ARCHIVE

On July 24, 2018, pop superstar Demi Lovato woke up in a hospital after overdosing on heroin she says was likely laced with fentanyl. The near-death overdose caused three strokes, a heart attack, and damage to her brain that’s left her with visual problems. How could the singer’s life have derailed so dangerously after being sober for six years? She reveals what drove her to overdose in her new 4-part docuseries, “Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil,” which premiered on YouTube on March 23, 2021. In the raw and wrenching series, she says she wanted to “set the record straight about what happened” when she OD’d. What unfolds is a heartbreaking story that sheds light on how crippling addiction can be.

Here are 5 insights you can learn about substance abuse and overdoses from this gripping docuseries.

1. Addiction is generational.

Lovato’s story is one the psychiatrists and brain imaging specialists at Amen Clinics hear far too often from patients—a parent’s addiction leads to a child experiencing feelings of abandonment and rejection and eventually falling into addiction themselves. It’s a generational cycle of addiction that is commonly seen in psychiatric circles. In the words of Daniel Amen, MD, the founder of Amen Clinics and author of Your Brain Is Always Listening, the children of alcoholics and drug abusers become filled with inner Dragons from the Past that breathe fire on the emotional centers of the brain and drive anxiety, depression, and addiction. It creates a cycle of addiction that is hard to break. At one point in Lovato’s life, she took a hard look at her behavior—drinking vodka at 9 AM from a Sprite bottle—and realized “I’m just like my Dad.”

2. Unresolved past traumas can fuel addictive behaviors.

In Dancing with the Devil, Lovato describes how she “never took the time to dig deep and work on the trauma” she had experienced in her life. She was estranged from her father, who was an alcoholic and abusive to Lovato’s mother. The young star cut him out of her life, but the emotional trauma she felt from that harmful relationship drove her to use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate.

3. Addicts are very skilled at hiding their behavior.

In Lovato’s docuseries, she says she admitted to friends that she was drinking alcohol and smoking weed again, but she hid the fact that she had started using hard drugs—cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, crack, oxycontin, and heroin. She says she was “very good at hiding the fact I was addicted to crack and heroin.” But there was a toll to keeping that secret. “Any time you suppress a part of yourself, at some point it’s gonna overflow. And that’s ultimately what happened to me,” she says.

4. The pressure to be perfect can contribute to relapse.

Lovato has emerged as an advocate for mental health and has openly talked about not only her addiction, but also her struggles with an eating disorder, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder (she now says she was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, which is common, and actually has ADHD), and other issues. “Mental health is something that we all need to talk about, and we need to take the stigma away from it,” she says. Her efforts are admirable but being put in a position as a role model created undue pressure for her to seek perfection. “I felt like I had to be this perfect role model,” says the singer, who thinks it played a role in her relapse.

5. Addiction and overdoses damage the brain.

In discussing what happened to Lovato after the overdose, one of her doctors says, “Time is brain.” Lovato’s oxygen levels were dangerously low, meaning her brain wasn’t getting the oxygen it needs to function. The longer a person goes with the brain being starved of the nutrients it needs, the greater the risk for lasting damage and a tougher recovery. Lovato’s brain suffered damage from three strokes, and she has residual issues in the vision centers in the back part of the brain. Lovato now suffers from blind spots and can no longer drive. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows how devasting addiction and strokes can be to the brain. They cause reduced blood flow to the brain, which has been associated with depression, ADD/ADHD, suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and more. It’s also the #1 brain imaging predictor that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Addictions, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health issues 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 or visit our contact page here. A wildly popular docuseries on Netflix explores the mysterious disappearance of Elisa Lam, a Canadian tourist who arrived in Los Angeles in 2013 only to vanish days later while staying at a rundown hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel airs the last known footage of the 21-year-old—a grainy video of her acting strangely in one of the hotel’s elevators. In the video, Elisa looks scared, frantically presses multiple buttons, appears to be trying to hide from someone, and makes some bizarre hand gestures. When the police released the video days after her disappearance, it quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and dozens of conspiracy theories. When Elisa’s lifeless body was found in one of the water tanks on the roof of the hotel, the mystery and theories grew exponentially. Was she murdered? Was she on drugs? Was it suicide?

DID MENTAL ILLNESS CONTRIBUTE TO ELISA LAM’S DEATH?

