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We all experience anxiety at some level—in fact, it’s crucial to human survival. But sometimes worry, fear, and nervousness surpass a useful or typical amount, developing into anxiety disorders. Anxiety is the mot common mental health condition in the U.S., with 40 million adults, or more than 18% of the population, affected every year. Anxiety can also intersect with many other mental health conditions, including panic attacks or panic disorder, clinical depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias. It can trigger physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat and muscle tension, and interfere with work, school, and relationships. Conversely, anxiety may result from deeper issues that require their own attention, such as medication interactions, substance abuse, or head injury. The good news is, if you’re facing anxiety, seeking professional help can make a significant positive impact on your day-to-day life and long-term health. And, today, there are a number of psychotherapy modalities that have been shown effective for anxiety. Here, we’ll examine 10 popular types of mental health therapy, how they work, and how they can assist in quelling anxiety symptoms. If you’re facing anxiety, seeking professional help can make a significant positive impact on your day-to-day life and long-term health.
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10 TYPES OF THERAPY FOR ANXIETY 

  1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), true to its name, aims to change the way you think and act. Specifically, it is designed to help you evolve from negative thinking patterns and behaviors to healthier ways of coping.
This method is helpful for a long list of mental health conditions, including: You’ll learn how to challenge automatic negative thoughts (ANTs), face fears, set goals, and engage in more positive self-talk. With practice, using CBT techniques can lessen stress and anxiety, boost moods and motivation, and improve self-confidence.
  1. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is particularly beneficial for those who could be described as rigid or inflexible, because it encourages exploring different perspectives and ideas.
One study, published in Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, tested both CBT and DBT on subjects with generalized anxiety disorder. Afterward, both groups showed reduced scores for depression and anxiety and increased scores for executive function. Although CBT is more widely known, results suggested that dialectical therapy was more effective for improving executive function. The study noted that DBT’s focal points of emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal relationships were factors likely to improve anxiety symptoms.
  1. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be especially helpful for anxiety that is associated with trauma, including PTSD, as well as phobias and panic disorders. When traumatic memories get “stuck” in the brain, they can lead to intrusive and unwanted effects, such as experiencing flashbacks or anxiety.
EMDR therapy works to help reprocess the trauma through bilateral stimulation of the brain, via practices like tapping or eye movements. This ultimately helps change the way the brain stores these traumatic memories and can help reduce or eliminate their associated negative emotions. Patients may notice improvement after 4 to 12 sessions, and EMDR can be utilized alongside other therapeutic approaches.
  1. Neurofeedback therapy taps into the power of the brain to improve emotional and behavioral health. Neurofeedback has been associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety disorders and stress, including in a 2021 study published in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience.
During a session, you play a computerized video game with your mind as electrodes placed on the scalp measure brainwave activity. Neurofeedback trains the brain on the spot by coaching you to help attain the optimal state of activity. Ultimately, this process helps you learn to self-regulate your brain, with benefits that last long after the session ends—leading to improvements in work, school, home life, and relationships.
  1. Mindfulness cognitive therapy may help with anxiety while offering numerous additional mental health benefits. One study, published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2022, stated that mindfulness-based interventions appeared to be a “particularly promising and viable treatment approach” for reducing adolescents’ social anxiety symptoms.
Mindfulness cognitive therapy blends the Eastern tradition of mindfulness practices with Western approaches like CBT. This modality may also be supported by high-tech tools like an EEG-based neurofeedback device, shown in another study to improve symptoms of OCD, a form of anxiety.
  1. Exposure therapy, research suggests, may be especially useful for people with phobias. When you run from your anxiety—for example, flee a setting when fear is triggered—you can actually make anxiety worse.
Thus, in exposure therapy, you are guided through the practice of facing your fears. For example, you may make a list of situations that produce feelings of fear and anxiety, then—starting with the least-threatening ones—gradually begin facing them. This modality can even incorporate computer-generated virtual reality as a safe way to confront fears. Over time, exposure helps the concerns seem less threatening, thereby reducing anxiety.
  1. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an intervention that aims to increase psychological flexibility, according to the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. It utilizes acceptance and mindfulness strategies, as well as behavioral change strategies.
Ultimately, you learn how to interact in a healthy way with fearful thoughts, feelings, memories, and physical sensations that you’ve previously avoided. You learn how to reframe and accept them, while changing your behavior in positive ways. For example, one helpful exercise is defining your core values. By outlining these and allowing them to propel your actions, you’ll naturally lower anxiety and increase happiness by living a more purposeful life.
  1. Art and music therapy offer creative ways to combat anxiety. Art therapy encourages self-expression through visual art forms like painting, sculpture, and drawing. Music therapy and dance therapy use the power of music and movement to improve feelings of well-being.
One critical review in 2022 found that art therapy helped with emotion regulation (including emotion acceptance and goal-oriented actions), leading to anxiety reduction. The researchers noted that art therapy, which can be used as an adjunct treatment with other modalities, was associated with overall improved mental health in patients.
  1. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is defined by the International Society of Interpersonal Psychotherapy as a time-limited (12-16 weeks) and diagnosis-targeted treatment, often used for major depression and other mental health disorders.
Therapists practicing IPT assist patients in solving interpersonal crises while helping them understand their emotions as social signals. Because IPT targets interpersonal factors that are increasing anxiety levels, it’s designed to improve personal interactions, bolster social supports, and reduce symptoms of conditions like anxiety.
  1. Psychoanalysis was originally introduced through the work of Sigmund Freud in the early 20th century, and it still impacts how therapy is approached today. Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that’s designed to be implemented over a prolonged period, as the therapist explores deeper issues like unconscious drivers of behavior and family patterns.
The American Psychological Association notes that these unconscious forces can include repressed impulses, internal conflicts, and the effects of childhood trauma. These factors then impact mental health and resilience. Psychoanalysis may include techniques like free association, dream analysis, and analysis of resistances and defenses.

