ARCHIVE

In conventional psychiatry, stimulant medications are typically the first-line treatment for children and adults with ADD/ADHD. In 2009, the U.S. was the #1 prescriber of stimulant medications, representing 80-85% of the world’s consumption! In the decade since then, total stimulant usage in the U.S. has doubled, according to a 2018 study in Plos One. Although stimulant medications are helpful for some people with ADD/ADHD, they make symptoms worse in other people with the condition. This is no secret in the medical community. So why are stimulant medications are so prevalent in the U.S.? A couple of comparisons between the U.S. and France may help shed some light on the subject.

IS IT REALLY ADHD, OR SOMETHING ELSE?

In the United States, conventional psychiatry views ADD/ADHD as a simple biological-neurological disorder with biological causes. In France, child psychiatrists view ADD/ADHD as a medical condition that has psycho-social and situational causes.

Cultural Differences Impacting ADD/ADHD

Cultural differences such as parenting style should be included in this comparison as well. According to experts: Some people would like to believe that ADD/ADHD is “just an excuse for bad behavior” and that restoring “old-fashioned values” will eradicate over-diagnosis. Those beliefs are myths – ADD/ADHD is real. It can be seen in the brain, as evidenced on functional brain imaging scans called SPECT. On SPECT, ADD/ADHD is associated with low blood flow in the frontal lobes. “Bad parents” do not cause ADD/ADHD, nor can parents be expected to fix their child’s ADD/ADHD without help from professionals.

Dietary Factors in ADD/ADHD

Mealtime habits and dietary factors provide yet another point of comparison between the U.S. and France. In the last 30 years, both the quality of food and mealtime habits has changed dramatically in the U.S. These days, junk foods and fast foods are frequently consumed. Families have fallen away from eating together and meals are often eaten while on the go. Children’s diets, even at school, are high in simple carbohydrates (sugar, white bread, white-flour food products), poor in protein and healthy fat, and deficient in vegetables. If a person is vulnerable to ADD/ADHD, a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet typically makes their symptoms worse.

In the United States:

In France:

Consideration of dietary factors is a critical area where U.S. doctors have fallen short when diagnosing and treating ADD/ADHD. Through research, we have found that:

The Future of Healing ADD/ADHD in the U.S.

It’s clear that mental health treatment in the U.S. needs a make-over. The secret to healing ADD/ADHD without medication is to treat the whole person, rather than treating symptoms alone. Similar to the French method, this should include looking at biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that may be contributing to symptoms. Biological: How the physical brain and body function (the brain and body). Looking at the brain with SPECT to understand any underlying dysfunction and to discover which of the 7 types of ADD/ADHD a person has is critical. Psychological: Developmental issues and thought patterns (the mind). Social: Social support and current life situation (connections). Spiritual: What life means (spirit). 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.

ADD is often misunderstood.

Several of the 7 types of ADD can often mask themselves as other disorders or be brushed off as a medical condition altogether. After taking our ADD test, it’s important to learn more about the types of ADD and distinguish between ADD myths and facts. Learning more could help you understand why healing ADD can change your life. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around about ADD. You may hear people say that ADD is just a fad going around and an excuse for children to not behave. The truth? ADD is not a fad or an excuse. It is a medical condition that has been documented for over one hundred years. In 1902, a pediatrician named George Still wrote about several children who were hyperactive, unfocused, and impulsive. Though he did not yet know that this was a medical condition, he was describing children suffering from ADD.

Many people incorrectly believe that the solution to ADD is simply for individuals with ADD to try harder.

The facts show that the harder people with ADD try, the harder it becomes to focus. SPECT scans of individuals with ADD have shown that when they try to concentrate harder the prefrontal cortex, which controls concentration, actually shuts off. Some people falsely believe that ADD is just a small problem and that people pay too much attention to a minor issue. However, when ADD is left untreated it is a very serious issue.