In the end (spoiler alert!), officials ruled it an accidental death and indicated that bipolar disorder was a contributing factor. Elisa had been diagnosed with bipolar spectrum disorder, which affects nearly 6 million Americans and is a severe mood disorder in which people cycle between depressive episodes and mania. On her Tumblr account, Elisa had written openly about having bipolar disorder and depression. Despite this, an army of Internet sleuths who emerged in the wake of her disappearance gravitated to more macabre theories about her death. Like too many people in our society, they overlooked the very real and negative impacts mental illness can have on a person’s behavior and life. The Netflix docuseries touches on Elisa Lam’s mental health struggles, but there is so much more you need to know about bipolar disorder. The Netflix docuseries touches on Elisa Lam’s mental health struggles, but there is so much more you need to know about bipolar disorder.
Click to tweet

7 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT BIPOLAR DISORDER

1. People with bipolar disorder often stop taking their medication.

In the Elisa Lam docuseries, the coroner’s report revealed only traces of the medications prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, including antidepressants, a mood stabilizer, and an antipsychotic. Curiously, the amounts detected in her system were less than what had been prescribed, meaning Elisa was either skipping doses or taking less than recommended. In the docuseries, a psychiatrist suggests, “I think Elisa stopped taking her medications. And once she stops taking her meds, the risk for a mood episode goes way up.” It is not unusual for people with bipolar disorder to stop taking their medications. Bipolar disorder is typically very responsive to treatment. In fact, people with this condition often feel so much better after starting a prescription, they believe they no longer have an underlying issue and stop taking their meds. A 2016 review of existing research shows that as many as 70% of bipolar patients don’t adhere to prescription recommendations. Noncompliance results in worsening symptoms, increased hospitalizations, and a rise in suicidal behavior.

2. Some bipolar people experience psychosis.

Experts interviewed in the docuseries suggest that Elisa’s strange behavior in the elevator may indicate that she was experiencing a psychotic episode related to mania in bipolar disorder. Psychosis is associated with a disconnect from reality and can involve hallucinations, delusions, disjointed thinking, confusion, and a lack of self-awareness. In some people, it can lead to risky or dangerous behaviors.

3. Bipolar disorder increases the risk of suicide.

As many as 60% of bipolar patients attempt suicide at least once in their lifetime, according to a 2019 review in Medicina. In untreated bipolar disorder, an alarming 1 in 5 complete suicide. Does this mean Elisa Lam was intentionally trying to harm herself? We will never know the truth about what exactly was happening in Elisa’s mind as she climbed inside the water tank on the roof of the Cecil Hotel. But sadly, far too many individuals with this condition take their own lives.

4. Teens are vulnerable to bipolar disorder.

In the docuseries, it is revealed that by age 21, Elisa Lam had already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This isn’t unusual, and in fact, it is most common for the onset of this mental health condition to occur in a person’s late teens to mid-20s. Elisa had also been diagnosed with depression, which research shows may be an early symptom of bipolar disorder. In fact, 1 in 5 adolescents who experience the onset of major depressive disorder will develop bipolar disorder—within 5 years!

5. Having bipolar disorder is stigmatizing.

The Netflix series reveals that Elisa wrote about her mental health issues on her Tumblr account, exposing how painful and isolating it can be. Among her posts, Elisa wrote: “Apparently, I’m bipolar. A few good days followed by a week of sleeping. That is the pattern.” “Depression sucks.” “I had a relapse.” “Fellow bipolars, you may be the only ones who understand what this is like.” “It’s a vicious cycle, isn’t it? I’m just so tired. So very tired.” “I don’t want to live like this.” “According to some people, I have a chemical imbalance. Can I just inhabit someone else’s brain?” Feeling stigmatized, misunderstood, and alone is common among people with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. Finding others to talk to and share your feelings—whether it’s a mental health professional or a support group—can be helpful.

6. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder.

Brain SPECT imaging shows that bipolar disorder is associated with abnormal brain activity. In bipolar patients at Amen Clinics, we see increased activity in the limbic system (emotional center), amygdala (fear center), hippocampus (mood and memory center), and cingulate gyrus (the brain’s gear shifter). Elisa Lam Docuseries and Bipolar Disorder

7. Many people are misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Many people are misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder after they have had a significant concussion that affects their prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes. When someone is misdiagnosed and given treatment for the wrong condition, it can make symptoms worse. Anyone struggling with symptoms of bipolar disorder should seek a diagnosis that includes brain imaging to rule out other factors and to help identify any co-existing conditions. Bipolar disorder, depression, mania, psychosis, and other mental health issues 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 or visit our contact page here.

By Dr. Elissa Mendenhall N.D.