SEEKING THERAPY FOR ANXIETY

When your anxiety is interfering with daily life, tasks, and relationships, it’s time to seek help from a qualified medical professional. Therapy can help reduce symptoms while also improving various other mental health conditions that co-occur alongside anxiety. Moreover, it’s crucial to explore the possibility of deeper mental, physical, and emotional issues at the root of anxiety. Finding the most effective therapy depends on which type of anxiety you have. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics using SPECT scans shows there are 7 types of anxiety (and depression), so it’s critical to know your type. No matter which type(s) of anxiety therapy you choose, know that there is help available—and a brighter, more peaceful future ahead. Anxiety, panic 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. This post has been updated since its original publish date. If you sliced your finger while chopping carrots, sprained your ankle while hiking, or broke your wrist after falling on a slippery floor, you’d probably race into action to: But what if you injured your brain from a car accident, a fall off your bike, or a hard hit during a sporting event? Since you can’t see your brain, would you even know it’s been injured? Would you follow the same steps? Or would you just hope it’s OK and return to your daily life? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to crack your skull or lose consciousness to damage your brain. A concussion or other mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may also result from a sports injury, a blow to the head from a seemingly innocuous fall, or an explosive blast. Brain injuries can also occur from the sudden, jarring movement of the head and neck (like whiplash from a car accident). Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to crack your skull or lose consciousness to damage your brain.
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A SILENT EPIDEMIC OF HEAD TRAUMA

Over 2 million head injuries are diagnosed each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s not counting the hundreds of thousands, or perhaps millions, of unreported incidents of head trauma, including undiagnosed concussions. Why are there so many brain injuries? There are several reasons, including:

CONCUSSIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Brain injuries are commonly associated with physical issues, such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, visual disturbances, trouble sleeping, sensitivity to light and sound, and poor balance. But the impact goes much deeper. Research shows that brain injuries are also a major cause of mental health disorders, such as: However, few people (including psychiatrists) know this, because psychiatry remains the only medical specialty that almost never looks at the organ it treats.

CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS

Head injuries, including mild ones, can lead to a host of cognitive and psychosocial symptoms, such as: These symptoms can last for hours, days, weeks, months, years, or even decades. At Amen Clinics, the SPECT scans of 40% of all patients who undergo brain imaging have signs of underlying brain injury. Surprisingly, many of them either don’t remember getting injured or think the incident was so mild that it didn’t warrant attention. They’re usually stunned to discover that a past head injury may be contributing to their mental health problems and cognitive issues.

WHAT ROUTINE BRAIN IMAGING MISSES ABOUT HEAD INJURIES

If you seek medical treatment for a head injury, you may undergo certain types of brain imaging, such as MRI or CT. These neuroimaging technologies show the structure of the brain, but they don’t provide information on how it is functioning. For this reason, an MRI scan or CT scan can show “normal” results even if you’re struggling with symptoms. Brain SPECT imaging, on the other hand, shows how the brain functions. It measures blood flow and activity in the brain and shows 3 things: This can be more valuable in cases where cognitive dysfunction, psychological issues, or behavioral problems are present.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE FOR BRAIN HEALTH

To help keep your brain safe and prevent brain injuries:

HOW TO HELP YOUR BRAIN HEAL AFTER A CONCUSSION

Many people have a first-aid kit for life’s mishaps. It’s just as important to have a concussion first-aid kit that can minimize damage and accelerate the healing process. In addition, you should protect yourself from hurting your brain again as repeat injuries increase the risk of serious long-term problems. Other self-care techniques you can use to help your brain heal include: Concussions and the cognitive and mental health issues associated 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 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Depression, already one of the country’s most common mental health conditions, has hit a new high in the United States. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, 29% of adults in America have been diagnosed with depression at one time in their lives. And 17.8% currently have the condition or are undergoing depression treatment. These numbers reflect a 10% and 7% increase, respectively, over the organization’s 2015 stats. Based on tens of thousands of depressed patients treated at Amen Clinics, it’s clear that far too many people with depression are engaging in habits that make the problem worse. Here, you’ll discover the worst depression habits and how to put a stop to them, so you can accelerate the healing process. Prescription medications should be considered only one option in treating depressive symptoms—not as the first line of defense or as a single solution.
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7 DEPRESSION DON’TS

Depression causes are numerous and multifaceted, and treatments are never one-size-fits-all. But there are certain steps anyone can take when facing the signs of depression. In fact, many of them center around things to avoid—from not drinking alcohol to limiting social media exposure. Here are 7 of the most impactful depression don’ts.

  1. Stop reaching for substances to help you cope.

Drugs (including alcohol), cigarettes, sugar—Americans with and without depression often reach for substances to self-soothe. Unfortunately, these “solutions” are actually new problems waiting to happen. They can lead to addiction, hamper brain function, or lead to long-term brain damage. Even in the short term, you’ll feel worse after using them, not better. For example, cannabis, cigarettes, and alcohol have all been associated with lower cerebral blood flow in brain SPECT scans, which can have a negative effect on mood. Cannabis has been tied to everything from psychosis to depression and suicidal thoughts. Drinking in excess, meanwhile, tends to exacerbate mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. And research has linked smoking with a higher likelihood of depression. Ultraprocessed foods, also fit the criteria of causing addiction—a scary fact, since they’re a key feature of the Standard American Diet. Numerous research studies have shown the link between processed foods and symptoms of anxiety and depression. To all of the above harmful substances: Just say no. Instead, fuel your body and brain—while reducing depression symptoms—with a well-balanced diet that incorporates fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, healthy fats, and whole grains.

