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By Rishi Sood, MD Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming in class or while doing your homework? Maybe you were thinking about what to do over the weekend or replaying a fun moment with your friends. It turns out there’s a special part of your brain at work during these times—the default mode network (DMN). This network is like a team of brain regions that activates when you’re not focusing on the outside world but instead, you’re reflecting on your thoughts, memories, and emotions. The DMN also plays a role in anxiety and depression, as well as in the ability to focus. In this blog, you’ll discover problems with the DMN that are associated with mental health disorders and what you can do to support this brain system to enhance your mental well-being. The default mode network is like a team of brain regions that activates when you're not focusing on the outside world but instead, you're reflecting on your thoughts, memories, and emotions.
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WHAT IS THE DEFAULT MODE NETWORK?

The default mode network is one of the most exciting discoveries to emerge from functional brain-imaging research. Marcus Raichle, MD, first coined the term for this fascinating brain system in 2001 when he found that certain parts of the brain lit up on brain scans while the brain was not engaged in specific tasks. Basically, the DMN is a group of areas in your brain that work together when you’re lost in thought. Your resting brain includes several regions, such as: These brain regions activate when you reminisce about your past, imagine the future, or consider other people’s perspectives. Think of the DMN as the human brain’s autopilot. It’s at work in the background while your mind wanders. When you’re engaged in a specific task, such as solving a math problem, other brain networks take over, and the DMN quiets down.

THE DMN AND DAYDREAMING

Brain-imaging research indicates that the DMN is involved in daydreaming. You may think that daydreaming is a waste of time or a way to escape from what we’re doing. It isn’t. Mind wandering helps us process our feelings and experiences. It’s as if your brain is using this quiet time to sort through everything you’ve learned and felt. Ultimately, daydreaming helps you understand more about yourself and the world around you. Some neuroimaging studies show that daydreaming can also lead to creativity or out-of-the-box thinking.  That’s not all. A 2021 study in the journal Emotion found that letting your mind wander can boost your mood. Plus, we can thank a team of researchers from Harvard, Yale, and other universities for discovering that mind wandering isn’t a productivity zapper. In fact, these scientists found that daydreaming can improve productivity. So, the next time your lost in thought, don’t feel like you have to interrupt the flow. Enjoy it.

THE DEFAULT MODE NETWORK AND MENTAL HEALTH

While daydreaming and reflecting are important, the DMN’s activity is also linked to our mental health. In a systematic review in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Review, researchers found that when the DMN is too active or not active enough at certain times, it may relate to mental health conditions. Let’s take a closer look at how it relates to some of the most common mental health disorders.             Researchers have indicated that functional brain imaging may be a valuable tool in detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s. Some experts suggest that imaging the brain at rest while the DMN should be activated may be especially helpful in identifying dementia.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE DEFAULT MODE NETWORK

Understanding the role of the DMN can help us find better ways to support our mental health. Here are a few strategies:     The default mode network plays a big part in how we think and feel about ourselves and the world. By learning more about it and how it affects our mental health, we can take steps to keep our minds healthy and vibrant. Whether it’s through science, therapy, or daily habits, understanding our brains helps us lead happier lives. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, 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 your child seem to have mood swings that are much more dramatic than others their age. Are these rollercoaster emotions characterized by intense highs and lows? Do they cycle through high-energy periods followed by depressive episodes that last hours, days, weeks, or months? Are these ups and downs causing problems in their relationships or school studies, or making it difficult for them to complete everyday tasks? Does their recent behavior seem out of character? While most children and teens experience occasional moodiness and even temper tantrums, extreme mood swings may point to a deeper mental health issue. Bipolar disorder (BD), also called bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD), can feel like an unpredictable and difficult condition to manage in your child. But with the right diagnosis and treatment, there is hope for recovery. People with bipolar disorder are 15 times more likely to die by suicide and overall have a shorter life expectancy than the general population by more than 9 years.
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WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Bipolar disorder is a type of cyclical mood disorder, which means that symptoms can come and go. Mood disorders are also called affective disorders. Because symptoms may occur at varying levels of intensity, bipolar is considered a spectrum disorder. In the past, BD was known as manic depression, because it features symptoms of both mania and depression. Nearly 6 million adults in America have bipolar disorder, and symptoms of BD most commonly start in young adulthood, from the late teens to mid-20s. But children and adolescents can also be affected. Data from the National Comorbidity Survey, carried out in 2001-2004, showed that an estimated 2.9% of adolescents had bipolar disorder, with 2.6% of them experiencing severe impairment. Prevalence among adolescents was higher for females (3.3%) than for males (2.6%). However, since those statistics were gathered, mental health conditions have been growing among our young people, alongside increased societal awareness of these issues. The COVID-19 pandemic also had devastating impacts on the mental health of our nation’s youth. In addition, bipolar often occurs with other conditions, according to a clinical synthesis about BD in children and adolescents published in the psychiatry journal Focus. The report pointed out that symptoms of mania may overlap with those of ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (also called conduct disorder), depression, and anxiety. ADHD is bipolar’s most common co-occurring disorder, present in 70%-95% of pre-adolescents and in 50% of adolescents with BSD.

WHAT CAUSES BIPOLAR DISORDER?

While BSD has a hereditary link, various environmental factors can also contribute to its development, including:

CONSEQUENCES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

BD can improve through lifestyle changes and other treatments, such as therapy and peer support groups. But left untreated, bipolar can lead to a lifetime of struggle, particularly when it affects young people. Kids with bipolar may not perform as well in school or drop out altogether. Later in life, they can encounter similar issues in the workplace. They’re also prone to experiencing low self-esteem, relationship issues, and substance abuse. Most alarmingly, people with bipolar are 15 times more likely to die by suicide. And overall, they have a shorter life expectancy than the general population by more than 9 years. 

SIGNS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER IN TEENS AND CHILDREN

Children and teens are notoriously susceptible to mood swings, but bipolar disorder symptoms are persistent and chronic, occurring in a cyclical pattern over longer periods of time. However, not all BSD looks the same. There are two types of bipolar disorder: bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. A less-severe type of BSD is called cyclothymia. In addition, the cyclical nature of the disorder means that symptoms can look dramatically different, based on whether the episode is manic or depressive. Episodes can last for hours, days, weeks, or months. It’s also important to note that symptoms may be absent for stretches of time. Mixed episodes, in which symptoms of manic and depressive episodes occur at the same time or in rapid succession, are also possible. Manic episodes are characterized by an elevated, euphoric, or energized emotional state. Telltale signs include: During depressive episodes, you will likely notice a dramatic slowdown in your child. Symptoms include: Keep in mind that young people may also show subtle symptoms of mental health conditions. They can have physical aches and pains, changes in their eating habits, or unusually argumentative or aggressive behavior. Meanwhile, extreme mood swings may show up as emotional outbursts, excessive crying, or temper tantrums.