Meet my patient Ronnie. A retired sea captain in his sixties, he’s a cheerful and optimistic man. On first impression, you would never guess that he had been experiencing multiple panic attacks each day since before he was 16 years old. By the time he arrived in my office, he had been suffering with daily panic attacks for some 50 years.

Although he led a productive and active life and career, his panic disorder very much impacted his quality of life. In the past, he had tried a variety of anti-anxiety medications, such as escitalopram and fluoxetine, but he found no relief from them.

Ronnie also had an inflammatory bowel disease, collagenous colitis, which was symptomatic to some degree most days of the month. When it was very active, he would sometimes have 30 bowel movements a day. There were a number of foods and nutritional supplements that he couldn’t tolerate because they triggered diarrhea or painful cramping. In addition to the panic attacks, Ronnie had been having episodes of depression for days to weeks at a time without a known cause.

What Was Causing Ronnie’s Issues?

I postulated that Ronnie’s bowel disorder was increasing brain inflammation. In addition, the medication he was taking for the bowel disease—budesonide—was helpful at relieving his symptoms, but I was aware that it is in the glucocorticoid family of medications, known to trigger depression and other psychiatric issues.

I told him that it was possible this medication could be causing depression. That’s when we started tracking the times when he took the medication. Our sleuthing revealed that the times he was depressed did, in fact, correlate with the times he was using that medication.

Finding a Path to Healing

Pinpointing the medication as a contributor to Ronnie’s depressive episodes was only the first step. We also tested for hidden food allergies and changed his diet, which cooled down the inflammation in his brain and his digestive tract. After he changed what he was eating, not only did his bowel disease go into full remission for several months, but his panic attacks also became far less frequent. With his dedication and my guidance, he was able to reduce and eventually almost eliminate the use of budesonide, which resolved his depression.

The next step involved pharmacogenetic testing and found that he was incompatible with SSRI antidepressants and several other classic antidepressant medications. In fact, he had a genetic marker that is common in people with bipolar disorder. Even though he did not meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, his psychiatric prescriber saw the results of the panel I’d ordered and suggested he try a mood stabilizer medication (lamotrigine). With this, Ronnie’s panic attacks stopped altogether.

I had the privilege of working with Ronnie over the course of the next several years. During this time, he remained stable with only a few flares of mild anxiety and gut issues. Finally, after five decades of struggling, he was able to focus on the retirement and life he had envisioned. Freed from the grips of anxiety and disease, the sea captain ventured out to new horizons and began traveling the world with his wife. 

About the Author: Elissa Mendenhall, ND, Amen Clinics San Francisco Bay Area

Dr. Elissa Mendenhall, ND practices at Amen Clinics, which offers in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Dr. Mendenhall is a naturopathic doctor who can prescribe both natural and prescription medications. 

How would you feel if you had to wait 10 years or longer to get an accurate diagnosis of a medical problem like cancer, heart disease, or liver disease? It seems unconscionable. Unfortunately, that’s what happens to more than one-third of people with bipolar disorder, according to research in the Journal of Affective Disorders. It takes a decade or more for them to get diagnosed. And the average length of time to get a bipolar disorder diagnosis is 7.5 years, according to other research in the same journal. An astounding 69% of people with bipolar disorder are initially misdiagnosed. Getting an inaccurate diagnosis leads to treatment that is not only ineffective but that can also make the condition worse. It’s one of the reasons why bipolar disorder can be so destructive and can ruin your life. Imagine taking medicine for a heart condition for years and then finding out you actually had cancer. Why is bipolar disorder so hard to diagnose? There are several reasons, but first, let’s take a closer look at the condition.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a cyclic mood disorder that includes both manic episodes and depressive episodes. These episodes are associated with dramatic changes in moods, energy levels, and activity. Manic episodes are characterized by: Depressive episodes are associated with:

5 Reasons Why Bipolar Disorder is So Often Misdiagnosed

1. It often starts with depressive symptoms.

One of the reasons why this condition is so often misdiagnosed is because the first signs are often depression rather than mania, according to a review in the journal Psychiatry. This means many people seek treatment for depression and are often prescribed antidepressants, which aren’t effective for bipolar disorder. As a result, nearly 40% of people with bipolar disorder are initially diagnosed with depressive disorder.

2. Co-occurring mental health conditions.

Among people with bipolar disorder, 62% also meet the clinical criteria for ADD/ADHD, according to a study in Clinical Psychology. Anxiety disorders, panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobias, eating disorders, and some personality disorders are also seen with bipolar disorder. In children and adolescents, bipolar disorder may also co-exist with oppositional defiant disorder and other conduct disorders.