  1. Stop hiding out.

When depression strikes, it’s tempting to hibernate under the covers, isolating from others and not venturing outdoors. But these avoidance tactics actually make matters worse. First, lack of sunlight can overstimulate melatonin production. This may lead to a sluggish or sleepy feeling while also reducing production of serotonin and vitamin D, associated with lower moods. In addition, avoiding social activities can be detrimental to mental health, as many of us discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Positive social relationships can help lift mood, while loneliness and isolation have been strongly associated with depressed mood, low energy, and even feelings of worthlessness. Finally, lounging in bed all day typically worsens, not helps, depressive symptoms. Looping and negative thought patterns can spiral out of control when we’re inactive. Instead, distract yourself with something that gets you up and moving, like a walk outside, a phone call, or a gardening session. Such activities can move negative feelings to the back burner and give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

  1. Stop over-relying on meds.

When it comes to mental health conditions like depression, a customized treatment plan is crucial. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics using SPECT scans has helped identified 7 types of depression. You need to know your type to get the most effective treatment. In addition, everyone experiences depression differently. Antidepressants that are helpful to one patient may be useless to another. In fact, commonly prescribed medications, including Prozac and Zoloft, may actually aggravate symptoms for certain types of depression. In other cases, prescription drugs may lead to unwanted side effects. Other cases of depression are biologically based, related to factors like brain injury, obesity, or chronic insomnia. That means they may not respond to antidepressants. Brain SPECT imaging can assist in determining the type of depression, so that treatment can be helpful, not harmful. In addition, prescription medications should be considered only one option in treating depressive symptoms—not as the first line of defense or as a single solution. Numerous natural solutions can help combat the symptoms of depression. Ultimately, depression treatment must be individualized and then monitored for maximum benefit.

  1. Stop indulging your negative thoughts.

Even those without depressive symptoms can struggle with automatic negative thoughts (ANTs). These destructive inner voices transmit skewed perspectives in the form of catastrophic thinking, guilt, fortune telling, mind reading, all-or-nothing thinking, blaming yourself or others…the list goes on. Here’s the good news: You don’t have to believe any of them. In the throes of clinical depression, it’s easy for thoughts to take a serious downturn, so ANTs are a typical feature of this condition. But that doesn’t mean they are true. Use this simple method for taking a closer look at these insidious invaders: Practice this form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) regularly, and you’ll start to see the faulty logic and repeating patterns behind your thoughts. They will shift as you greet them with more scrutiny.

  1. Stop comparing yourself to others.

In the age of social media, comparison can feel inevitable. But it’s especially demoralizing for those who struggle with major depressive disorder. One study, published in a 2022 issue of the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, cited various previous research linking problematic social media use with depression, including a bidirectional association. This means that problem usage may lead to depression, while depression may increase problematic use. The study concluded that female study participants were more likely to use social media in a problematic way, including comparing themselves more negatively to others. And higher problematic social media use scores were associated with depression, low self-esteem, and more negative comparisons to other social media users. Therefore, those with depression should limit social media use. It’s both potentially addictive and harmful, particularly to young adults. One study even linked the increase in mental health crises—including higher rates of depression and suicide—among teen girls with the rise of electronic usage. Ultimately, researchers found, more screen time was associated with worse mental health outcomes.

  1. Stop allowing stresses to pile up without processing them.

Stress happens—to everyone. But for those with depression, it’s especially important to find healthy ways of processing it. When your body is constantly in fight-or-flight mode, it’s releasing stress hormones like cortisol around the clock. Over time, you can find yourself fighting physical symptoms as a result—everything from sleep disturbances to depression. In fact, one study from 2018 noted that chronic stress and depression may be closely linked. Feeling stressed? Try one of these effective, natural ways to work through your feelings:

  1. Stop feeling hopeless about your depression.

Depression often makes it difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And though the stigma around mental health issues has significantly decreased as more people step forward, some still hesitate to ask for help. If you or a loved one is struggling with this common condition, remember that depression is treatable. Left untreated, depression can lead to additional problems, such as substance abuse, chronic health conditions, or suicide. The sooner you act, the better your outcome may be, so reach out for help immediately. Be sure to visit a mental health professional who understands that mental health is tied to brain health. When you start the journey of healing, you’ll find that there is hope. Depression 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 888-401-2910 or visit our contact page here.

Are You Raising Competent Young Adults or Just Big Kids?

Excerpted from Raising Mentally Strong Kids, by Daniel Amen, MD, and Charles Fay, PhD Eighteen—that magic number we see as “adulthood.” Way before that age most of us hope that our kids are growing in independence, resourcefulness, responsibility, and resilience. As most seasoned parents know, however, it takes well into our children’s mid-twenties, or later, for most of us to feel they no longer need our guidance. It takes well into our children’s mid-twenties, or later, for most of us parents to feel they no longer need our guidance.
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WHY YOUNG ADULTS STILL NEED PARENTAL GUIDANCE

Basically, a young person’s brain is still developing until their mid-twenties, so they still need parental guidance. “Guidance” doesn’t mean that we need to be overly involved in their adult lives, trying to control their decisions. Nor does it mean that we are rescuing them from their poor decisions or even typical challenges. Guidance means we are showing that we care and believe in them, continuing to model what we hope they will become, and sharing our wisdom when they want it. That’s why most of the parenting skills of practical neuroscience also apply to young adult children. When you face relationship challenges or hear about their struggles, don’t hesitate to respond with love and firmness.

5 PRINCIPLES OF RAISING MENTALLY STRONG KIDS AND YOUNG ADULTS

To raise mentally strong kids and young adults, you need to know the Five Principles of Love and Logic. Like a delicious meal, the first four principles are the ingredients. The fifth represents the wonderful results of combining them: Mutual Dignity + Shared Thinking + Shared Control + Empathy = Healthy Relationships.

  1. Develop mutual dignity with adult children.

The principle of mutual dignity means that both parties in a relationship treat each other with great respect and worth. Putting someone on a pedestal and lavishing them with praise and gifts meant for royalty creates great confusion, a sense of entitlement, and anger toward the ones bearing gifts. It also plays a sad role in stunting their ability to handle adversity. Mental strength is always lacking in people who’ve been idolized and expected to do very little. They express more anxiety, lower academic achievement, substance abuse, and other negative outcomes. When someone tries to do everything for us and give us all that we need and want, it interferes with the hard work required to grow up and develop the hallmarks of maturity. Like wildlife consistently fed by a well-meaning yet unwise animal lover, we become dependent. This dependency leads to resentment, which often promotes aggression. Mental health professionals often call this outcome hostile dependency. Developing mutual dignity requires:

2 (and 3). Strengthen shared thinking and shared control.

