How to Treat Netflix’s “Afflicted” Chronic Illnesses: Amen Clinics

Chronic illnesses are often misunderstood. On the Netflix series, “Afflicted,” the show presents patients experiencing mysterious chronic illness and follows these patients as they manage symptoms, from depersonalization to chronic fatigue. While the show has drawn criticism for turning patients into a spectacle, some of the illnesses described are often found here at Amen Clinics. Similar to how Netflix’s “Afflicted” patients underwent a psychiatric evaluation prior to signing on, every patient at Amen Clinics is thoroughly examined to identify the root of their ailment. We take a four-pronged method to evaluate the biological, psychological, spiritual and social factors in each patient’s history, and then specialize in brain SPECT imaging for deep insight into abnormalities of the brain. We treat for many complex chronic illnesses with this knowledge.

1. Chronic Mold Sensitivity

Mold is a toxic found in many homes with poor circulation. Netflix’s “Afflicted” follows a story about one patient with severe chronic mold sensitivity. People with mold sensitivities often experience upper respiratory problems including nasal stuffiness, wheezing, eye irritation, coughing, skin irritation, and sometimes upper respiratory infections. These are all initial reactions to mold, and repeated exposure to mold for those with mold sensitivities can have lasting effects on the brain and other bodily functions. When toxins enter the body, they are carried through the bloodstream and to the brain, creating brain injury. Patients can experience many cognitive problems, dizziness, headaches, pain, fatigue and drastic personality changes when exposed to mold. Brain SPECT scans are able to identify overall patterns of high or low blood flow which mimic this ailment. There are several common toxins that can lead to brain injury, including mercury, pesticides and asbestos. Parasites, bacteria, viruses and infection can also release toxins which impair brain function and are often confused with symptoms of mental health disorders.

2. Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria found in deer ticks. Patients afflicted by lyme disease may never realize they contracted the bacteria prior to experiencing unusual illnesses. The CDC estimates 20-30% of patients never experience the tell-tale bullseye rash. Netflix’s “Afflicted” includes mention of lyme disease in a variety of cases, as this disease has become more commonly known and leads to mysterious symptoms. Patients may experience many unexplained physiological symptoms including fevers, swollen glands, sore throat, headache, and joint pain along with common neuropsychological issues including impaired attention, impaired speech, poor decision making, and psychosis. Amen Clinics is equipped to evaluate for lyme disease, and with brain SPECT imaging, can identify damage to the brain caused by the inflammatory response to help repair damage.

3. Autoimmune Disease & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

One patient on Netflix’s “Afflicted” experiences a range of autoimmune disorders and found hyperbaric oxygen therapy helpful for healing. This type of therapy can boost the immune system, decrease inflammation, and boost stem cell and ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) production. Laying in a pressurized chamber allows the lungs to gather more oxygen to supplement the body’s damaged tissue. Amen Clinics offers both hard and soft chambers. Hard chambers deliver 2.7 times atmospheric pressure while soft chambers deliver 1.3 times. In addition to autoimmune disease, the following ailments are sometimes treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: • Traumatic Brain Injury • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning • Sports Injuries • Autism • Cerebral Palsy • Alzheimer’s Disease • Stroke • Lyme Disease • Migraine • Multiple Sclerosis • Vascular Dementia

Find a Chronic Illness Clinic Near You

Mold toxicity and lyme disease require an Integrative Functional Medicine Specialist to treat these illnesses, found in Costa Mesa, CA, Bellevue, WA and Reston, VA. Hyperbaric chambers are offered at all eight of our locations across the country. Call 888-288-9834 and schedule and appointment with us today to find the treatment you deserve. See the video below for more on how the Amen Clinics approaches brain health.