3. Co-existing substance abuse.

Adding to the difficulty of getting an accurate diagnosis is the common abuse of alcohol or drugs among people with bipolar disorder. Some studies have noted that in people with the condition as many as 69% abuse alcohol and up to 60% abuse drugs. Substance use can cause symptoms that are similar to those seen in bipolar disorder, including emotional highs and lows and major swings in energy levels.

4. Hidden brain injuries.

At Amen Clinics, the global leader in brain health, brain SPECT imaging reveals that many people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder have signs of undetected traumatic brain injury. Head trauma can cause many of the same symptoms seen in bipolar disorder. Among patients at Amen Clinics, healing the brain can be beneficial in decreasing those symptoms.

5. Medication isn’t the only option.

In the traditional medical and psychiatric community, bipolar disorder is generally treated with medication. The psychiatrists and physicians at Amen Clinics are not opposed to medication, but it should never be the only thing you do for your condition. Adopting brain healthy habits—including healthy nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and helpful forms of therapy— in addition to medication (when necessary) can be powerfully beneficial components of an effective treatment plan for bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder—as well as ADD/ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health issues—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.

Bipolar disorder is in the spotlight these days thanks to several celebrities—including Kanye West, Demi Lovato, Bebe Rexha, and Halsey—who have gone public with their diagnoses. These high-profile individuals are among the 5.7 million Americans affected by bipolar disorder.

Considered a cyclic mood disorder, this condition shifts between manic episodes and depressive episodes that are characterized by severe changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. The discussions in the media and on social media have brought to light some of the common symptoms associated with the condition.

For example, manic episodes are characterized by:

On the other end of the spectrum, depressive episodes are associated with:

This is good information, but there’s one important aspect of bipolar disorder that nobody is talking about—the brain.

BIPOLAR DISORDER IN THE BRAIN

Brain SPECT imaging, which measures blood flow and activity in the brain, shows that people with bipolar disorder tend to have abnormal activity patterns in the brain. For the patients at Amen Clinics and their families, seeing their brain scans helps them understand that symptoms and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder are not “mental health” problems or character flaws, they’re “brain health” problems.

Unfortunately, millions of people in America who are suffering from bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions don’t get the help they need due to the stigma surrounding mental health. Reframing the discussion from mental health to brain health helps overcome that stigma because it shows that conditions aren’t moral, they’re medical.

For people with bipolar disorder, brain imaging can also reveal some surprising findings. For example, at Amen Clinics, SPECT brain scans show that many people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder also have an underlying traumatic brain injury that has never been properly diagnosed or treated. Many of these people don’t even remember experiencing a head injury.

This hidden trauma can be the result of head injuries that happened months, years, or even decades earlier. Some of the most common causes include falls (falling off a bike or ladder, or falling down stairs), vehicle accidents, or sports-related concussions. Having a brain injury can exacerbate the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. The patient population at Amen Clinics shows that healing the underlying damage can be very helpful in reducing symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.

Brain imaging can also help detect other mental health conditions that commonly occur with bipolar. For example, research in Clinical Psychology shows that 62% of people with bipolar disorder also meet the clinical criteria for ADD/ADHD. Anxiety disorders and substance use disorders are also common in people with bipolar disorder.

CONSEQUENCES OF MISDIAGNOSED OR MISTREATED BIPOLAR DISORDER

Without the added help of brain imaging, bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed for other conditions, such as depression or schizophrenia. In fact, most people suffer from symptoms of the disorder for an entire decade before getting an accurate diagnosis. This can have devastating effects because following the wrong treatment plan can make symptoms worse.

When left untreated or mistreated, the condition is associated with a decrease of over 9 years in life expectancy. In addition, people with bipolar disorder are 15 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population, and 1 in 5 people with the condition eventually take their own life.

HEALING FROM BIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar disorder is treatable and is generally responsive to a treatment program that is personalized to enhance brain health and that may include nutritional supplements, healthy nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes, helpful forms of therapy, and medication (when necessary).

Bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health issues 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.

Just for a moment, pretend that an “Evil Ruler” was running our world with the intent of causing more mental illness. (Note: this Evil Ruler is a completely fictitious character that I conceived of long before the coronavirus pandemic ever hit and that I wrote about in my book The End of Mental Illness. This fictional character is NOT a representation of any real-life political figures, political party, government leaders, policymakers, or any other person or entity).