Boundaries help transition responsibility and accountability to where it belongs. When you embrace them, you give up trying to control your child. You allow them to take control and learn to use their brains. That’s the only way your children will grow up and you’ll transition out of the parent role.

  1. Use empathy.

Empathy in parenting is a lifelong skill that will keep your relationship with your children healthy, even if they get off track as adults. It’s essential that empathy accompanies listening, requests, and boundaries at any age.

  1. Create healthy relationships.

When you raise kids with a practical neuropsychological approach, you give them the foundation they need to become mentally strong adults who are confident, competent, and resilient. Other factors may come into play that make young adulthood challenging for them to navigate. In any case, remember that your grown children are the only ones responsible for their choices. Your job is to love them with firmness, kindness, and empathy. Your consistency will strengthen your relationship, emphasize that they are in control of their own lives, and assure them that they know where to turn for support.

RAISING MENTALLY STRONG KIDS

You will find a Quick Boundary Test and more parenting strategies for young adults in the book Raising Mentally Strong Kids. In the book, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, brain and mental health expert Dr. Daniel Amen and child psychologist Dr. Charles Fay have teamed up to reveal what’s missing from most parenting books. It’s the fact that you need to address both the brain and the mind of your child (and yourself) in order to be an effective parent and raise competent humans. In this groundbreaking, science-backed book where neuroscience meets practical psychology, parents are given proven tools to help children of all ages go from defiance, meltdowns, and power struggles to being responsible, resilient, and confident. Order your copy now and put your child on the path to a brighter future. If you want to join the tens of thousands of parents and children who have already learned how to be mentally stronger at Amen Clinics, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.  

“The pill” is one of the most popular forms of birth control in the world. Statistics show that in the U.S., approximately 1 in 4 women aged 15-44 who are using contraception are taking oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills. What many of these women don’t know is that the birth control pill can cause an imbalance of hormones, which have negative impacts on brain function and mental health.

In fact, many women have misconceptions about how these hormonal contraceptives affect the brain and body and how they influence overall health. It’s time to clear up the confusion.

Research shows that taking birth control pills causes structural changes in the brain, alters neurotransmitter function, and messes with mood regulation.
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WHAT ARE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES?

Oral contraceptives are most commonly associated with preventing pregnancy. However, they are also frequently used to reduce symptoms that may occur with menstruation, such as:

Because the pill can effectively decrease symptoms of these conditions, it is commonly prescribed.

HOW BIRTH CONTROL PILLS WORK INSIDE THE BODY

Most oral contraceptives are made with combinations of synthetic estrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. After taking the pill, these synthetic hormones enter the brain and act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the signaling process that is necessary for ovulation.

In particular, they prevent the hypothalamus from signaling to the pituitary gland (which regulates your hormones) to secrete the hormones that cause an egg to be released. In the unlikely event ovulation does occur and an egg is fertilized, the synthetic progestin thins the uterine lining, making it more likely that the egg will be shed.

Many birth control pills include a week of placebo pills that induce monthly breakthrough bleeding, but this is not a real menstrual period. It is an artificial pattern that eliminates the natural ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone throughout the cycle.

HOW HORMONES WORK IN THE BRAIN AND BODY

In order to feel happy and healthy, you need to have balanced hormones. Here is some important information to note about the differences between natural and synthetic hormones.

Natural hormones bind to specific receptors and keep your body in balance:

 Synthetic progesterone (progestins) acts differently on the body:

Because synthetic hormones may bind to the wrong receptors, birth control pills may cause hormonal imbalances and detrimental side effects. Not all women experience these problems, but for those that do, side effects can be quite miserable.

THE HEAVY TOLL OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES ON THE BRAIN

You may already know that birth control pills have been shown to cause problems with blood pressure. They also increase the risk of blood clots and strokes, especially if you smoke or have a history of migraine headaches. But did you know that birth control pills also affect your brain and mental health?

Research shows that taking birth control pills causes structural changes in the brain, alters neurotransmitter function, and messes with mood regulation.

The gut—your gastrointestinal tract (GI)—is often called the second brain because it is lined with about 100 million neurons. That’s more neurons than you have in your spinal cord or in your peripheral nervous system.

Research shows that gut health problems, such as leaky gut, are associated with mood and anxiety disorders. A 2017 article explored the connection between gut health and ADD/ADHD.

In particular, key nutrient depletions have been seen in folic acid, B vitamins (B2, B6, and B12), vitamins C and E, and the minerals magnesium, zinc, and selenium—micronutrients that are important for healthy brain function. If you’re taking oral contraceptives, it’s a good idea to take nutritional supplements to avoid deficiencies.

SYMPTOMS OF HORMONAL IMBALANCE

Many women have no idea that their birth control pills may be causing the following issues:

To find out if your birth control pills are contributing to your symptoms, it’s important to get tested. However, simple standard blood tests will rarely detect this problem.

A better option is a 24-hour urine hormone collection, which is the gold standard for looking at all the hormones and their metabolic byproducts. An integrative medicine physician, also called a function medicine physician, can be helpful in assessing hormone levels, nutrient deficiencies, and other issues related to hormonal birth control.

ARE YOU READY TO STOP TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS?

Going off the pill isn’t necessarily a quick-fix solution. Some women experience a rash of symptoms—including mood swings, anxiety, and depression—in the months following cessation of hormonal birth control. Some hormonal experts have started calling this effect “post-birth control syndrome.”

In addition, it’s important to remember that if you started taking the pill because you were experiencing irregular periods, fibroids, endometriosis, or other symptoms, the pill doesn’t actually address those issues. It only masks the problem. When you stop taking oral contraceptives, that original issue may return with a vengeance.