THE BIPOLAR BRAIN

Like all mental health conditions, BSD is not a weakness or character defect, and children cannot simply “snap out of it.” Bipolar disorder indicates a brain that works differently. Putting symptoms in this perspective for your child or teen can help counteract possible feelings of unworthiness, guilt, or shame around their condition. At Amen Clinics, functional brain imaging using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) shows that those with bipolar disorder typically have heightened activity in the limbic system. This system includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and cingulate gyrus, which impact emotion, memory, sensory information, and fear. Brain scans show that cyclic mood disorders like bipolar are also associated with too much activity across the surface of the brain. For young people with extreme mood swings, getting a brain scan can be life-changing. That’s because mental health professionals may misdiagnose BSD as depression, ADD/ADHD, or even schizophrenia. When adolescents are misdiagnosed or don’t get the proper treatment for bipolar disorder, symptoms can worsen. Brain imaging helps establish not only an accurate diagnosis, but an effective treatment plan. Proper treatment can help balance areas of the brain that are either overactive or underactive. Moreover, a brain scan can pinpoint or rule out other potential factors contributing to mood issues. For example, brain scans can detect a traumatic brain injury—such as from a fall or traffic accident—which is a relatively common hidden trigger for BSD. Studies have estimated that people with TBI are 28 times more likely to have bipolar disorder, especially if the head injury occurred between ages 11-15.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY FOR BIPOLAR YOUTH

Receiving a mental health diagnosis at a young age can seem devastating, for both children and their parents. But it’s actually the first step toward a healthier, happier, more productive future. There is no single or simple cure for bipolar disorder. By following a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, natural interventions, and medication (when necessary), the road to recovery can begin. Through managing their symptoms, children will experience a better quality of life, while parents can find relief in their child’s journey toward a more stable sense of well-being. Bipolar 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. Going through grief can leave a lasting imprint on the brain and mental health. It can make people feel sad, depressed, unable to concentrate, edgy, anxious, or irritable. And it can cause trouble sleeping, which exacerbates all those other symptoms of grief. If you know someone who’s in mourning, you may want to offer some comforting words. But if you’re like many people, you might be afraid of saying something that doesn’t help or that ends up making them feel worse. In this blog, you’ll discover what psychiatrists say are the worst things to say to someone who’s grieving as well as some of the best things you can say. If you know someone who’s in mourning, you may want to offer some comforting words. But if you’re like many people, you might be afraid of saying something that doesn’t help or that ends up making them feel worse.
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WHAT GRIEVING PEOPLE WISH YOU’D STOP SAYING

If you’re wondering what to say and what not to say to a grieving person, take advice from the neuropsychiatrists at Amen Clinics. Over the past 30-plus years, the mental health professionals at Amen Clinics have helped thousands of patients who are grieving after a major loss. Whether it’s the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, a sense of identity, a pet, or a home, these people are suffering. And their grief greatly impacts their brain function and can lead to what is called “grief brain.” In therapy sessions, grieving people have shared some very hurtful comments they’ve heard that made them feel worse after the loss of a loved one. For example, one woman was just 28 when her 30-year-old husband died in a car accident. She said, “I can’t believe how many people told me, ‘At least you’re young. You’ll find a new husband.’” Another Amen Clinics patient whose son died by suicide, cried when she remembered someone telling her, “It’s a blessing that you have other children.’” Granted, it can be difficult to know what to say or what not to say in life’s most difficult moments. That’s why it’s good to know the phrases that are helpful and the ones you should refrain from using.

19 WORST THINGS TO SAY TO A PERSON IN MOURNING

To help you understand what typically comes off as hurtful rather than helpful, here are 19 things Amen Clinics patients said they wish people would stop saying to someone who’s grieving.
  1. “How are you doing?”
  2. “You’ll be okay after a while.”
  3. “I understand how you feel.”
  4. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
  5. “Stop crying.”
  6. “At least he’s in a better place. His suffering is over.”
  7. “At least she lived a long life. Many people die young.”
  8. “She brought this on herself.”
  9. “Aren’t you over him yet, he’s been dead for a while now.”
  10. “There is a reason for everything.”
  11. “God’s in charge.”
  12. “She was such a good person. God wanted her to be with Him.”
  13. “Just give it time. Time heals.” (Time does not heal, taking the right steps heals.)
  14. “You’re young. You can still have other children.”
  15. “You’ll do better next time in love.”
  16. “It was just a dog (or cat). You can get another one.”
  17. “Stay busy. Don’t think about it.”
  18. “You have to be strong for your spouse, children, mother, etc.” (This diminishes their need to take time to heal.)
  19. “Just move on.”

13 HELPFUL THINGS TO SAY TO (OR DO FOR) A GRIEVING PERSON

Based on what thousands of Amen Clinics patients have said, here are better ways to communicate and connect with someone who’s in mourning.
  1. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
  2. “I wish I had the right words. Please know I care, and I’m here for you.”
  3. “You and your loved ones are in my prayers.”
  4. “I can’t imagine how you feel.” Then be quiet and let them tell you about their feelings.
  5. “I can’t imagine how you feel. When I lost my father I felt …..” Then listen without judgment or criticism.
  6. “I’m here for you.” Better yet, if there is something specific they need, ask if you can do it for them. Ask if you can make phone calls or send emails on their behalf.
  7. “Can I go to the funeral?” This is often an important sign of support.
  8. “Want to talk about what happened?” Many people avoid this question, but it helps the griever to explain it, if they desire, and having a compassionate ear can help them process it more accurately.
  9. Just be present.
  10. Share a memory about the person who’s gone.
  11. Be empathetic. It’s okay for you to show your feelings.
  12. Continue connecting, even after a few months. Many people are inundated in the first few weeks, but they need support long after the funeral is over.
HOW TO COPE WITH GRIEF If you’re the one who’s grieving, know that there are steps you can take to cope with the loss. Allowing yourself to express your painful feelings is one of them. It’s understandable that you may be hesitant to relive traumatic events. However, when you avoid painful thoughts, feelings, and memories, it creates more harm than good in the long run. In some cases, it can lead to what mental health professionals call “complicated grief,” also known as “prolonged grief.” Blocking your feelings can also lead to engaging in unhealthy behaviors to deal with the excess negative emotional energy. A wealth of research, including a study in Behaviour Research and Therapy, has shown that avoidance increases the likelihood of a host of mental health conditions and other psychological issues, such as: Whenever you’re suffering from grief, write out your feelings or find someone you can talk to. This can help bring perspective, which often gets lost during emotional crises. HOW TO TALK ABOUT GRIEF When you’re ready to share your grief with others, consider the following tips: Whether you chat with a close friend, take part in a bereavement group, or get grief counseling, talking about your feelings can help you on your healing journey. Depression, PTSD, 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 or someone you love have trouble expressing negative emotions directly? Do you use sarcasm to veil feelings of frustration, anger, or hurt? Are you subjected to the “silent treatment” by your spouse or teen when they are upset? These are all examples of passive-aggressive communication. We’ve all engaged in this type of behavior, unintentionally, from time to time—or been the recipient of it.  But when it becomes your —or a loved one’s—mode of expression, it can cause tremendous grief for all involved, even jeopardizing relationships and the ability to succeed in life. Passive-aggression is a communication style in which you convey negative emotions like anger or frustration indirectly instead of addressing an individual in a straightforward, honest manner.
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Passive-aggressive behavior can push people away. Sadly, it can also make it very difficult for the passive-aggressive individual to ever have their underlying negative feelings acknowledged or addressed. Here’s how to recognize the behavior in yourself or others.