These days, it seems this no-good fictional character has been going wild with the pandemic, the lockdown, the economic fallout, the protests, the looting, and more—all in an effort to make us more anxious, depressed, and stressed.

Here are 8 ways the imaginary Evil Ruler is making our current situation even worse.

1. Waging biological warfare.

With the stay-at-home orders, the Evil Ruler has been promoting quarantine baking with high-glycemic and pro-inflammatory foods, spending hours on the couch binge-watching TV shows, and endlessly scrolling through social media feeds—all of which contribute to depression. And spending more time indoors robs us of much-needed vitamin D, which we get from sunshine Low levels of this important nutrient are also linked to depression and lowered immunity, putting us at greater risk of developing COVID-19 and having poorer outcomes from the virus.

2. Calling it “social” distancing.

In terms of COVID-19, we need “physical” distancing to help stop the spread of the virus, but we need a “social” connection more than ever. Calling it social distancing has inadvertently caused even more people to avoid others to the detriment of their mental health, since living alone and isolating from others has been shown to increase depression and other conditions. In addition, being alone or feeling lonely can cause people with addiction problems to slip back into unhealthy habits.

3. Cleaning with toxic products.

Encouraging us to obsessively wash our hands with sanitizers, wipe counters, and clean packages that come into the house exposes us all to more harmful toxins. Most household cleaning products are filled with toxic chemicals that poison the brain and increase the likelihood of psychiatric issues.

4. Pumping out frightening news 24/7.

With news channels spewing out terrifying projections and showing scary images in an effort to “keep us informed,” it’s enough to fire up the fear and anxiety centers of the brain. The constant updates also keep you in a state of FOMO (fear of missing out) that keeps you glued to the anxiety-inducing messages, making you feel even worse.

5. Giving conflicting recommendations.

Being faced with too many opinions and opposing viewpoints about the best ways to stay safe—for example, wear masks, don’t wear masks, wear masks sometimes—fuels uncertainty. When you don’t have clear direction on what to do it drives stress, anxiety, and feelings of powerlessness and depression

6. Spreading conspiracy theories.

Suggesting that there are underlying forces that are intentionally causing the spread of the virus or the collapse of the economy for nefarious reasons ramps up paranoia and delusions, especially in people who already struggle with conditions like schizophrenia.

7. Promoting pills as the one and only way to treat mental illness.

Airing commercials from pharmaceutical companies that make it seem as if taking a pill is all you have to do to overcome conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder does a disservice to us all. Taking medication should never be the first or only thing you do to address a mental health condition. In fact, there are many alternatives to antidepressants and natural solutions to calm anxiety that can help you feel better now and later.

8. Continuing to insist that mental illness is all in the mind.

The Evil Ruler continues to hammer home the traditional belief that mental illness is psychological. But brain imaging studies clearly show that conditions like ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are not mental health issues, but rather brain health issues that steal your mind. Getting your brain right by following a brain healthy lifestyle will help heal your mind even during times of extreme stress, so you can resist the Evil Ruler’s efforts to create mental illness.

UPDATE from Daniel G. Amen, MD:


The Evil Ruler Is Not What You Think, with Dr. Daniel Amen

Depression, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health issues 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.

Pop Quiz: What do cats have in common with the following?

Answer: Toxoplasma gondii

Did you know that more than 40 million Americans may be infected by this tiny single-celled parasite that is often carried in cats and shed in their feces? The parasite infects many animals, but it can only sexually reproduce in cats. When it infects a rat—or a mouse or a bird or some other small creature—it releases an enzyme to boost the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, which is involved in risk-taking, reward, and motivation.

Scientists believe it effectively rewires the brain, so the rat gets hooked on cat urine and basically turns into a cat-seeking missile. Instead of instinctively fearing and running away from cats, the rat runs toward their natural predator. Not surprisingly, the cat eats the rat. And then the T. gondii starts to reproduce at an alarming rate.

In an amazing TED talk, science writer Ed Young recounts this most unusual love story and calls it a classic tale of “Eat, Prey, Love.”

The story doesn’t end there.

Toxoplasmosis and Mental Illness

When an unsuspecting human empties the cat litter box and comes in contact with the parasite, they can become infected. The T. gondii shed in feline feces can also seep into our water and into the ground, where it can be picked up by humans. This infection, called toxoplasmosis, has a strong association with a wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

In addition, if a pregnant woman becomes infected, she can pass the infection to her developing fetus, which can lead to brain damage or blindness at birth, or mental disabilities later in life.