If you were experiencing menstrual Irregularities, take note that taking natural progesterone can be quite effective for some women—without any of the side effects of synthetic progestin in hormonal contraceptives.

If you’re concerned about unplanned pregnancy, there are other non-synthetic, non-hormonal birth control options available that you can discuss with an integrative physician.

HOW TO GET BACK INTO HORMONAL BALANCE

If you have been taking birth control pills for many years, it can take several months to rebalance your natural hormone levels. This is due to the chronic suppression of your own hormone production. It is often helpful to supplement hormones during this recovery period.

If you must stay on the pill for any particular reason, consider asking your physician about using natural progesterone and/or testosterone to improve quality-of-life issues while taking the pill.

Depression, anxiety, and other issues related to hormonal imbalances 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.

 

Some anxiety is good for you. It’s true! Our brains are biologically wired to protect us from danger, and a healthy dose of anxiety helps to keep us safe. It also keeps us motivated and prepared, so we can perform at a high level. Unfortunately, there are millions of people suffering with far too much anxiety. They can spend time predicting the worst, being wracked by nervousness, chronic muscle tension, among other symptoms. It’s as though their “idle” is set too high, and they’re frequently plagued by self-doubt, fear, and panic. In some cases, it can lead to an anxiety attack or panic attack. If you’re one of the millions of Americans struggling with anxiety or panic, the good news is that you can gain control of your symptoms. If you experience an anxiety attack or a panic attack,  simply follow this 4-step plan. It’s the same one Dr. Daniel Amen has taught to thousands of his own patients at Amen Clinics. Click to Tweet If you’re one of the millions of Americans struggling with anxiety or panic, the good news is that you can gain control of your symptoms. Simply follow Dr. Amen’s 4 step panic plan.

AMEN’S 4-STEP PANIC PLAN

Here are 4 steps to help you break an anxiety attack or panic attack.

Step 1: Do diaphragmatic breathing.

Often when people begin to experience anxiety, their breathing becomes shallow, rapid, and erratic. Since the brain is the most metabolically active organ in your body, any state that lowers oxygen will trigger more fear and panic. By taking slow, deep breaths you’ll boost oxygen to your brain and start to regain control over how you feel. One way to practice deep breathing is by learning how to breathe from your diaphragm—the area of the body that tends to get “clenched” when we’re anxious. To practice breathing from your diaphragm, try this: When you experience a panic attack in a public place, you likely won’t be able to lie down and put a book on your belly. However, if you have practiced this breathing technique at home, you’ll learn how to replicate it without the lying down or using a book. You can do diaphragmatic breathing anywhere—on an airplane, in a crowded conference, or in your office at work. Step 2: Don’t leave. Unless the situation is life-threatening, do not leave, run away from, or ignore whatever is causing you the anxiety. You must face the fear or concern directly, or it will always have control over you and increase your anxiety. For example, if you’re in a restaurant and you start feeling panicky, don’t rush out the front door. Stay where you are and do these 4 steps. If you start getting anxiety attacks on a regular basis, you may find it beneficial to talk to a trained psychotherapist. Opening up about your anxiety and fears, especially if you’ve been exposed to trauma of any kind, can be helpful. There are some very good types of mental health therapy that help people overcome anxiety disorder symptoms, including those brought on by traumatic or life-threatening experiences. One such method that is often recommended to Amen Clinics patients with trauma-related anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). This non-invasive therapy helps to remove the emotional charges of traumatic memories. Research shows that EMDR therapy can be beneficial for those who are struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Step 3: Write down your thoughts.

Often in panicked situations, our thoughts become distorted and need to be challenged. Pay attention to the automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) in your mind and write them down to see if they make sense. The act of writing them down helps get them out of your mind. Then question those thoughts to see if they are distorted. Ask yourself if your thoughts are true. Then notice how these thoughts make you feel. Chances are, ANTs make you feel more anxious and panicky. They may make your heart race, cause your breathing to become more shallow, or make your stomach feel like it’s tied up in knots. Take note of all these sensations. Then challenge yourself to come up with a more realistic version of the thought. Or ask yourself if the opposite of that though is actually truer than the original thought. Look for evidence to support this new thought. When you catch yourself in the middle of an ANT invasion, taking a logical approach to eliminating those ANTs can help you calm down.

Step 4: Supplement your brain and body.

If you’ve practiced steps 1-3, but are still suffering from too much anxiety, you may need supplements or medication to help you feel calmer. Remember that this is the last step—to be used if the first 3 aren’t effective. Some people with severe symptoms may require some form of anxiety medication on a temporary basis. Be sure to check with your health care provider before taking any form of anti-anxiety medication and be aware of the risks. For example, functional brain imaging with SPECT scans shows that anxiety drugs can have harmful effects on the brain when taken over time. Benzodiazepines decrease activity in the brain and increase the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Below are images of a healthy SPECT scan and a scan of someone who was hooked on benzodiazepines. In the healthy scan, there is full, even, symmetrical activity. In the benzodiazepine scan, there are many “holes” that indicate low levels of blood flow and activity. The bumpy, scalloped appearance is similar to what is seen in SPECT scans of people who are alcoholics or who have brain toxicity. Healthy SPECT Surface Scan Full, even, symmetrical activity                Benzodiazepine Image Overall decreased activity Some individuals do well with nutritional supplements. Calming nutraceuticals include magnesium, GABA, ashwagandha, and some of the B vitamins, especially B6. Taking these on a daily basis may have a beneficial effect.