WHAT IS PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR?

Passive-aggression is a communication style in which you convey negative emotions like anger or frustration indirectly instead of addressing an individual in a straightforward, honest manner. Passive-aggressive behavior can be verbal or nonverbal through body language or other physical actions, such as slamming doors. It’s not uncommon for people to engage in this type of behavior from time to time, usually subconsciously or unintentionally, and perhaps, on occasion, deliberately. On a more insidious level, passive-aggressive behavior can be used to hurt others or manipulate them to get what an individual wants.  Gaslighting, which is when an individual intentionally does things to make another person doubt their perceptions, is considered a form of passive-aggressive behavior. Indeed, the worst forms of this behavior may involve cruelty, denial, distortion, and silence. For some people, acting in a passive-aggressive way can become habitual. This can have a negative impact on many areas of life such as school, work, and personal relationships. In fact, a persistent and problematic expression of these traits was at one time called passive-aggressive personality disorder. Experts later gave it the alternative name of negativistic personality disorder. Today, an individual exhibiting pervasive passive-aggressive traits and meeting the criteria for a personality disorder may be diagnosed with “other specified personality disorder” based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), according to the American Psychological Association. Common traits of passive-aggressive people include indecisiveness, feigned forgetfulness, pessimism, stubbornness, catastrophizing, poor confidence, procrastination, shifting blame, and frequent complaining about their misfortunes. A classic example of passive-aggressive behavior is when an upset individual becomes silent and withdrawn or sullen. If asked what’s wrong, they will deny their feelings, saying “Nothing, I’m fine.” This common scenario illustrates the confusion this behavior causes. The individual is visibly upset, yet they verbally state they are not. The discomfort the individual has with their negative emotions delivers a mixed message. The recipient of this behavior will question if their perception is accurate. It’s important to note that many passive-aggressive people are unaware of their behavior. Sometimes it is deeply unconscious. When confronted, they will deny their feelings. For this reason, experts suggest that if something feels “off” about another’s behavior (i.e., it makes you question what’s really happening or how someone really feels) or you feel personally attacked, it’s a strong indicator that they are indeed passive-aggressive.

WHAT CAUSES PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR?

When direct communication can quickly dispel confusion and facilitate understanding, cooperation, and a greater chance of getting needs met, you may wonder, why do people exhibit passive-aggressive behavior? Researchers point to several reasons. Passive-aggressive communication is common among people who are conflict avoidant. They are typically raised in homes where conflict was not addressed directly and/or negative emotions, especially anger, were not expressed. Sometimes passive-aggressive behavior is situational. For instance, if you’re at a family gathering or in a professional setting, it might not be appropriate to express anger at that moment. Passive-aggressive behavior can be an adaptive response to another person’s controlling behavior. A more pronounced and persistent expression of passive-aggressive behavior can be influenced by any of the following: It’s helpful to be able to recognize problematic passive-aggressive symptoms and signs in yourself and others because many of the causal factors can be addressed.

12 COMMON SIGNS OF PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR

  1. Sulking, Sighing, and Pouting

A passive-aggressive person may express their discontent by sulking, sighing loudly, or pouting—all indicating their unhappiness indirectly.

  1. Acting Sullen

Like in the example given above, in place of direct confrontation, a passive-aggressive individual will adopt a sullen disposition and often will deny anything is wrong. They may become silent, inflicting punishment through their refusal to engage or talk.

  1. Gaslighting

A passive-aggressive person may avoid the possibility of direct conflict by insisting that the other individual is simply misinterpreting their words or actions. They try to make it seem that it’s the other person’s issue.

  1. Ghosting or Creating Distance

Rather than addressing an issue directly or expressing discontent with another person, the passive-aggressive individual may simply stop communicating altogether. Or, they may move away emotionally from a person, creating distance. The silence, distance, or disappearing act will cause distress to the recipient. Any attempts they make to repair things directly will often be met with denial or deflection.

  1. Offering Backhanded Compliments or Subtle Insults

We’ve all received a compliment with a zinger baked into it. Compliments like “Your haircut makes your nose look smaller” or “Congratulations on your marriage. I thought it would never happen!” are examples of this type of backhanded compliment.

  1. Procrastinating or Disregarding Requests

Instead of saying no to your request directly, a passive-aggressive person will drag their feet, procrastinate, or not do what you’ve asked at all.

  1. Using Sarcasm

Sarcasm can be aggression disguised as humor when the intent is to mock or punish another person. Passive-aggressive people are often sarcastic, and they will often deny the ill intent of their sarcasm.

  1. Scorekeeping

A passive-aggressive person tends to keep track of what they do for others. They often feel that others do not do the same for them. They will tally up all the times they feel wronged by another person. They feel justified in subtle, passive behaviors when the list of wrongs grows long.

  1. Sabotaging Others

A passive-aggressive person may sabotage a loved one. Perhaps they’ll have a “crisis” before a really important day for a spouse or friend, sabotaging their chances for success. If they’re angry with or envious of someone, they may say something negative about that person to someone else to influence their opinion.

  1. Vents to Uninvolved Parties

Passive-aggressive types may talk endlessly about their frustrations to a third-party person in order to find comfort and understanding. However, they will not address the issue with the individual directly.

  1. Hints

Masters of hinting, a passive-aggressive person will gently suggest feelings of discontent instead of expressing them directly. They may talk about a similar scenario and how that made them feel. They may reference an earlier incident but not express feelings about it.

  1. Physically Shows Aggression

A passive-aggressive person may slam cupboard doors, shuffle things around loudly, or slam things down to physically suggest anger without using words.

GETTING HELP FOR PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR

The good news about recognizing passive-aggressive behavior is that it can change. Through psychotherapy, an individual can learn to be more comfortable expressing (and receiving) direct communication about more difficult emotions. Any underlying mental health conditions or brain health issue can be treated. With treatment, self-confidence, assertiveness, and self-awareness may make direct communication easier. Passive-aggressive behavior 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. As a psychiatrist with 15 years of experience, I have witnessed the challenges in treating mental health disorders like depression and ADHD. In traditional psychiatry, diagnoses are generally made based on symptom clusters without any biological data. For example, if you feel depressed, you visit your primary care physician and say you’re depressed. You walk out with a diagnosis of depression and a prescription for antidepressant medication. Similarly, if you’re struggling with focus and attention and you seek help, you’re likely to be diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which may also be referred to as attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Along with this diagnosis, you may get a prescription for stimulant medication. Unfortunately, these treatments don’t always work. In the case of depression, one study found that more than 50% of people taking antidepressants did not experience full remission of their symptoms. In other cases, getting the wrong diagnosis or wrong treatment makes symptoms worse. This is simply not good enough. You deserve better. Recent advancements in understanding brain networks offer hope for more precise and effective treatment plans for mental health conditions. Recent advancements in understanding brain networks offer hope for more precise and effective treatment plans for mental health conditions.
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WHAT ARE BRAIN NETWORKS?