The parasite is controlling the host. It makes you think that maybe we don’t have as much control over our behavior as we think we do.

Testing for T. Gondii

If you’re experiencing mental health issues—such as schizophrenia, psychosis, anxiety, depression, or memory problems—and you aren’t seeing improvement from standard treatment, it’s worth investigating if an underlying infection like toxoplasmosis is involved. Brain imaging and screening tests can help detect infectious diseases and get an accurate diagnosis so you can get the proper treatment.

At Amen Clinics, when we see evidence of infections on brain SPECT imaging scans, we do additional lab work and testing. Our integrative medicine physicians are trained to diagnose and treat any infections, such as T. gondii, Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, H. pylori, and others.

If you want to join the thousands of people who have already visited Amen Clinics and enhanced their brain function with our personalized diagnosis and treatment plans, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

In an intimate conversation on YouTube, singer Halsey opens up about what she has learned about living with bipolar disorder since being diagnosed with the condition as a teen. In this video, which is intended to be educational, the 25-year-old award-winning singer talks about how she wrote her latest album “Manic” during a manic episode.

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that involves severe changes in mood, energy, and activity levels—swinging from euphoria (mania) to depression. Nearly 6 million Americans are affected by the condition, which causes them to cycle between manic episodes and depressive episodes.

1. It can take years to get an accurate diagnosis.

Although Halsey was diagnosed at an early age, not everybody gets diagnosed as quickly. As is mentioned in her video, it can be 6 months for some people but 10 years for others. And there can be several misdiagnoses along the way. The symptoms seen in bipolar disorder can be similar to those associated with depression, ADD/ADHD, or even schizophrenia, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Making the distinction between bipolar disorder and other conditions is critical because following the wrong treatment plan can make symptoms much worse.

2. It’s okay to feel what you feel.

Halsey says the one question she wishes she would have asked when she was 16 or 17 that might have helped her cope with what she was going through is, “How do I know what I’m allowed to feel?”

This is a common concept among those with mental health conditions. People suffering from psychiatric issues—such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis, and other conditions—often try to squash their uncomfortable feelings. A better approach is to recognize your thoughts and feelings and accept them for what they are, but don’t let them have power over you.

3. Just because you’re successful doesn’t mean you aren’t suffering.

In the video, Halsey says that a lot of people have questioned her diagnosis, saying, “You don’t seem like you have bipolar disorder.” She explains, “They see a young woman who’s achieving all these goals, and they think, ‘Well, there really can’t be anything hindering her from that.’”

In reality, successful people are also vulnerable to mental health issues, which brain SPECT imaging studies show are actually brain health issues. For some people, like Halsey, it’s possible to channel the emotions and struggles in a creative way that resonates with others.

4. Noticing your symptoms is the first step to getting help.

Halsey admits in the video that as she became more familiar with her condition, she was better able to recognize the onset of a manic or depressive episode. When out-of-control euphoria or deep sadness is returning, it’s a good idea to get more serious about interventions. Treatments that can promote stable moods and energy levels in people with bipolar disorder include natural supplements, healthy nutrition, exercise, helpful forms of therapy, and (if necessary) medication.

5. Having a love-hate relationship with bipolar disorder is common.

The manic episodes experienced in bipolar disorder are characterized by abnormally elevated moods, inflated self-esteem, grandiose ideas, racing thoughts, inappropriate behavior, and sometimes delusions or hallucinations. Halsey admits she thinks her mania is “the worst part of me” and considers her manic self irresponsible, untrustworthy, and unreliable. At the same time, she says, “When I’m manic, that’s also when I make my best art. It’s when I’m the most compassionate. It’s the version of me that has given me everything that I have.”

Don’t focus solely on the downsides of bipolar disorder. Be grateful for its upsides too. This will help you keep a more balanced view of your condition.

6. Having a relationship when you have bipolar disorder can be difficult.

All relationships are challenging, but it can be especially hard when one person in the couple has bipolar disorder. In her video, Halsey explains that if she meets someone when she’s in a stable phase, things might be great at first. But when a manic or depressive episode returns, that person might want out of the relationship. “That’s not what I signed up for,” is something she says her dates may have thought.

Helping significant others understand more about bipolar disorder may ease the ups and downs in these relationships. A partner who’s in tune with the cyclical nature of the condition can also be helpful in making sure the person with bipolar disorder continues to follow their treatment plan to minimize risky behavior during manic episodes and prevent them from falling into a deep depression. This can help a relationship.

