New Genetic Study Could Transform Approach to Mental Health
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Mental health treatment is a deeply personal journey, and everyone’s path to healing is unique. However, there’s nothing more frustrating than committing time, energy, and money to therapy, medication, or other treatments only to feel stuck.
Unfortunately, due to misdiagnosis, cookie-cutter treatments, or a failure to identify the root causes of mental health symptoms, many people don’t get the results they want from traditional mental health care. Just look at the results of one study indicating that antidepressants don’t work for over half of depressed people.
Whether you’ve been attending therapy or taking psychiatric medication for months (or years), or you’re new to your mental health treatment, it may not be doing enough for you. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it.
Recognizing when traditional mental health treatment isn’t working can be the first step to a better treatment experience.
Here are 10 signs that your treatment may not be meeting your needs and what you can do to course-correct to achieve your personal mental health goals.
Recognizing when traditional mental health treatment isn’t working can be the first step to a better treatment experience.
One of the clearest signs that your mental health treatment isn’t working is the lack of improvement in your symptoms. Whether you’re managing clinical depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or another condition, effective treatment should lead to measurable progress over time.
According to statistics from the National Library of Medicine, up to 50% of people with depression do not respond to their initial treatment plan. If you feel like you’re running in place, it’s time to discuss alternative options with your provider.
It’s not uncommon to experience emotional discomfort when diving into tough topics during therapy, but constantly feeling worse without relief could signal a deeper problem. A 2023 study found that treatment-resistant mental health issues often worsen without appropriate adjustments.
So, if your symptoms are intensifying, it’s crucial to reevaluate your approach with your mental health professional.
Clear and comfortable communication provides therapeutic rapport that plays a significant role in a successful mental health treatment plan. If you don’t feel heard, understood, or respected by your therapist, it can hinder your progress.
Research from Frontiers in Psychiatry Journal shows that a strong therapist-client alliance can be a powerful predictor of therapeutic success, impacting nearly 8% of success in therapy. If this connection is missing, consider seeking a different provider to ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance for treatment.
A cookie-cutter approach to mental health treatment often fails to address the specific needs of an individual. For example, stimulant medication for ADHD may be highly effective for one person, but could make another person’s symptoms worse.
Personalized treatment plans often allow space for better outcomes. If your current plan doesn’t feel tailored to you, discuss customized options with your provider.
While medication can be a lifeline for many, the wrong prescription or dosage can lead to side effects that worsen your quality of life. According to a 2023 report by the JAMA Network Research Journal, about 25% of people experience adverse effects from antidepressants that cause them to discontinue treatment within the first month and 68% within three months.
If you have questions or feel your medication isn’t improving your mental health and creating additional challenges, it’s essential to work with your doctor to find a better solution.
Effective mental health treatment should equip you with tools and strategies to manage stress, triggers, and symptoms. If you’re not gaining actionable coping skills, you might not be receiving the full benefit of therapy.
You can feel more empowered to support your own brain health alongside your choice of therapy by incorporating practical strategies that have been proven to work like:
If your sessions lack this focus, it’s worth discussing with your therapist and your doctor.
If you find yourself dreading therapy sessions or avoiding assigned homework, it could be a sign that your current approach isn’t resonating with you. A 2019 article by the American Psychological Association found that client engagement is a critical predictor of success and continued attendance in mental health treatment.
If your treatment feels like a chore, consider exploring alternative therapies that align better with your needs.
A clear roadmap is vital for effective mental health treatment. Goal setting has been shown to help young people with anxiety or depression by improving communication, building trust, and making their care feel more manageable.
If you haven’t set specific goals with your provider or feel like you’re not making progress toward them, it’s a red flag. Measurable progress is a key indicator of treatment success. If your sessions feel aimless, request a structured plan with clear milestones.
Some therapy models focus on immediate symptom relief without digging into the underlying causes. While short-term relief is important, ignoring the root cause can lead to recurring problems and disengagement when things don’t work out.
Comprehensive mental health treatment should address both immediate symptoms and long-term factors like trauma or lifestyle. If your sessions lack depth, it may be time to switch approaches.
Mental health treatment often works best when it’s multifaceted. For instance, combining therapy with lifestyle changes, medication, or brain-healthy habits can amplify results.