Your brain consists of multiple networks that work together to process information and guide our behavior. Some examples of the most important networks include: Each network plays a specific role, and when they don’t function properly, it can lead to mental health issues. Research has indicated that brain networks may be involved in mental illnesses, such as:

HOW BRAIN NETWORKS IMPACT MENTAL HEALTH

Brain systems that aren’t functioning optimally are associated with certain mental health conditions. Let’s consider two patients: Lucy, who has depression, and Michael, who has ADHD. In Lucy’s case, her default mode network, which is active when she’s at rest or self-reflecting, may be overactive. This can lead to rumination and negative thoughts. In addition, her salience network, which helps identify important information, may be underactive. Research shows can lead to focusing on negative experiences. For Michael, his central executive network and dorsal attention network, which helps him focus on specific tasks to completion, may be underactive. This can result in difficulty concentrating and being easily distracted. Moreover, his reward network, which processes motivation and pleasure, may be altered. A study in Trends in Cognitive Sciences shows this can cause challenges in staying motivated and completing tasks.

HOW UNDERSTANDING BRAIN NETWORKS INFORMS TREATMENT OPTIONS

By understanding these brain networks, psychiatrists can develop more targeted treatments rather than the one-size-fits-all solutions often seen in standard mental healthcare. For example, researchers from Yale University have concluded that therapies like mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be tailored to help regulate the default mode network in patients with clinical depression. Medication and supplement options can also be refined. With more personalized treatment options based on brain networks, people like Lucy can overcome depressive symptoms faster and more fully. That leads to better moods, more energy, and greater contentment. For ADHD, findings in JAMA indicate that medications that increase dopamine levels can help improve the function of the reward network. Nutrition, exercise, and supplements can also help here. By implementing treatment plans that include optimizing key brain networks, individuals like Michael with ADHD can improve focus and attention. This can be beneficial in all aspects of an ADHD person’s life—work, school, home, and relationships.

THE FUTURE OF PRECISION PSYCHIATRY

In the future, precision psychiatry may involve using special brain scans and machine learning (AI) tools to identify which networks are not functioning optimally in each patient. This information could guide personalized treatment plans, combining medication, psychotherapy, and other interventions to specifically target the affected networks. While there is still much to learn about brain networks and their role in mental health, the field of psychiatry is making progress. With the world’s largest database of more than 300,000 functional brain scans related to behavior, Amen Clinics has found that with a better brain comes a better life. For more than 30 years, Amen Clinics has been using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans to help us create far more effective and individualized treatments for people struggling with their mental health. As we continue to research and understand these complex brain systems, we move closer to a future where precision psychiatry can enhance the way we help countless individuals lead happier, healthier lives. Depression, ADHD, 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.

Dr. Daniel Emina is a child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist and Associate Medical Director of Amen Clinics. Follow him on Instagram at @doceminamd

  Does your child seem persistently hopeless or helpless? Do they lack motivation or interest in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed? Are they isolating from peers, more tired than usual, or experiencing changes in their sleeping or eating patterns? Every parent knows that children’s moods can shift quickly, especially in the tumultuous adolescent and teen years. But sometimes their behavior signals more than simple mood swings. It may be pointing to a deeper mental health concern such as depression. It’s not uncommon for depression to be misdiagnosed as a different mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder, or for other conditions, such as ADD/ADHD.
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THE RISE OF CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION

According to a 2019 study published in The Journal of Pediatrics, among children 3-17 years old, 7.1% had current anxiety problems, 7.4% had a current behavioral/conduct problem, and 3.2% had current depression. Youngsters diagnosed with clinical depression were the most likely to have received treatment in the previous year (almost 80%). However, the pandemic elevated mental health concerns, including major depressive disorder, among our vulnerable youth. A 2020 study noted a significant increase in depression symptoms among children during the period of pandemic-related lockdowns, for example. Another study in JAMA Network Open cited stats that, by 2021, 41% of U.S. adolescents reported persistently feeling sad or hopeless and demonstrated higher rates of stress and anxiety. Meanwhile, rates of suicidal ideation in adolescents increased from 17% in 2017 to 37% during the pandemic. Teen girls in particular are suffering from record levels of sadness and suicidality, according to research from 2021. Factors like trauma, puberty-related hormonal changes, social media, substance abuse, and lack of social connectedness—any of which can also affect boys—can contribute to these effects.

5 CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS

Do you suspect your child is struggling with their mental health? Keep an eye out for these 5 warning signs of depression:

  1. Mood and attention changes

According to the Child Mind Institute, the most noticeable symptoms of depression relate to changes in mood. You may find that your child is sadder or more irritable than usual. Younger children can be more prone to throwing temper tantrums. Kids can also feel lonely or be more likely to cry. While adolescent mood changes are normal, it’s important to recognize when your child displays low or irritated moods more often, or even most of the time. You may also notice your child lacks focus or is having more difficulty paying attention.

  1. Loss of interest and/or motivation

Low energy levels, lethargy, tiredness/fatigue, and lack of motivation are just some ways depression can manifest in kids and teens. Perhaps your child has lost interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Or they may withdraw from social activities and isolate. These symptoms can start to interfere with their social lives and school performance. If you suspect childhood depression, it’s helpful to talk to your child’s teachers and ask if they’ve also noticed any noteworthy changes.

  1. Self-destructive behaviors

Self-harm can include everything from cutting and hair pulling to substance abuse. Other children may gain or lose weight as they engage in overeating or skipping meals. Meanwhile, teens can show an increase in risk-taking behaviors, such as unprotected sex or reckless driving. They may skip school, drop out of school altogether, or run away from home. And, in cases of childhood and teen depression, tactics like “tough love” and harsh punishments often backfire.

  1. Physical symptoms

We know that mental health conditions can manifest through physical ailments. For example, aches and pains that occur frequently and without a clear cause may point to depression. Additional physical symptoms can include gastrointestinal issues, sleeping too much or too little (especially when there have been changes in sleep patterns), restlessness, muscle tension, headaches, and more.

  1. Negative thinking patterns

Automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) are common in those with depression. As a result, your child can experience feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, fear, or self-loathing. For example, children with depression may engage in all-or-nothing thinking or catastrophizing. They may feel less-than compared to their peers or struggle with maintaining healthy self-esteem. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in helping reframe their thoughts.