7. Don’t dwell on what you can’t do, focus on what you can do.

When Halsey first got her diagnosis, she says, “People were telling me all the things I couldn’t do.” Fortunately, she was able to look past the negativity and think about all the things she could do. If you’re diagnosed with bipolar disorder or any form of psychiatric condition, it’s always a good idea to stay focused on the positive things you can do in your life.

8. Getting well is a lifelong journey.

Halsey’s inspiring educational video also explores how mental health is a perpetual journey that requires constant care, attention, and energy. These are wise words. Following a brain healthy treatment plan that enhances brain function and diminishes symptoms is not a temporary program. To maintain more stable moods throughout the lifespan, you need to continue with a targeted treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle habits.

Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and other mental health issues 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.

Grammy Award-nominated singer and songwriter Bebe Rexha is joining a growing list of celebrities who are opening up about their mental health issues. In an April 15, 2019 tweet, the “I’m a Mess” singer talked about the struggles she was facing:

“For the longest time I didn’t understand why I felt so sick. Why I felt lows that made me not want to leave my house or be around people and why I felt highs that wouldn’t let me sleep, wouldn’t let me stop working or creating music. Now I know why.”

She followed up with another revealing tweet:

“I’m bipolar and I’m not ashamed anymore. That is all. (Crying my eyes out.)”

Rexha is one of an estimated 2.8% of adults in the U.S. (about 5.7 million people) who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The condition is associated with significant and severe changes in moods, energy levels, and activity levels, resulting in depressive episodes and manic episodes that shift in a cyclical pattern. It can have devastating consequences on all areas of a person’s life when left untreated. And researchers estimate that 25% to 60% of people with bipolar disease will attempt suicide at least once in their lives.

In a 2020 interview in Self magazine, Rexha spoke in-depth about her diagnosis and what it’s meant for her. Here are 6 important takeaways from her experience.

1. Breaking the stigma of mental illness can be liberating.

Rexha said she wrestled with the idea of seeking help and going public, but she was worried about how it might affect her career and fan base. Finally, she decided she wasn’t going to let the stigma hold her back anymore. That 2019 tweet garnered over 32,000 likes and an outpouring of support from her fans. Rexha said she no longer wanted to be “imprisoned by mental illness.”

She exemplifies that it is time to discard the outdated, stigmatizing mental health paradigm that taints people with disparaging labels, preventing them from getting the help they need. It’s time to replace that with a modern brain-based, whole-person program rooted in neuroscience and hope. No one is shamed for cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Likewise, no one should be shamed for depression, panic attacks, or bipolar disorder.

2. Don’t listen when people tell you to just “snap out of it.”

Like so many people who are struggling with symptoms of mental health problems, Rexha had people around her who thought her issues were some kind of character flaw. Her parents told her, “Just get over it. It’s all in your head. Take a walk.’” But bipolar disorder is not your fault. It’s an illness, and you can’t simply will it away. Seeking treatment is key, and research in the American Journal of Psychiatry shows that early intervention can be especially beneficial.  Early phases of the condition may be more responsive to treatment and may require less intense solutions.

3. Bipolar medication shouldn’t “flatten” your personality.

Many people with bipolar disorder are concerned that taking medication will rob them of their artistic creativity or make them feel like a zombie. Rexha worried about this too but realized her fears were unfounded. “I’m still the same person in the studio,” she told the magazine. In some ways, she actually feels even more insightful as well as feeling more balanced.

In some cases, if medication does make you feel numb, it may be a sign that the dosage needs to be adjusted or you may need to try a different medication. Be sure to let your mental healthcare provider know how you’re feeling.

4. Don’t stop taking medication when you feel better.

Bipolar disorder is usually very responsive to treatment. However, when people with this condition start feeling better, they often believe they no longer need treatment, so they stop taking their medication, which can lead to a return of symptoms. Studies have found that 20% to 70% of people with bipolar disorder have poor compliance with treatment protocols. Rexha said the key to taking medication is to “stay on top of it, and don’t miss doses, and speak to your therapist.”

5. Self-care is a critical component of ongoing therapy.

Medication should never be the first or only thing you do to treat a mental health problem, such as bipolar disorder. Rexha says she uses daily affirmations, high-intensity interval training, cooking, and other lifestyle strategies to enhance her moods or to relax. Other self-care strategies that can be helpful include psychotherapy, brain healthy eating, and nutritional supplements.