Here are the 6 reasons and supporting statistics why Healing ADD is so important and can change your life:

People may say that ADD is not a real medical condition or that it is overdiagnosed; that every child who is poorly behaved or adult that is lazy and unfocused gets placed on medication for ADD. Actually, more than 50% of people with ADD are not being treated at all. The reality is that many people who have ADD will be dealing with these symptoms for their whole lives. 30% – 65% of children who have been diagnosed with ADD will struggle into adulthood. Based on the results of over 30,000 SPECT scans, Dr. Amen has created the Healing ADD at home in 30 days on-demand course that can equip you with the tools you need to start realizing the life you desire.

With this course, you receive:

Some of these myths pertain to who can have ADD. They perpetuate a false idea that only rambunctious boys have ADD, that only children have ADD and they outgrow it by 13, and that ADD is an American problem created to explain away societal problems. ADD is a complex medical condition that cannot be summed up by simple, blanket statements. These ADD myths attempt to oversimplify and stigmatize individuals with ADD. The truth about ADD is that given effective treatments, support, and strategies for overcoming challenges, individuals with ADD, can and do, thrive. If you are in need of support for yourself or a loved one with ADD, our Online Course, Healing ADD at Home in 30 Days can help. The course offers meal plans, strategic action plans, daily journals, and lots of information to help with healing. One of the challenges for people who experience both anxiety and focus issues, such as a combination of PTSD and ADD, is to calm the anxiety without decreasing focus.  Many anti-anxiety drugs have side effects of sleepiness and relaxation, calming the brain, but as one woman reported, “they also make me dingier.” On the other hand, when a stimulant like Adderall is used alone to help with focus, it can increase anxiety in those who struggle with it. Often we have to use a combination of supplements or medications to help a client achieve “relaxed focus,” an ideal balance in the brain.

Can Green Tea Help Those With Anxiety & ADD?

A study from Japan has found that daily supplements of L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, may help people with anxiety also focus on their daily activities. A win-win for many with a dual diagnosis of anxiety with attention deficits. L-theanine may help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve the quality of sleep. Though it is found in tea, the level is low (less than 2 percent). So the effective dosage levels (of 100 – 200mg/day) cannot be delivered from drinking tea but must come from a supplement. The new study confirmed the dose of 200 mg for “enhanced performance in visual attention task, and reaction time response, among the subjects with higher anxiety.” The l-theanine appears to work by changing the electrical activity in the brain by increasing alpha waves, measured by EEG. Results of the test showed that highly anxious students receiving the L-theanine displayed a slowing of their heart rate, improved attention and better reaction times, compared to members of the same group receiving placebo.  This is a significant improvement over many conventional anti-anxiety treatments that often have side effects of drowsiness, slowed reflexes, or impaired concentration.

Other Health Benefits of Green Tea

In addition to reducing stress and promoting relaxation, there are other health benefits associated with green tea. In moderation, green tea is great for an energy boost since it has only half the amount of caffeine compared to coffee and the l-theanine will keep you focused and not craving more and more. Not only does green tea help keep weight off, boost exercise ability, help muscle recover faster from a workout, but it improves attention span as well. At Amen Clinics we encourage our patients to drink unsweetened green tea two or three times a day. Researchers from China found that when people drank two to three cups of green tea per day their DNA actually looked younger than those who did not. To get the brain you want, try practicing healthy brain habits. For instance, if you are relying heavily on coffee, make small changes to wean off coffee and add green tea into your diet. You can have better energy and focus by paying attention to the health of your brain. At Amen Clinics, we want to help you learn more about your brain and how you can make it better, not only for yourself but for the generations that follow. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or schedule a visit. Despite your child’s best efforts, their grades are mediocre to poor…or worse. Even though summer vacation provides some relief from the day-to-day stress of helping your child stay on task with assignments, papers, and tests, the cycle of year after year may produce some anxiety for parents who realize that next year will be the same as last year unless something drastically changes. If this scenario describes your life, you’re not alone. ADD/ADHD is the most common learning and behavior problem in children and it often can have a debilitating impact on a person’s ability to do well in school. Even though ADD remains one of the most misunderstood and incorrectly treated illnesses of our day, there are many proven methods that can assist your struggling student. Since success begins with careful planning, here are three practical strategies for optimizing the brain of your ADD child:

1. Get the Blood Flowing

Instead of letting your kids waste away watching TV or playing video games, take them outside and find safe exercises you can do together (no brain injuring sports, please, like football, hockey, or soccer). Try hiking or long walks, but remember to walk fast. Exercise accelerates blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain, which is particularly beneficial to those with ADD. Physical activity also increases the availability of serotonin in the brain, which has a tendency to calm hyperactivity. It’s recommended that children and teens with ADD get 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily. The key is to establish consistent exercise habits in the summer that can carry over into the school year.

