black out. Brain-healthy habit: Wear a helmet when biking, skiing, or participating in other risky activities. Always hold the handrail when you go down a flight of stairs. Don’t text while you walk.
  1. Embrace your sense of meaning and purpose.
When life seems meaningless, it raises the risk for cognitive dysfunction. According to findings in the journal Neurology, having a general lack of interest in things increases the chances of developing dementia in older adults. Finding your “why” in life can change that. Exciting research from 2021 indicates that having a strong sense of purpose is associated with reduced risk of dementia. Brain-Healthy Habit: To find your purpose, ask yourself what you love to do and how it can help other people. In general, it’s helping others that gives life meaning.

  1. Keep your blood sugar balanced.

Blood sugar ups and downs can wreak havoc on your cognitive function. Low blood sugar levels can make you feel spacy and anxious. Consistently high levels can lead to diabetes, which is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Try to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day for better cognitive function. This will help you make better decisions about how to care for your brain and body. Brain-Healthy Habit: Eat small amounts of protein throughout the day to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

  1. Maintain a healthy weight.

As your weight goes up, the size and function of your brain goes down. That’s according to an Amen Clinics study involving the analysis of 35,442 brain SPECT scans. Having a higher BMI is associated with decreased blood flow in the brain, including in regions like the hippocampus, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Brain-Healthy Habit: Eat a healthy diet that’s focused on high-quality proteins, lots of vegetables and fruits, and complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes.

  1. Free yourself from toxins.

Everyday toxins, including drugs and alcohol, personal care products, and household cleaning products, can impair brain power. Environmental toxins—such as mold, heavy metals, and biotoxins—may contribute to cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease. For example, animal studies have found that toxic mold exposure can lead to inflammation in the brain and memory deficits in young mice. Brain-Healthy Habit: Limit alcohol by consuming no more than 2-4 glasses a week. If you smoke, quit! Eat lots of antioxidants and super-nutrient foods to gain protection from brain-damaging free radicals.

  1. Become a lifelong learner.

When you stop learning, your brain starts dying. In a way, your brain is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets! Brain-Healthy Habit: Spend 15-20 minutes a day learning something new. Examples include learning how to speak a foreign language, playing a musical instrument, or taking on a new sport.

  1. Manage your stress.

Decades of research show that having chronic stress increases the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), as well as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. On the contrary, gaining control of your stress protects your brain and memory. Brain-Healthy Habit: Practice effective stress management techniques, such as meditation and ANT therapy (challenging your automatic negative thoughts).

  1. Know your important health numbers.

Having high levels of inflammation, blood sugar, BMI, and cholesterol have been linked to increased dementia risk. Knowing your health numbers and taking action to optimize them is a critical step in safeguarding your cognitive function. Brain-Healthy Habit: Take nutritional supplements, including a multiple vitamin/mineral and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, optimize your vitamin D levels.

  1. Learn about your brain health.

Knowledge is power. Brain-imaging studies with SPECT scans at Amen Clinics can show evidence of pathologies seen in Alzheimer’s disease up to 9 years before symptoms emerge. Knowing if your brain is headed for trouble gives you time to take action to ward off memory loss and dementia. Brain-Healthy Habit: Consider getting a SPECT scan and commit to incorporating brain-healthy habits into your daily life.

CHANGE YOUR BRAIN, SAVE YOUR MEMORY

By adopting these brain-healthy habits, you can change your brain and reduce your risk of dementia. Make brain health a priority in your life. Your memory is worth it. Memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, 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.