Decades of research and clinical practice at Amen Clinics underscores the value of integrating brain health practices like proper nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness into treatment plans. If your current approach feels one-dimensional, consider supplementing it with additional strategies.
If any of the above signs resonate with you, it’s time to act. Here’s how you can advocate for better mental health therapy outcomes starting now:
Identifying when your mental health treatment isn’t working can feel discouraging, but think of it as an opportunity for growth and positive change. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps, you can find a treatment plan that truly supports your overall wellness. Mental health is a journey, not a destination—and the right support can make all the difference.
Wiles, Nicola et al. “Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy for treatment-resistant depression in primary care: the CoBalT randomised controlled trial.” Health technology assessment (Winchester, England) vol. 18,31 (2014): 1-167, vii-viii. doi:10.3310/hta18310
Chand SP, Arif H. Depression. (Updated 2023 Jul 17). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430847/
McIntyre RS, Alsuwaidan M, Baune BT, Berk M, Demyttenaere K, Goldberg JF, Gorwood P, Ho R, Kasper S, Kennedy SH, Ly-Uson J, Mansur RB, McAllister-Williams RH, Murrough JW, Nemeroff CB, Nierenberg AA, Rosenblat JD, Sanacora G, Schatzberg AF, Shelton R, Stahl SM, Trivedi MH, Vieta E, Vinberg M, Williams N, Young AH, Maj M. Treatment-resistant depression: definition, prevalence, detection, management, and investigational interventions. World Psychiatry. 2023 Oct;22(3):394-412. doi: 10.1002/wps.21120. PMID: 37713549; PMCID: PMC10503923.
Golder S, Medaglio D, O’Connor K, Hennessy S, Gross R, Gonzalez Hernandez G. Reasons for Discontinuation or Change of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Online Drug Reviews. JAMA Netw Open.2023;6(7):e2323746. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.23746
Fung TKH, Lau BWM, Ngai SPC, Tsang HWH. Therapeutic Effect and Mechanisms of Essential Oils in Mood Disorders: Interaction between the Nervous and Respiratory Systems. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 3;22(9):4844. doi: 10.3390/ijms22094844. PMID: 34063646; PMCID: PMC8125361.
DeAngelis, T. (2019, November 1). Better relationships with patients lead to better outcomes. Monitor on Psychology, 50(10). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/11/ce-corner-relationships
Jacob, J., Stankovic, M., Spuerck, I. et al. Goal setting with young people for anxiety and depression: What works for whom in therapeutic relationships? A literature review and insight analysis. BMC Psychol 10, 171 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00879-5https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-022-00879-5
Beauvais, D., McCarthy, E., Norman, S., & Hamblen, J. L. (n.d.). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/emdr_pro.asp
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.
Need a quick healthy meal or snack? If you’re like most Americans, you’ll probably reach for something that’s prepackaged. Research suggests that about 60% of the average American’s calories are derived from eating processed foods. Many of these foods say things like, “All natural,” “Gluten-Free,” or “Fruit-Filled.” Sure, they sound healthy, but are they really?
Unfortunately, many store products that claim to be good for you are actually harming your brain, sabotaging your moods, and stealing your focus. To help you make better choices, here are six so-called healthy foods to avoid as well as brain healthy swaps.
Unfortunately, many store products that claim to be good for you are actually harming your brain, sabotaging your moods, and stealing your focus.
What could be better than a refreshing fruit smoothie? If you’re buying a packaged variety off the store shelf, it could be hiding harmful ingredients.
Check the nutrition labels of these pre-blended beverages and depending on the brand, you may find upwards of 50 grams of sugar, no fiber, and only a skimpy amount of protein. These are like a straight shot of sugar into your bloodstream, which can lead to feelings of anxiousness or irritability.
Brain healthy swap: If you can’t make your own smoothie, opt for one that has whole ingredients for higher fiber content, low sugar, and higher protein levels.
Looking for a healthy crunch? Veggie chips made from spinach, tomatoes, and other garden-fresh fare seems like a perfect solution. Not so fast!
Most of these “veggie” chips are filled with potato starch, harmful oils, sodium, and sugar. Just as bad as what’s in these snacks is what isn’t—fiber. Eating a diet of low-fiber foods that are high in sugar is a recipe for diabetes, a condition that is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety disorders, and clinical depression.