2. Make a Menu Change

A nutritional intervention can be especially helpful for those with ADD. Though not true of all types of ADD, most people with ADD do best with a higher protein, lower simple carbohydrate diet. This diet has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels and also boosts both energy and concentration. The best time to make changes to your family’s diet is during the summer. By testing a variety of menu options, you can discover which recipes appeal to the whole family and use those to create a list of go-to meals for the busy school year. If you need suggestions for brain-healthy recipes, The Brain Warrior’s Way Cookbook can be an invaluable resource.

3. Take a Look

Identification of the disorder is just the first step. With more than 135,000 brain scans in our database, we have identified 7 types of ADD—and each requires a different treatment plan because of the diverse brain systems involved. What works for one person with ADD may not work for another—or could make the symptoms even worse! The only way to know for sure is to take a look. Our Full Evaluation of your biological/psychological/social/spiritual history, coupled with two brain SPECT scans, cognitive testing, and clinical assessment is designed to address your unique needs and offer targeted treatment options. ADD, like many other conditions, is not just a single and simple disorder; therefore, treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Effective treatment gives patients the most personalized plan, allowing them to reach their true potential. When properly diagnosed, kids and teenagers with ADD can live a happy life. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. Despite being diagnosed much more rarely than men, many women around the world struggle with ADD. While there is no biological evidence that ADD affects boys more than girls, boys are more than twice as likely to receive the diagnosis. This means that there is a massive population of women struggling with untreated ADD; it doesn’t have to be this way. Some researchers hypothesize that because young girls are often more organized, less hyperactive, and are more willing to ask for help, girls with ADD often slip under the radar of doctors and mental health professionals. Girls with ADD suffer more than 7 times the risk for both antisocial and mood disorders, 3 times the risk for anxiety disorders than those who do not have ADD. Additionally, they have a higher risk for eating disorders, such as bulimia and obesity.

The hallmark symptoms of ADD are:

Do you or any women in your life suffer from these symptoms? Well, the good news is that you aren’t stuck with the brain you have, you can change your brain, and your life for the better. As many women know all too well, if left untreated, ADD can put unnecessary stress on you and your loved ones, leading to everything from under-performance at work, to tough relationship breakups, and even more serious psychological disorders. ADD is a neurobiological disorder with serious psychological and social consequences. Children, teens, adults and parents need to know that it’s not their fault, they didn’t cause it, and there is hope. Amen Clinics is here to help you understand the ADD brain and provide treatment options that address more than just symptoms. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. Joey, age 9, struggled with hyperactivity, restlessness, impulse control problems, inattention, and distractibility. His pediatrician had suggested trying a couple of different medications but Joey’s mother was interested in trying alternative treatments first. She had heard about our work with neurofeedback and wanted an alternative to medication. Joey did neurofeedback twice a week and we quickly began seeing significant changes, including less hyperactivity and longer ability to focus. After he stopped the neurofeedback he continued to do well in school and at home.

WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK?

Neurofeedback is a specialized treatment that uses advanced computer technology for balancing and optimizing your brain. It is a fun, interactive and engaging treatment that helps you strengthen and retrain your brain to a healthier, more focused state. Using real-time displays of brain activity, you can learn how to self-regulate your brain function. Monica, age 17, came to the clinic for problems with anxiety, worrying, temper outbursts, poor school performance, and oppositional behavior. She had been in psychotherapy for two years, which seemed to help her temper problems but not her oppositional behavior or school performance. Additionally, she had tried two different medications but she did not like the side effects. When she learned about neurofeedback she liked the idea of learning how to control her own brain. We did neurofeedback twice a week and within the first month she noticed less worrying. By the end of 6 months she felt more focused, less anxious, and overall more cooperative, which her family validated. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of neurofeedback to improve many conditions including:

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NEUROFEEDBACK?