CONQUERING ANXIETY AND PANIC

By following these 4 simple steps, you can regain control over your panic attacks and anxiety disorders. Make it a priority to practice these steps on a regular basis, and you should notice a decrease in anxiety symptoms. Anxiety attacks, panic attacks, 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. Most individuals know that it’s important to treat strep throat. If it remains untreated, it can eventually lead to rheumatic heart disease or congestive heart failure. But that’s not all. There are several mental health consequences that most people are unaware of, and they can greatly impact a child’s life. Look at Henry, for example. At age 10, Henry was struggling with anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and Tourette’s (a tic disorder). He was taking three psychiatric medications to cope with these mental health conditions. His parents, who were going through a divorce, initially blamed his symptoms on the family stress. But his grandfather had been a patient at Amen Clinics, and he encouraged them to schedule a visit for Henry to get a brain SPECT scan. That brain scan revealed something Henry’s previous physicians had never considered: PANS/PANDAS. If a child has PANS/PANDAS, there is hope for healing. First, it’s critical to get tested for common infections. In addition, brain imaging with SPECT scans can offer invaluable information that leads to a more accurate and complete diagnosis.
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WHAT IS PANS/PANDAS?

Over two decades ago, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) issued a report saying that strep throat could cause the sudden onset of OCD and Tourette’s in kids, adolescents, and teens. They called this new syndrome pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with strep (PANDAS). Neuroscientists eventually realized that strep throat is not the only infectious disease that can lead to mental health issues. Because of this, they began labeling the condition PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome). The onset of this syndrome can occur rapidly. According to Dr. Susan Swedo at the National Institute of Mental Health, “Parents will describe children with PANS as overcome by a ‘ferocious’ onset of obsessive thoughts, compulsive rituals, and overwhelming fears. Clinicians should consider PANS when children or adolescents present with such acute-onset of OCD or eating restrictions in the absence of a clear link to strep.”

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PANS/PANDAS

Henry’s symptoms are some of the most common signs of PANS/PANDAS. However, it’s important to understand that this condition can cause a wide variety of emotional and behavioral symptoms, such as: In general, PANS/PANDAS symptoms begin suddenly and do not resolve on their own.

PANS/PANDAS AND THE BRAIN

Functional brain-imaging shows that PANS/PANDAS affects the way the brain functions. SPECT is a functional brain-imaging technology that measures blood flow and activity in the brain. It shows areas of the brain with healthy activity as well as areas with underactivity or overactivity. Henry’s SPECT scan revealed overactivity throughout his brain, a pattern that is consistent with inflammation. Additional testing confirmed that the youngster had Lyme disease as well as PANDAS. Healthy Active SPECT Scan An “active” SPECT scan shows the areas of the brain with the most activity, which are seen in white in this image. In the healthy brain, the most active area is in the cerebellum at the back/bottom part of the brain. Henry’s Active SPECT scan     Overall increased activity, looking inflamed

INFECTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

PANS/PANDAS can be caused by numerous infections, including: Emerging research suggests that infection with COVID-19 may also trigger the onset of PANDS/PANDAS or may worsen existing symptoms. In a fascinating study from researchers in Denmark, patients who had infections had a higher incidence of schizophrenia and affective disorders, such as clinical depression. This occurred even in those people who didn’t require hospitalization. The researchers didn’t know if the mental health issues were caused by the infections or by taking antibiotics. Infections attack brain tissue and antibiotics alter gut bacteria, both of which increase the risk of mental health problems.

HEALING FROM PANS/PANDAS

If a child has PANS/PANDAS, there is hope for healing. First, it’s critical to get tested for common infections. In addition, brain imaging with SPECT scans can offer invaluable information that leads to a more accurate and complete diagnosis. Seeing an integrative medicine (also called functional medicine) physician can be helpful in order to diagnose and effectively treat any underlying infections.

Medical treatments for PANS/PANDAS include:

Natural treatments for PANS/PANDAS include:

For 10-year-old Henry, a combination of antibiotics and a brain healthy lifestyle led to major improvements. After one year, Henry’s father said he acquired four grade levels of learning and seemed like a completely new child. Henry was able to stop taking all his psychiatric medications. For Henry and his family, getting a SPECT scan was the difference maker in finding an accurate diagnosis and a targeted treatment plan that worked. OCD, anxiety, tics, and other mental health issues associated with PANS/PANDAS 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.

Is Your Child Struggling with Mental Health Issues?

Have you been working diligently to put proven parenting strategies into practice? Despite this, is your child is still misbehaving, creating conflict, lacking motivation, procrastinating, underperforming at school, having trouble making friends, or having other problems? If so, a mental health issue may be the culprit. When parenting strategies aren’t working, a childhood mental health issue may be the culprit.
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KIDS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Mental health problems and learning disorders—all of which are actually brain health issues—are rising among the more than 73 million kids ages 0 to 17 in the US. Just look at these statistics: Although approximately half of all mental health issues show up by the mid-teens, most children aren’t diagnosed and don’t receive treatment until several years after symptoms first appear.

WHY PARENTS MISS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN KIDS

This is not surprising because most parents aren’t experts in the differences between “normal” and “abnormal” behaviors, emotional health, or brain and mental wellness. Parents are usually only exposed to their own children, their nieces and nephews, and their kids’ friends. So, when a youngster seems consistently down in the dumps, constantly worries, or acts aggressively, it’s natural to assume it’s just your child’s nature or that they have an attitude problem. If you misread an underlying brain health problem or mental health issue as an attitude issue, your knee-jerk reaction may be to increase discipline and consequences, which may be harmful. Many kids who have brain/mental health problems are actually trying hard to do what Mom and Dad ask, but they just aren’t able to do it because of the way their brain is wired. If your child is consistently struggling at school, routinely having trouble getting along with others, or frequently losing their temper, take a moment and ask yourself, “Could this be a sign of something else?”

WHEN TO SEEK HELP FOR YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH

If you have a feeling that your youngster or adolescent may have a behavioral, emotional, or learning issue, don’t wait. Bring up any concerns with your child’s pediatrician or other healthcare provider. Small issues that remain untreated can morph into big problems. On the flip side, early intervention can put a halt to unwanted issues and can improve your child’s future. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes or nutritional supplements may be all they need. If you’re noticing problematic behaviors or emotional issues, it’s important to get your child on a brain-healthy program sooner rather than later. When these issues remain untreated, they can have lifelong consequences that make parenting exponentially more difficult. In the short term, these issues are associated with increased family discord, academic underachievement, and more. Over time and into adulthood, they are linked with increased risks of school dropouts, traffic accidents, substance abuse, job failure and unemployment, financial problems, obesity, divorce, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. After working with thousands of children, we can assure you that seeking treatment for brain/mental health and learning problems is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and love for your child.