DIAGNOSING CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION

In both children and adults, many factors can contribute to depression. Stressful societal changes such as the pandemic are widespread issues that affect everyone to varying degrees. But there are also numerous biological factors, from head injuries to toxin exposure, that can trigger signs of depression. Other youngsters may have a genetic predisposition, with depression present in their family. However, it’s important to note that depression is not a diagnosis, but a symptom. Finding the root cause(s) why they feel depressed is the first step toward healing. This is especially important for young people, as an incorrect diagnosis can set them up for years—or a lifetime—of ineffective treatment. It’s not uncommon for depression to be misdiagnosed as a different mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder, or for other conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also called attention-deficit disorder (ADD). The dangers of not treating or improperly treating depression include: Also keep in mind that not all depression is the same. At Amen Clinics, neuroimaging with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has identified 7 types of depression based on brain activity patterns. Pure depression, for example, may correlate to persistent sad or negative mood, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating. It often results from excessive activity in the deep limbic system. Other lesser-known depression types include: Ultimately, brain scans shows that the appropriate treatment for one type may be ineffective or even detrimental when used on another type.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

As a parent, you may feel powerless when faced with your child’s mental health struggles. But you can take several steps to help them if you suspect they’re experiencing depression. First, keep the lines of communication open and ask questions. They may not have the words to express what they’re dealing with, but being familiar with the above symptoms will help you establish if there’s a problem. When needed, don’t hesitate to seek help. If the telltale signs are persistent (lasting for weeks at a time) and/or interfering with everyday life, it’s important to test for depression and determine which type is affecting your child. Keep in mind that antidepressant medication should never be considered the only depression treatment option. There are numerous natural depression treatments that can help with depressive symptoms, including changes in diet and getting more exercise. Therapy or counseling can help, allowing your child to talk through their problems with a mental health professional. And mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises, can also be beneficial for those with depression.

OVERCOMING CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION

Too many kids, adolescents, and teens with depression are dismissed or disparaged as lazy, unmotivated, low-performing, difficult, or troublemaking. But when parents and other adults in a child’s life look behind troublesome behavior to determine its root causes, they may find a problem that runs deeper than simple youthful rebellion. Fortunately, depression in children and adolescents is treatable. An accurate diagnosis, healthy lifestyle habits, and support from caring adults can make a world of difference. In fact, by introducing kids to healthier coping strategies, treatment has the potential to transform childhood depression from life-disrupting to life-enriching. 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 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Blanking out on people’s names, forgetting appointments, having problems with short-term memory—these are classic memory symptoms of early dementia. But memory loss isn’t the only sign of dementia. In fact, there are many other behavioral changes that don’t have anything to do with memory that can be an indicator you’re heading for Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Do you know these early signs of dementia? In this blog, you’ll meet a successful businessman whose out-of-character behaviors were the first signs of trouble, and you’ll learn the 9 weird symptoms of dementia you need to know. Memory loss isn’t the only sign of dementia. there are many other behavioral changes that don’t have anything to do with memory that can be an indicator you’re heading for Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
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CASE STUDY: HOW RAYMOND’S ODD BEHAVIOR LED TO A DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS

The neuropsychiatrists at Amen Clinics, the global leader in brain health, have worked with thousands of people who don’t realize that their changing behaviors could be early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Take Raymond (not his real name), for example. A highly successful businessman who had always played by the rules, Raymond visited Amen Clinics for help after his once-wonderful life started falling apart. In his 50s he suddenly began gambling heavily, having extramarital affairs, and engaging in illegal activities at work. With his gambling and bad investments, he lost millions of dollars, nearly lost his wife of 30-plus years, and got arrested for insider trading. He didn’t know why he was acting so out of character, but he couldn’t stop himself. After his arrest, he realized he needed help. At Amen Clinics, Raymond underwent a functional brain imaging study using a technology called single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). SPECT looks at blood flow and activity levels in the brain. It shows areas with healthy activity, too much activity, and too little activity. SPECT scans can be very helpful in identifying Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. And these functional brain scans can show patterns associated with these dreaded conditions years or even decades before a person develops memory loss. Raymond’s SPECT scans showed decreased blood flow and low activity in his frontal lobes and temporal lobes, a pattern commonly seen in a type of dementia called frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Even though Raymond didn’t have any problems with forgetfulness, his brain scans helped him understand what was causing his behavior changes. This allowed him to start a treatment program before potential memory problems emerged. Here are 9 early warning signs of dementia you should investigate.

9 WEIRD SIGNS OF DEMENTIA

  1. Breaking the law
Law-abiding citizens who suddenly begin stealing, trespassing, or driving recklessly may be exhibiting early signs of dementia, in particular FTD. A study in JAMA Neurology found that in 14% of people with FTD, breaking laws was the first sign of dementia.
  1. Eating weird stuff
Changes in appetite and the foods you crave are an early warning sign of dementia, according to a Japanese study in Plos One. Some people with dementia will eat food that is rancid or spoiled or may eat non-food objects, such as flowers. These odd changes may be due to the fact that dementia attacks parts of the brain that regulate appetite and taste buds.
  1. Falling more frequently
Do you find yourself tripping or falling more often? Be aware that a brain-imaging study in the journal Neurology that involved 125 older adults found that those who fell most frequently were more likely to have the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the study, falls as well as changes in gait may precede any cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
  1. Gum disease
A growing body of research, including a study in the Journal of Periodontology, has shown that periodontal (gum) disease is a risk factor for dementia. Gum disease is associated with inflammation, which has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day after meals and floss daily: Flossing your teeth is a brain exercise! And see a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
  1. Inability to pick up on sarcasm
If sarcastic remarks are going over your head, it may be related to dementia, according to brain-imaging research from the University of California, San Francisco. This study shows that the ability to discern sarcasm and other ironic speech in face-to-face encounters is diminished in people with Alzheimer’s or FTD.
  1. Engaging in compulsive behaviors
An unexpected sign of early dementia in some people is a tendency to develop new compulsive behaviors or rituals. For example, becoming a hoarder later in life may signal trouble. A UCLA neuroimaging study using SPECT scans found that 38% of patients with FTD and 10% of those with Alzheimer’s exhibited compulsive behaviors. More recent research in The Journal of Neuropsychiatry suggests that in people with early frontotemporal dementia, these behaviors are more likely impulse-driven due to harmful changes in the frontal lobes, which are heavily involved in impulse control.
  1. Your sense of smell is off
Are you unable to distinguish scents like cinnamon, baby powder, or gasoline? This could be one of the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. According to one study, having trouble with sense of smell (called anosmia) is one of the earliest preclinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Other research in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has found that the brains of people with olfactory dysfunction often have the same harmful changes as those seen in Alzheimer’s patients. Scientific evidence shows that repeated exposure to certain odors can improve the ability to smell. Some suggested scents from essential oils include rose, lemon, cloves, and eucalyptus.
  1. Having clinical depression
Depression doubles the risk of cognitive impairment in women and quadruples it in men. One study in the Archives of General Psychiatry evaluated 5,781 elderly women with tests of mood and memory. Women with 3-5 depressive symptoms were at 60% greater odds for cognitive deterioration, and women with 6 or more depression symptoms were 230% more likely to have problems! The researchers concluded that depression in older women is associated with both poor cognitive function and subsequent cognitive decline. Late life depression may, in fact, be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. This is why it’s so critical to seek help for depression from a mental health professional. Overcoming major depressive disorder may help you ward off neurodegenerative disease. Late life depression may, in fact, be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.
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  1. Having ADHD or other untreated mental health problems
A 2019 study in the Journal of Attention Disorders showed that adults with ADHD are over 3 times more likely to develop dementia compared with adults who don’t have ADHD. Treating mental health disorders can help save your memory. Research shows increased dementia risk with: Adults with ADHD are over 3 times more likely to develop dementia.
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DEMENTIA TREATMENT

Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is more effective when it is started early. That’s why you need to be aware of the non-memory related warning signs of this devastating disease. If you or a loved one is struggling with any of these weird signs of Alzheimer’s disease, don’t wait to seek help. In some cases, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and medications (if needed) can improve symptoms. Memory loss, depression, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Are you someone who struggles with anxiety and depression inwardly, but outwardly presents a happy persona to the world? Do you worry that your anxiety symptoms or depressive symptoms will scare people away or jeopardize your career? Do you feel there’s something weak or shameful about having mental health issues? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for individuals with anxiety disorders and clinical depression to hide their conditions from others. In fact, a recent survey by Kantar research, commissioned by the mental health organization See Change, found that more than half (53%) of young people would contemplate hiding a mental health disorder from family or friends. More than half (53%) of young people would contemplate hiding a mental health disorder from family or friends.
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Sometimes an individual struggling with depression symptoms will appear outwardly cheerful, smiling often, thus masking the condition from others. This is termed “smiling depression,” which can exacerbate depression and associated anxiety and even lead to suicidality. Indeed, the cost for hiding anxiety and depression is great. Mental health experts have found that there are significant reasons why people conceal mental health disorders. Here’s what may be driving smiling depression and hidden anxiety in you or a loved one.

ABOUT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Not everyone who has depression fits the stereotype of being sad, isolated, and unable to get out of bed. In fact, brain scans using a technology called single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) at Amen Clinics have revealed there are 7 types of depression. Smiling depression may be considered a form of “high-functioning depression.” Individuals who exhibit smiling depression may inwardly experience some of the core symptoms of depression, such as: Despite their internal symptoms, these people appear “normal” to the outside world. Often co-occurring with depression, an individual hiding anxiety may inwardly experience some of the less visible symptoms of anxiety: Outwardly, they try to appear calm, although that can be difficult if they experience more visible core symptoms of anxiety such as being easily startled, rapid breathing, sweating, or trembling.

7 REASONS WHY PEOPLE HIDE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

There are many understandable reasons why you might hide symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gaining insight, empathy, and acceptance about what drives this behavior will help you or your loved ones seek help and treatment.

1. Fear of burdening others

Guilt is a major feature of depression. This tends to create a feeling of being burdensome in those who are struggling inwardly with the pain of depressive or anxious symptoms. If you have a caretaking personality, it can feel especially wrong to ask for help. If you appear to have a great life, you may additionally feel guilty about not being happy. Instead, you silently struggle while outwardly acting as if everything is okay or by appearing happy.

2. Shame or embarrassment

Internalized stigma about mental illness, called “self-stigma,” may lead some individuals to think depression and anxiety are signs of weakness or a moral failing. This is very common for people who grew up in a family that did not talk about mental health openly or maintained a “stiff upper lip” approach to psychological pain. This type of individual may feel tremendous shame about not being able to handle their depression and/or anxiety. Pretending they are okay and appearing outwardly “normal” is their solution. Additionally, perfectionists—often driven by shame—may find a mental health disorder intolerable and unacceptable, preferring to appear fine at all costs.

3. Denial

We all have a psychological defense mechanism called denial. It’s a protective tool the mind reverts to when things get difficult or overwhelming. On the one hand, it allows us to have time to adjust to a difficult or disturbing change in our reality. With depression and anxiety, smiling or acting calm serves to keep the reality of potentially having a mental health condition at bay. Yet, it also inhibits us from acknowledging there’s a problem and making a needed change by getting treatment. Some people struggle to admit that there might be something wrong with them. Pretending like they’re fine is a better choice than being vulnerable and opening up about how they really feel. The protective shield of denial may be strong in individuals who came from families where denial was modeled. Mental health issues can be a big trigger for denial, experts report. Denial can also stem from fear about side effects of medication, cost of treatment, or mistrust of medical doctors due to past experiences.

4. Negative feedback

Mental health experts have observed that individuals who struggle with anxiety and/or depression may unconsciously learn to hide their symptoms when they receive negative feedback from others in response to their depressive symptoms, negative thinking, or anxious thoughts and behaviors. Sometimes it’s a conscious decision to smile and act “okay” to protect themselves from rejection or pain. People with anxiety and depression may worry that they’ll overwhelm friends, partners, or family members or they will be judged The negative thoughts and paranoia that are symptomatic of depression and anxiety can make you feel hypersensitive to criticism from others furthering the desire to conceal your inner struggle.

5. Stigma

Although public understanding of mood disorders like anxiety and depression has increased in recent years, stigma still exists. Mental health stigma has existed for centuries and has been reinforced by Influences such as inaccurate portrayals of mental health disorders in media, our country’s history of institutionalizing individuals with mental illness, our former criminalization of suicidality, and more. Too often, public stigma causes individuals with mental health conditions to think of themselves as defective or having caused their illness. The cultural stigma becomes self-stigma, as mentioned above, where an individual carries a negative perception and internalized shame about their own mental health disorder. Unfortunately, our culture doesn’t fully understand that depression and anxiety are illnesses with neurobiological underpinnings caused by a number of factors, including brain function and genetic predisposition. As a result, you may hide your depression and anxiety symptoms from others or yourself, or both.

6. Fear of discrimination

People with anxiety and depression will go to great lengths to keep their symptoms hidden in the workplace out of fear of being passed over for a promotion or worse, being fired. Of course, this causes tremendous stress as they struggle to focus and perform while privately grappling with low energy, fatigue, concentration, worries, low mood, and other symptoms. These fears are not unfounded. Even though people with mental health disorders are supposed to be protected under the law, discrimination does exist.  Recent data shows that complaints in workplace discrimination based on mental health disorders have increased. A large portion of these complaints are related to anxiety disorders. That said, disclosing a mental health disorder with an understanding employer or supervisor can be very beneficial. Many informed employers/bosses will readily make accommodations to support the well-being of employees struggling with depression and/or anxiety.