Patients report enhanced memory and focus, decreased impulsivity and anxiety, better mental clarity, more restful sleep, improved mood, and a host of other benefits after using neurofeedback without side effects! In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics named neurofeedback a “Level 1: ‘Best Support’ intervention for ADD/ADHD, on par with medication.” The effects and benefits of training last long after the training itself has stopped. Because the brain has actually learned (or relearned) a more efficient way of performing, it will continue in this way as new pathways in the brain are created, thus making lasting change the path of least effort.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

With neurofeedback, YOU become an active part of your brain’s healing.  You will play a video game using just your brain—it’s fun! Here’s how it works: electrodes are placed on your head to measure electrical activity in your brain (this is painless, non-invasive, and safe for people of all ages). Then, you will play some games that require concentration. At the same time, you will be able to view your brain activity on a computer monitor. A clinician will show you how to interpret the activity: which patterns mean your brain is engaged and which patterns mean your brain is less engaged. You CAN change your brain and change your life. Amen Clinics can help. To learn more about neurofeedback strategies or to schedule an appointment, contact the Amen Clinics Care Center today at 888-288-9834. Before becoming parents, did you ever witness an exasperated and overwhelmed parent lose it in Aisle 7 and find yourself thinking smugly, “I’m never going to yell at my kids”? If you have a child with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which is also called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is almost guaranteed that at some point during your parenting, you have felt so frustrated that you wanted to yell at your child. Maybe you have done so. A lot.

Trying not to Lose Your Temper can be Difficult

When your child does not listen, behave, comply, or openly defies, it can understandably send even the most patient of parents over the proverbial edge. However, the reality is that yelling is not an effective behavior management strategy and usually backfires. Many people with ADD have low activity in the front part of their brains, due to lower levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Additionally, researchers have found that people with ADD have low levels of the stress hormone adrenaline. As a way to feel more alert ADD children often find themselves conflict seeking; it stimulates them on an unconscious level. Kids and teens with ADD can be masterful at making other people mad or angry at them. But it is imperative that you not lose your temper with them because it often makes things worse. If they get you to explode, their low energy frontal cortex turns on, they feel better, and they unconsciously come to crave it. You do not want to let your anger be their medication. They can get addicted to it! That’s right, we’ve actually seen ADD kids get addicted to their parents’ anger. And if you end up giving them the adrenaline and dopamine rush that they are looking for by engaging in conflict and yelling at them, they will figure out how to make you do it again…and again…and again. Sound familiar? Then read on for some suggestions on what to do instead of yelling. It is important to note that once parents learn how to become less reactive, to not feed the need for adrenaline and dopamine with anger, the ADD child may initially get worse. It appears the child with ADD goes through withdrawal when others become calm and regulated, at least initially. When they can no longer get the adrenaline anger rush, they go after it full force. Unconsciously, they seem to say to themselves, “I have been able to get my adrenaline fix from you for a long time, I know I can make you yell at me.” They escalate the outrageous behavior. But if you can remain nonreactive for a long enough period of time, the conflict driven behavior usually significantly diminishes. And be prepared that, like a drug addict (think adrenaline junky), they will periodically test the “nonreactive skill” of the people in their environment by seeking intense emotional reactions.

What to do Instead of Yelling

Remember that yelling shows your child that you, the almighty parent, has lost control. Your child will always do more of what you do, not what you say. Therefore, the more you can model calm behavior, the calmer your child will become. Amen Clinics has helped tens of thousands of people with ADD/ADHD from all over the world. With targeted treatment, you can change your brain and change your life. If you feel that you or a loved one could benefit from an evaluation, contact Amen Clinics today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online. Dealing with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is challenging for both children and parents. To better manage the family impact of ADD/ADHD it’s important that all members of the family discuss and understand how ADD/ADHD effects their home, school, and relationships.  Even the best parenting skills can wane when they’re up against the day-to-day stress of having an ADD/ADHD child or teenager in the family.