COMMON CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN KIDS

Some of the more common mental health issues seen in children include:

RAISING MENTALLY STRONG KIDS

You will find the warning signs associated with these common childhood mental disorders, as well as natural solutions, in the book Raising Mentally Strong Kids. In the book, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, brain and mental health expert Dr. Daniel Amen and child psychologist Dr. Charles Fay have teamed up to reveal what’s missing from most parenting books. It’s the fact that you need to address both the brain and the mind of your child (and yourself) in order to be an effective parent and raise competent humans. In this groundbreaking, science-backed book where neuroscience meets practical psychology, parents are given proven tools to help children of all ages go from defiance, meltdowns, and power struggles to being responsible, resilient, and confident. Order your copy now and put your child on the path to a brighter future. If you want to join the tens of thousands of parents and children who have already learned how to be mentally stronger at Amen Clinics, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.   Have you or a loved one ever experienced mental health symptoms or personality changes that seemed to have no definable source? If so, it might be helpful to get tested for Lyme disease. Lyme disease is transmitted by a tiny creature, the tick, but it can have an outsized array of negative impacts on physical and mental health. It can also trigger—or be misdiagnosed as—a wide variety of other conditions, and it’s often overlooked by medical professionals. This is especially devastating when someone undergoes drastic personality changes, with chronic Lyme disease as the unknown culprit. Personality changes can occur because this neuropsychiatric condition can impact moods, attention, and memory, or stir up feelings of anger or anxiousness. It may be mistaken for disorders such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) or lead to irritability or even violence, a phenomenon sometimes called Lyme rage. Let’s take a look at how and why Lyme disease can affect the personality, mimic various physical and mental health conditions, and lead to serious, even deadly, side effects. Lyme disease can affect the personality, mimic various physical and mental health conditions, and lead to serious, even deadly, side effects.
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LYME DISEASE SYMPTOMS

Lyme disease is a type of vector-borne disease, which means that it’s transmitted from animals to other animals (including humans). Lyme is spread when infected deer ticks pass along a bacteria named Borrelia burgdorferi.   These eight-legged arachnids, also called black-legged ticks, attach to a host—often unnoticed, since they can be as small as poppy seeds—and feed on its blood. The bacteria can infect the host within just 36 to 48 hours, but the bacteria can lie dormant for months, or even years, in the central nervous system. If tick-borne disease symptoms do arise, their timetable varies—they can occur from 3 days to 30 or more days after the initial bite. The host may experience flu-like symptoms, the telltale bulls-eye rash, or swollen lymph nodes. But it’s also possible that no symptoms are apparent at all. A lack of symptoms can be dangerous because, without treatment, more serious side effects can develop. These can include facial palsy, limb and nerve pain, irregular heartbeat, joint pain and swelling, and gastrointestinal disturbances. In serious cases, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord can affect the central nervous system. These symptoms can mystify patients and doctors alike, since they can emulate those of other neurological disorders. For example, people may confuse Lyme with conditions such as fibromyalgia, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

HOW LYME DISEASE IMPACTS MENTAL HEALTH

Lyme affects the brain and the immune system, leading to inflammation. Evaluating the SPECT brain scans of patients with infectious diseases like Lyme, the brain looks as if it has been exposed to toxins. These changes can provoke detrimental effects on the personality, including symptoms like irritability or explosive anger, sometimes called Lyme rage. Both patients and loved ones have reported personality changes as a result of chronic Lyme disease.  This may lead to symptoms associated with mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, schizoaffective personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Lyme disease may also mimic other psychiatric conditions, including psychotic disorders (such as delusions, paranoia, and schizophrenia), depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. Given these damaging effects, it’s not surprising that Lyme disease is also associated with increased suicidality. A Danish study published in 2021 concluded that those diagnosed with Lyme displayed an increased risk of mental disorders, affective disorders, suicide attempts, and completed suicides. Lyme patients “had a 28% percent higher rate of mental disorders and were twice as likely to have attempted suicide post-infection, compared to individuals without the diagnosis,” according to a post-study report from the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. Brian Fallon, MD, MPH, the lead author of the study, noted that Lyme disease is not only associated with a higher risk for severe cardiac, rheumatologic, and neurologic problems, but severe mental health problems as well. These findings backed up an earlier study that found links between suicidality and Lyme disease. Researchers hypothesized that immune-mediated and metabolic changes were the catalysts for psychiatric symptoms, which may be further aggravated by prevailing negative attitudes about Lyme. They added that some of these suicides “are associated with being overwhelmed by multiple debilitating symptoms, and others are impulsive, bizarre, and unpredictable.” Chronic Lyme disease creates additional far-reaching health impacts, according to another 2021 study that evaluated neuropsychiatric and psychological symptoms in 252 patients. It concluded that they experienced significantly lower quality of life and sleep, as well as cognitive impairments in the areas of attention and memory. Lyme patients also tended to have depressive symptoms. Only 3.1% of the patients were satisfied with their lives, while more than one-third of them (37%) scored in the lower third of the quality-of-life scale.