7. Unaware of being anxious/depressed

Here’s a surprising reason: Some people don’t realize that they’re anxious or depressed! They may have less recognizable symptoms of depression or anxiety. Or, in some cases, their symptoms may increase slowly over time, making them harder to notice. According to a report from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, there are hard-to-identify symptoms of depression, such as: There are some surprising physical signs of anxiety too, including dental health issues, poor libido, brittle nails, inflammation, and a more pronounced stress response.

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION TREATMENT

Smiling and pretending to be fine are ultimately a risky way to respond to feelings of depression and anxiety. Untreated depression and anxiety increase your chances of developing other mental disorders and health issues, substance abuse, eating disorders, panic attacks, relationship problems, work problems, suicide, and more. The great news is that anxiety and depression are treatable with psychotherapy, medication (when necessary), and lifestyle changes such as meditation, healthy diet, nutritional supplementation, restorative sleep, exercise, and social connections. If you suspect you or a loved one might be hiding depression or anxiety, don’t continue to suffer. Reach out to a qualified mental health professional for help. Anxiety, 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 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. The word psychiatry originates from the Medieval Latin psychiatria, meaning “healing of the soul.” Many societies have viewed mental illness as a form of divine punishment or demon possession. This has led to some very strange and unsettling things that have been prescribed to heal mental illness throughout the ages, such as leeches, lobotomies, and even exorcism. The history of psychiatry is filled with weird treatments. Some very strange and unsettling things that have been prescribed to heal mental illness throughout the ages, such as leeches, lobotomies, and even exorcism.
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In this blog, you’ll take a fascinating journey through the history of psychiatric treatments. Here are 11 of the craziest.

11 WEIRD MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENTS

  1. Carving a Hole in Your Head
In ancient Indian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman writings, mental illness was often seen as a religious or personal failure. As early as 6,500 BC, prehistoric skulls and cave art showed evidence of trepanation. This surgical procedure involved drilling or scraping a hole in the skull to release evil spirits thought to be trapped inside.
  1. Exorcism
By the Middle Ages, supernatural explanations of mental illnesses resurfaced in Europe in an attempt to explain natural disasters, such as plagues and famines. In the 13th century, mentally ill people, especially females, were treated as demon-possessed witches. In the 16th century, Dutch physician Johann Weyer and Englishman Reginald Scot tried to persuade their populations that those accused of witchcraft were actually people with mental illnesses in need of help. However, the Catholic Church’s Inquisition banned their writings. In some cases, religious leaders attempted exorcisms to unleash the demons.
  1. Sterilization
In 1789, King George III of England descended into madness. This crisis triggered physicians at England’s insane asylums to begin looking into the inheritance patterns of mental illness. Asylum directors started using family trees and surveys to study and track down affected relatives of their patients. They institutionalized them as well, believing these people should be discouraged from reproducing. Asylum superintendents, legislators, and social reformers embarked on a deeply misguided eugenics movement to improve society by passing sterilization laws. These laws were eventually supported by the U.S. Supreme Court (1927 Buck vs. Bell case), passed in 32 states, and formed part of the rationale for Nazi Germany’s atrocities. This movement continued into the 1960s, with more than 60,000 Americans undergoing sterilization.
  1. Bloodletting with Leeches
Physician Benjamin Rush is considered the father of American psychiatry. In his book, Medical Inquiries and Observations upon the Diseases of the Mind, he wrote about hypochondriasis, which is form of melancholia or modern-day depression. He wrote that this condition needed to be treated by “direct and drastic interferences” that involved “assaulting the patient’s mind and body” in an attempt to reset their constitution. He recommended that doctor’s “plumb” patients’ systems by bleeding with leeches, blistering, and cupping (similar to the current cupping trend).
  1. Purging with Poison
Rush also prescribed drugs, like mercury, arsenic, and strychnine—now known to be poisonous—to induce vomiting and diarrhea. He also suggested fasting for two or three days. Once the body was cleaned out, he recommended:
  1. Spinning in a Gyrating Chair
Rush also believed that many psychiatric illnesses were the result of blocked circulation. To improve brain blood flow in schizophrenic patients, Rush would strap them into a “gyrating chair.” This device resembling a merry-go-round. Rush would spin patients around until they became dizzy. It didn’t work.
  1. Animal Magnetism
In the 1770s, Europe was influenced by German physician Franz Anton Mesmer, who attempted to treat the “energy blockages” he believed were at the root of mental illness. He thought all illnesses could be attributed to an insufficient flow of what he called “animal magnetism.”1 By putting patients into a trance-like state and then probing certain body parts to restore energy flow, Mesmer drove his patients to states of crisis (delirium or seizures). In some patients, symptoms miraculously vanished after the treatment, rocketing Mesmer to celebrity status. In 1843, Scottish physician James Braid coined the term hypnosis for a technique derived from animal magnetism to induce hypnotic trances.
  1. Inducing Fevers
Austrian physician Julius Wagner-Jauregg experimented with curing psychosis by inducing fevers. Misguided, he infected his patients with the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. It was not successful. Undeterred, he began to use malaria parasites in 1917 to treat psychotic patients suffering from syphilis. About 15% of them died, and the rest contracted malaria, but the fevers did temporarily decrease their symptoms. When others tried to replicate his work, however, it failed. Even so, Wagner-Jauregg was awarded the Nobel Prize for his research in 1927.
  1. Triggering Insulin Seizures
In 1927, another Austrian psychiatrist, Walter Sakel, administered large doses of insulin to purposely cause seizures in psychotic patients. Researchers discovered that if blood glucose levels went too low, people fell into a coma or experienced seizures, and this could temporarily alleviate symptoms. Unfortunately, the treatment was associated with negative side effects, such as obesity and more severe consequences, including brain damage and even death.
  1. Lobotomy
What is a lobotomy? It’s a procedure developed by Portuguese neurologist António Moniz. In 1935, Moniz drilled holes into the skulls of 20 mentally disturbed patients and used a wire to sever the connections in the brain’s frontal lobes. Moniz was hoping the procedure, now known as a lobotomy, would calm his patients, who suffered from anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. It worked! Patients became more compliant, spurring wide adoption of the procedure, which was subsequently used on thousands of patients. Over time, however, it became apparent that it destroyed personalities and turned people into zombie-like beings. Despite these alarming side effects, Moniz also received a Nobel Prize for his work.
  1. Shock Therapy
In 1938, Italian neurologists Ugo Cerletti and Lucino Bini were the first to deliver electric shocks to patients to induce seizures. They found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) had more lasting benefits than insulin shock therapy with fewer side effects. ECT is still used today to treat severe cases of schizophrenia, clinical depression, mania, and serious suicidal thoughts. With anesthesia, muscle relaxants, and more targeted dosing, it can be an effective technique, but it can also cause memory problems, confusion, headaches, and muscle aches. BETTER TREATMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS Thankfully, psychiatry is making strides with more effective and far less barbaric treatments.  Forward-thinking psychiatrists like the team of professionals at Amen Clinics are practicing a form of precision psychiatry that involves a brain-body approach to treating mental illness. Thanks to functional brain-imaging studies using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans, it has become clear that mental health is really brain health. Brain function is related to a person’s mental wellbeing. With SPECT scans, people can get more targeted treatment that is tailored to their individual needs. In some instances, psychiatric medication may be necessary, but not always. In many cases, natural treatments for brain health and mental health are a first line of defense. When it comes to treating major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions, strategies may include: With so many advances in psychiatry, there has never been a better time to seek help for mental health problems. Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, attention problems, 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. The pain of grief and loss is an inevitable and natural part of being human. While the death of a loved one is one of the hardest losses many of us face, there are other significant losses in life too. We may grieve the loss of pets, jobs, relationships, homes, identities, or meaningful chapters in our lives. Some people are remarkably resilient, able to cope with grief and loss and eventually adjust to a changed life. Others, however, find themselves unable to adapt. Dealing with grief and loss is an important and fundamental life skill, one that our culture does little to teach. Thankfully, neuroscientists and mental health experts have conducted a considerable amount of research on grief and loss. Here’s how grief impacts our brains, minds, and bodies, as well as ways to make coping with grief a little less painful. Research suggests that our brains encode a bond with those we love, and when we lose a significant person, our brain has a period of readjustment where it works to rewire itself.
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ABOUT GRIEF