Here are 10 Tips to Better Manage Families with ADD/ADHD:

1. Identify the Issue

Get a professional medical opinion to identify the issue. Then you can create the appropriate action plan and seek the support needed. Denial will only perpetuate stress and suffering.

2. ADD Runs in Families

Every member of the family who has ADD needs to be treated, parents included. ADD has genetic underpinnings, it is helpful to screen all immediate family members.

3. Exercise Together

Physical exercise is fun and has many tangible mental and physical health benefits.

4. Be Flexible

Don’t push when you see your child get stuck or locked into a particular idea.

5. Schedule Quiet Time

If your child is noisy and you prefer quiet, make sure that you allot yourself enough “quiet time” so that you can recharge your batteries and be more able to deal with the noise.

6. Learn to Forgive

Harboring bad feelings has a negative effect on your brain and body. Forgiveness and understanding go a long way in helping families heal.

7. Avoid Sugar

Avoid irritable, oppositional and cranky behavior by avoiding food and drinks with high sugar content.

8. Children Respond Well to Touch

Give lots of hugs. The more touching and connecting there is, the more relaxed everyone will feel.

9. Communication is Key

Make sure that you, the parent, has someone to talk to about the stresses of your life. The better you handle your own stress, the less likely you will be to take it out on your children.

10. Try Deep Breathing

Learn how to breathe slowly when things are getting out of control. Gaining control over your breathing is the first step to controlling your actions. Whenever you start to get upset, try these three steps:
  1. Take a big breath in
  2. Hold it for 2 seconds
  3. Then, very slowly exhale for between 5-10 seconds
To help promote more positive relationships, try a few of these tips and start creating a more harmonious family environment.

We Can Help

ADD is a neurobiological disorder with serious psychological and social consequences. Children, teens, adults and parents need to know that it’s not their fault, they didn’t cause it, and there is hope. Amen Clinics is here to help you understand the ADD brain and provide treatment options that address more than just symptoms. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. If you want to keep your brain and body healthy for as long as possible you must answer this question. It’s actually the most important question I ask my patients: Why? Furthermore, why do you want to be healthy? Why do you want a stronger mind and a more powerful brain? If you don’t know the answer to this question, no amount of great information will keep you on the right track, especially with constant exposure to unhealthy choices.

Determine Your Brain Health Now

The single most important factor in determining your health is the quality of the decisions that you make every day. You can take the time to start the necessary steps to improve your health today by beginning with the following: • Know about the health of your brain – get a base line brain health assessment. • Know your health numbers – you need to optimize your important health numbers, not just normalize them. • Avoid anything that hurts your brain and may cause brain injuries – engage in regular brain healthy habits. It is important to remember that Alzheimer’s disease starts decades before you have any symptoms and untreated Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addictions all increase your risk for it. One of the most important ways to decrease your risk for Alzheimer’s disease is to decrease all of the risk factors for it.

The Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s disease

The risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include: • Diabetes • Hypertension • Obesity • Heart Disease • Smoking • Alcohol Abuse • Low Thyroid and Testosterone Levels • Sleep Apnea • Insomnia • Chronic Stress • Untreated ADD or Depression • Lack of Exercise • No New Learning • Intestinal Inflammation You can do something about it, but you literally have no time to waste if you want to keep your brain healthy for the rest of your life. The older you get, the harder you have to work at staying healthy. As we age we have less room for error. We have to be constantly vigilant in our health. When you take the steps to learn about the condition of your brain, then you can begin to maximize its potential and avoid the cognitive decline that comes in our later years. If you or a loved one could benefit from a brain health assessment, please contact Amen Clinics to schedule a visit, or call our Call Center today at (888) 288-9834. In the traditional medical and psychiatric communities, stimulant medications are considered first-line treatments for attention-deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). From 2006-2016, total stimulant usage doubled, according to a study in Plos One. Many people with ADD/ADHD think medication is the only solution, however, there are many proven natural strategies that can help.   Many people with ADD think medication is the only solution, however, there are many proven natural strategies that can help.
Click to tweet
Many alternatives to ADD medication have been found to reduce ADD symptoms, which include short attention span, distractibility, procrastination, disorganization, problems with follow-through, and poor impulse control. This is good news for the 6 million children and 4.4% of adults who are affected by this common condition. In some cases, natural solutions can complement prescription stimulants and allow for reduced dosages. For other people, taking a natural approach is enough to keep symptoms at bay. Talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications.