Brain healthy swap: Crunch on real veggies—chopped carrots or cucumbers, for example—and dip in hummus.
Didn’t we learn anything from the fat-free craze of the ’80s? In order to tempt shoppers to buy products that aren’t healthy, food manufacturers add flashy catch-phrases like “gluten-free” on their packaging.
This doesn’t mean these food-like substances contain anything nutritious. Gluten-free fare like muffins, cookies, or pancake mix can be bursting with sugar, bad-for-you oils, artificial dyes, and preservatives. Artificial dyes have been associated with hyperactivity in some children and adults and may worsen symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Brain healthy swap: Take charge of what goes into your body by making it yourself. For a delicious and brain-approved breakfast treat, try Tana Amen’s Grainless Blueberry Muffins.
Yes, nut butters can be a great snack that provides healthy fats and protein. But some peanut butters are chock full of cheap and unhealthy oils, sugar, corn syrup solids, soy protein, and preservatives. Plus, peanuts are a common allergen that can trigger inflammation, and inflammation is associated with a host of psychiatric issues such as depression.
Research in the Journal of Food Protection shows that America’s favorite nuts (which are actually legumes rather than nuts) may contain harmful substances, such as aflatoxins. These are a form of mycotoxins, which can contribute to mental and cognitive health symptoms.
Brain healthy swap: Try organic almond, cashew, or macadamia nut butter instead of peanut butter. And make sure your nut butter has no more than 2 ingredients—nuts and salt.
Oatmeal is well-known as a good source of fiber, and it contains important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But the instant variety doesn’t have as much of these good-for-you nutrients. It also has lower amounts of iron and protein.
In addition, instant oats are often flavored with loads of added sugars, sodium, artificial flavors, and milk powders. And the quick-cooking stuff ranks high on the glycemic index, which means it causes blood sugar levels to spike then crash.
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that high-glycemic, low-fiber foods also increase the risk of depression.
Brain healthy swap: Once a week, make a pot of steel-cut oats or slow-cooking rolled oats. Then just grab a small bowl that you can quickly heat up when you want them. Add fresh fruit, raw nuts, and brain healthy spices like cinnamon for a well-rounded meal.
If you’re looking for a quick meal with lots of fresh veggies, look elsewhere. Most of the salad-in-a-bag options may have a decent base of greens, but those little packets included can be where the trouble lies.
They may contain corn (a potential allergen for many people), sweetened cranberries (hello, sugar!), toasted croutons (gluten galore), and dressing (unhealthy vegetable oils, sugar, and sodium).
Potential allergens—such as corn, soy, MSG, dairy, artificial sweeteners, and gluten—may result in brain inflammation that is associated with a host of mental health issues, such as brain fog, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder symptoms, ADD/ADHD, autism symptoms, and more.
Brain healthy swap: Take a couple extra minutes in the morning and make your own salad to go. Toss in fresh chopped veggies and mix up a simple dressing with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar.
When it comes to your mental well-being, the food you put on the end of your fork or spoon has a major impact on how you feel. Eating pre-packaged or store-bought items that have a “health halo”—meaning they seem nutritious—can backfire and contribute to brain fog, low moods, high anxiety, concentration problems, and more.
Always read nutrition labels so you understand what you’re putting into your body. As much as possible, stick to whole foods to fuel your brain and improve your mental health. Eating right can be a powerful part of a mental health treatment plan to help enhance moods, calm anxiety, and think more clearly.
Gupta, Shilpi et al. “Characterizing Ultra-Processed Foods by Energy Density, Nutrient Density, and Cost.” Frontiers in nutrition vol. 6 70. 28 May. 2019, doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00070
Mupunga, I et al. “Natural occurrence of aflatoxins in peanuts and peanut butter from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.” Journal of food protection vol. 77,10 (2014): 1814-8. doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-14-129
Gangwisch, James E et al. “High glycemic index diet as a risk factor for depression: analyses from the Women’s Health Initiative.” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 102,2 (2015): 454-63. doi:10.3945/ajcn.114.103846
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents A massive new genetic study is challenging the way we define mental illness, and confirming that the brain is
Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Table of Contents In the last decade, the question “What is CTE?” has been asked and searched online more than ever before.