In simple terms, grief is the response we have to a significant loss. Understanding how grief works is key to moving through it. Grief is an individual experience. While there are some commonalities in the experience of grief, the grieving process is highly personalized. There are many varying factors that go into the duration and intensity of an individual’s grieving process, according to research. The type of loss, the number of losses one has had, personality, age, health, genetic makeup, depth of attachment, spiritual or religious beliefs, and coping style are just some of the influences that determine how an individual may grieve. While one individual may have obvious, discernable expressions of grief, another may not have any. Both are valid. There’s no correct way to mourn a loss.

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF

The emotional experience of grief is often described as coming in waves. They can be visceral and often happen spontaneously. Over time they become less frequent, although a holiday, birthday, or reminder can trigger emotion even years after a significant loss. Emotions can run the full spectrum from anguish and tears to joy and laughter. It’s common to feel conflicting emotions. Sometimes, you might feel emotionless, like running on autopilot. It is perfectly normal to experience any of the following emotions after a significant loss:

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF

Loss is an extreme stressor, and our bodies take a hit. After a significant loss, our brain triggers the release of stress hormones like those involved in the fight-flight-or-freeze response, which may impact overall health. Research indicates that grief is associated with greater stress, disrupted sleep, weakened immune function, and a higher risk of heart health issues. Additionally, common physical symptoms include:

BRAIN AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES IN GRIEF

Grief may cause changes in your brain and behavior. Known as “grief brain,” grief can affect activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex and limbic system. This can make it difficult to focus and complete tasks. Grief can reinforce brain wiring that keeps the brain in a permanent stress response. Common symptoms may include:

10 WAYS TO COPE WITH GRIEF AND LOSS

Understanding that you are in a grief process beyond your control is an important concept to grasp when coping with loss. But there are many things in your control that can help you better navigate major losses.
  1. Seek out caring supporters.
Studies suggest that social support is critical for the bereaved, especially emotional support. Find people in your life—trusted friends, family members, a therapist, or grief support group—that you can reach out to. Look for caring people who don’t try to “fix” your pain, but who will listen and be with you. It can be helpful to talk about your loss. In addition, spending time with your pets can be beneficial.
  1. Make time for reflection and self-care.
It’s necessary to leave pockets of down time in your schedule to rest and reflect when you’re grieving. This provides space to fully experience your feelings of grief. Some people may find this difficult. It’s not uncommon for grieving individuals to avoid grief in busyness or addictive behaviors or substances. Meditate, journal, or drink tea while you stare out the window. If you have a creative pursuit that you practice, such as knitting, painting, or playing music, engaging it can help you express your grief creatively. Be with your inner life and any uncomfortable feelings that arise. Don’t run from your grief.
  1. Delay big or consequential decisions.
If possible, hold off on big life decision—such as moving, leaving a job, divorcing, remarrying, making big investments, or having a baby—until you’ve had time to integrate your loss. You likely have grief brain and are not thinking clearly or able to make your best decisions.
  1. Ensure restful sleep.
Sleeplessness is common in the immediate aftermath of loss. Yet, your brain and body need sleep more than ever. Research suggests that our brains encode a bond with those we love, and when we lose a significant person, our brain has a period of readjustment where it works to rewire itself. It needs restorative sleep for this process! Practice good sleep hygiene. Take supplements such as melatonin, vitamin B6, GABA, 5-HTP, magnesium and theanine to support restful sleep.
  1. Find healthy distractions.
It’s healthy to take a break from the pain of grief. Distract yourself with productive or enjoyable activities but be careful not to overdo it. Examples of good distractions may be:
  1. Move your body.
Getting out in nature for a walk can be wonderfully restorative and calming. It can boost your cognition and help balance your mood as well. If it sounds like too much, ask a friend to walk with you or simply walk around the block. Other exercise like dance or sports activities can help to relieve pent-up energy in the body and allow you to work through anger or frustration.
  1. Create meaning and new rituals.
Most mental health experts agree that creating rituals that acknowledge a loved one who’s gone is an important part of integrating the loss. It could be as simple as giving to your loved one’s favorite charity. Or perhaps you light a special candle in their honor on their birthday or an important holiday or cook one of their favorite recipes. Some people create altars or plant a tree in remembrance. Find a ritual that works for you.
  1. Understand that grieving is a period of new learning.
As grief expert Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor explains, part of coping with grief is realizing it is a period of new learning for you and your brain—particularly after the loss of a loved one. When a loved one dies, many daily habits will need to change. For example, if you habitually called the individual you lost the moment something happened, you realize you can’t call them. Know that all the new learning you are doing is part of the grieving process. It will help you to be gentler with yourself as you adjust to the loss.
  1. Seek professional support.
If you’re experiencing persistent cognitive issues or having trouble functioning due to grief six months to a year after your loss, or if you’re having suicidal thoughts, it’s important to see a qualified mental health professional. It’s possible you may have an underlying brain health issue, mental health condition, or complicated grief, also known as prolonged grief disorder. Getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment can help you navigate loss.
  1. Don’t expect grief to fit into stages or timetables.
In the 1960s, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross identified five stages of grief and loss: denial anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, which set up an expectation that one might move through grief in a linear way and then be done with it. Researchers have since debunked this notion because it fails to represent the many complex emotions and processes that characterize grief and grieving. You may experience denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance in your grief process, but not necessarily in stages. Remember that grief has no timetable. Over time, the waves of acute grief do settle down, becoming less frequent, and our relationship to the feelings of loss change. We become more adept at comforting ourselves in moments when they arise. Integrating a loss takes an unspecified amount of time, but grief never fully goes away. That said, we are resilient and can find happiness again even after a devastating loss. Grief and loss, grief brain, complicated grief 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.