Here are some natural tips to start helping ADD/ADHD today:

1. Take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement every day.

Research shows that people with ADD/ADHD often have nutritional deficiencies, including low levels of vitamin D, zinc, ferritin, and magnesium. Taking a supplement helps replenish levels of these important nutrients. Studies have reported that daily multivitamins/minerals help people with learning and help prevent chronic illness.

2. Take omega-3 fatty acids.

Multiple studies, including a 2020 trial in Translational Psychiatry and a 2017 study in the Journal of Lipids, show that taking omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for symptoms related to ADD/ADHD, such as attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. There are 2 active compounds in omega-3 fatty acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Research suggests that fish oil higher in the EPA form of omega-3s may be the most helpful, but it depends on your type of ADD/ADHD. Dose suggestions for adults are 2,000 to 6,000 mg of high-quality fish oil a day (1,000-2,000 mg for children.)

3. Eliminate everyday stimulants.

Avoid consuming caffeine or using nicotine products. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics—over 160,000 functional brain scans and growing—shows that caffeine and nicotine decrease brain activity over time, sometimes, significantly. In addition, both interfere with sleep, and people with ADD/ADHD often have difficulty sleeping.

4. Exercise daily for 30-45 minutes.

The neuropsychiatrists at Amen Clinics have seen a direct relationship between the level of exercise a patient gets and the severity of their symptoms (more exercise = less severe symptoms). Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain. In addition, when ADD patients are playing sports, such as basketball, where there is intense aerobic exercise, they tend to do better in school or at work. For kids, if you can’t find a safe exercise (no brain injuries please from football, hockey, or soccer headers), take them on long, fast walks.

5. Limit screen time.

Keep television, video games, and device time to no more than 30 minutes a day. This may be hard for kids and teens, but it can make a huge difference. In a 2019 study on preschoolers in Plos One, when screen time exceeded 2 hours a day, there were “clinically significant” increases in attentional problems and other symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD.

6. Think of food as a drug.

Most people with ADD/ADHD do best with a higher-protein, lower-simple carbohydrate diet. This isn’t true for all types of ADD. People with Type 3: Over-Focused ADD tend to respond better to a more balanced diet with more complex carbohydrates.

7. In dealing with kids, employees, and spouses with ADD – NO YELLING!

Many people with ADD have low activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) due to lower levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. To feel more alert, they often find themselves seeking conflict or excitement. They can be masterful at making other people mad or angry at them. Don’t lose your temper with them, because it often makes things worse. If they get you to explode, their unconscious, low-energy PFC activates and unconsciously, they come to crave it. Never let your anger be their medication. They can get addicted to it.

8. Get screened for other issues.

Up to 60% of people with ADD/ADHD also have learning disabilities, and they are particularly common in Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD. People with ADD/ADHD should also be screened for Irlen Syndrome, a visual processing problem that is commonly seen with the condition.

9. Never give up seeking help.

If you aren’t getting the results you want from your treatment plan, keep investigating. Other issues, such as head trauma, co-occurring conditions like depression, or hormonal imbalances may play a role in the severity of your symptoms. Brain SPECT imaging and lab testing may be helpful in determining if other issues are at work.

10. Know your (or your child’s) ADD Type.

The brain imaging work at Amen Clinics has shown that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD. Knowing your type is critical to getting the right treatment plan. You can begin with our ADD Type Test to discover your (or your loved one’s) ADD Type and get a personalized overview on what to do about it. ADD/ADHD—as well as anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions—can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.