DELAYED DIAGNOSIS AND MISDIAGNOSIS OF LYME DISEASE

The 252-patient study referenced above noted that, on average, patients didn’t get diagnosed with Lyme until they had visited almost 8 different physicians. That equated to 8 years passing between the initial tick bite and an official diagnosis. Overall, less than half of the patients (46%) received their diagnosis within the first 5 years after the onset of symptoms. In other words, Lyme disease is often diagnosed far too late. Difficulty diagnosing Lyme disease occurs for many reasons: On a positive note, early diagnosis can make a huge difference in recovery, and treatment with antibiotics can usually alleviate symptoms. It’s recommended to visit a functional medicine physician who is well-versed in Lyme disease and its latest treatments to obtain a proper diagnosis. Conversely, if you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms like cognitive or mental health issues and other treatments aren’t helping, you may benefit from tests for Lyme. Functional brain imaging with SPECT technology can also assist in diagnosis by showing certain blood flow and activity patterns associated with these kinds of infections. SPECT can also help rule out Lyme disease in some cases. Getting the proper diagnosis is the key to preventing this insidious illness from progressing undetected, creating potentially debilitating physical and mental health issues over time. Lyme disease and its associated psychiatric and cognitive 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. Having can negatively impact your life in many ways. Most people are familiar with the neurodevelopmental disorder’s trademark short attention span, distractibility, impulsivity, disorganization, and procrastination. What many people don’t realize is that having ADD/ADHD also puts you at increased risk for substance use disorders, such as alcoholism or drug abuse. In fact, as many as half of all adolescents and adults with substance use disorders have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD at some point during their lives, according to research. As many as half of all adolescents and adults with substance use disorders have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD at some point during their lives.
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What’s the link between ADD/ADHD and addictions? And what can you do to reduce your risk of alcohol abuse, nicotine use, or drug dependence?

THE DISTURBING STATISTICS ABOUT ADHD AND ADDICTIONS

Decades of research show that individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also called attention-deficit disorder (ADD), are more likely to develop substance use disorders than those without the mental health disorder. For example, adults with ADD/ADHD are about three times more likely to struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD) than their peers. Similarly, compared to kids who don’t have ADD/ADHD, children with the condition are two to three times more likely to abuse substances, according to a study in Clinical Psychology Review. In particular, research shows that children with ADD/ADHD are: The fact that nearly 10% of school-age children have received a medical diagnosis of ADD/ADHD raises a red flag on the issue.

ADHD AND THE BRAIN

ADD/ADHD is a brain-based disorder. The brain-imaging work using SPECT at Amen Clinics shows that the brain functions differently in people with this condition. Specifically, SPECT scans show abnormal activity in a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This brain region is responsible for executive functions, such as planning, judgment, forethought, impulse control, and follow-through. In the healthy brain, concentration stimulates activity in the PFC. Not so in the ADD/ADHD brain. In people with this disorder, there’s a reduction in activity in the PFC when they try to concentrate. Effectively, this makes it harder for them to pay attention. The decreased activity in the PFC also helps explain the symptoms associated with the disorder. Brain imaging shows that having ADD/ADHD symptoms is not due to a lack of willpower or failing to try hard enough. Rather it’s related to the way the brain functions.

ADHD AND THE BRAIN’S SELF-CONTROL CIRCUIT

ADD/ADHD is also associated with other brain functions, such as the self-control circuit. This circuit involves the brain systems that drive you to seek out things that bring you pleasure and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which puts on the brakes when you are about to engage in risky behavior. In a healthy self-control circuit, an effective PFC provides impulse control and good judgment while the deep limbic system offers an adequate dose of motivation so you can plan and follow through on your goals. You can say no to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, cigarettes, and other substances. When activity in the PFC is decreased, the drive circuits take control and cause you to lose control over your behavior. When this is the case, you’re more likely to fall victim to your cravings. Having low activity often results in a tendency for impulse-control problems and poor internal supervision. These contribute to the increased risk of addiction.

SELF-MEDICATION AND THE ADHD BRAIN

Many people with ADD/ADHD self-medicate with substances in order to feel better—more focused, less anxious, less depressed, or less overwhelmed. Because the PFC is underactive in the ADD/ADHD brain, it can lead people to use substances as a way to stimulate brain activity. And those with hyperactivity may turn to other substances to calm down. Although these individuals abuse substances as a way to treat their underlying problems, it is bad medicine. Over time, substance abuse often exacerbates ADD/ADHD symptoms. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics clearly shows that substance abuse is harmful to brain function. Alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamines, and even caffeine reduce brain activity over time. In some cases, the reduction in brain activity can be significant. This means that when a teen with ADD/ADHD drinks alcohol to calm internal feelings of restlessness, it soothes them but only temporarily. At the same time, it damages cellular activity, which can lead to a worsening of symptoms in the long run. One study out of UCLA found that cocaine addicts had 23% less overall brain activity compared to individuals who had never taken drugs. In this study, the people addicted to cocaine who also smoked cigarettes had 45% less activity in their brain. Based on the clinical experience at Amen Clinics, people tend to use different substances based on which type of ADD/ADHD they have. The SPECT scans at Amen Clinics have helped identify 7 types of ADD/ADHD. People with Classic or Inattentive ADD/ADHD tend to use stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Individuals with Overfocused ADD/ADHD are more likely to abuse alcohol. Having Temporal Lobe or Limbic ADD/ADHD makes people more inclined to use marijuana or stimulants. People with Anxious or Ring of Fire ADD/ADHD tend to abuse alcohol and marijuana.

ADHD STIMULANT TREATMENT AND ADDICTION

Substance abuse often complicates the treatment of ADD/ADHD. As mentioned earlier, as many as 50% of adolescents and adults with ADD/ADHD also have substance abuse issues. Some people fear that stimulant medications may be a gateway drug to other substances. However, research has found that this is not the case. In fact, a 2016 study found that people who are taking prescription stimulants for ADD/ADHD are 7.3% less likely to develop a substance use disorder. However, many health care providers feel uncomfortable prescribing stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall to people who have a substance use disorder. Physicians have to be very careful when this is the case. If you have an active addiction, you may need to wait until you’re enrolled in an addiction treatment program before a physician will prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD. After showing a sustained commitment to sobriety, you may be prescribed ADD/ADHD stimulants. Be aware that you will likely need to be monitored frequently. If you have ADD/ADHD, several lifestyle changes can also help prevent substance abuse. A healthy diet, daily exercise, and meditation are all natural ways to boost activity in the PFC to help you regain control. ADD/ADHD, addictions, 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