6. Knowing the underlying cause of symptoms can be empowering.

When Rexha finally learned that her depressive symptoms and manic episodes were actually bipolar disorder, she felt validated. This reaction to getting a diagnosis is commonly seen in individuals who suffer from debilitating symptoms. The sense of understanding and self-acceptance is even greater in people with psychiatric issues who undergo brain SPECT imaging, a test that measures blood flow and activity in the brain. When people see areas of their brain that have either too much activity or too little activity, which are both associated with mental health issues, it helps them see their problems as medical not moral. This often erases the belief that there’s nothing they can do and motivates them to take action to change their brain and change their life.

At Amen Clinics, we use brain SPECT imaging as part of an overall evaluation to identify underlying brain health issues associated with many psychiatric disorders. It also helps our physicians make more accurate diagnoses and create more targeted and effective treatment plans.

To find out how we can help you or a loved one, call to speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

“No one has ever grown up in the history of humanity like Justin Bieber. No one has ever been that famous worldwide in an era of social media where every year of your adolescence you were the most Googled person on the planet.” 

In Justin Bieber’s new docuseries, “Seasons,” that’s how his manager Scooter Braun describes what it was like for the superstar to grow up in the public eye. The “Baby,” “Sorry,” and “Love Yourself” artist was discovered at age 13 and shot to instant fame, becoming the world’s biggest YouTube sensation, a social media phenom, and an international chart-topper.

Despite his enormous talent and the adulation that came with fame, he faced some serious struggles like so many people do. “Being human is challenging for everybody,” he says in the docuseries. “We’re all struggling to some degree. We all have our individual pains, and fears and anxieties, worries.” Justin knows this only too well because while his career was soaring, his personal life was spinning out of control into anxiety, depression, and addiction. And his brain was under assault.

Drugs, Rock ’n’ Roll, and the Adolescent Brain

The adolescent brain is a remarkable work in progress, with billions of connections called synapses being created at lightning-fast speeds, and an important process called myelinization underway. With myelinization, brain cells are coated with a protective sheath that increases the brain’s processing speeds. The process begins at the back of the brain and works its way forward, with the prefrontal cortex (the area involved in impulse control, forethought, judgment, and empathy) the last area to gain the protective covering, usually around a person’s mid-20s.

Certain things like alcohol, drugs, and even fame can disrupt this important process. A brain imaging study appearing in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that heavy marijuana use among young adults and adolescents may affect normal brain development. The study found brain abnormalities in areas involved with decision-making, memory, and executive functions—the regions in the front of the brain that are the last to undergo myelinization.

Substance use and fame at a young age can also disrupt the reward system in the adolescent brain. In a healthy brain, whenever we do something enjoyable, it’s like pressing a button in the brain to release a little bit of the neurotransmitter dopamine to make us feel pleasure. Pushing these pleasure buttons too often or too strong reduces dopamine’s effectiveness. Eventually, it takes more and more excitement and stimulation to feel anything at all.

In the YouTube docuseries, Justin reveals he started smoking marijuana when he was just 13. Then he moved on to harder substances, including a mind-numbing cocktail of cough syrup (hydrocodone) mixed with alcohol and prescription medication. The concoction was so potent, his security team would creep into his room in the middle of the night to check his pulse and make sure he was still breathing. With the substance abuse and all those screaming fans, Justin’s reward system was getting worn out. He was addicted not only to the drugs but also to fame. And he was in a downward spiral.

It became so overwhelming for him that he canceled the final dates of his “Purpose” world tour in 2017, and the media announced that he was having issues and it seemed like he was “falling into another dark place.” They were right.

What Justin Bieber’s Brain Scan Showed

In Episode 5 of the docuseries (which is currently available on YouTube premium), Justin reveals that he has been coming to neuropsychiatrist and brain imaging expert Dr. Daniel Amen at Amen Clinics for 5 years for help with the issues he’s been struggling with.

Justin bravely opened up to Dr. Amen about the trauma and instability he experienced in his childhood, his addictions, and his anxiety and depression. To find the root causes of his issues, he underwent brain SPECT imaging. SPECT measures blood flow and activity in the brain and shows 3 things: areas with healthy activity, too much activity, or too little activity.

Before coming to Amen Clinics, Justin had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that is often misdiagnosed. In fact, 57% of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder don’t actually have the condition, according to a 2008 study from researchers at Brown University. Justin’s brain scans showed something other than bipolar disorder, and it changed the course of his care. You can see more about what his brain scans revealed in the episode.

Justin’s Journey to Healing

Drawing on our brain imaging work and the latest neuroscience, Justin made the commitment to get on a path to better brain health. To help heal his brain, the young man started doing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a noninvasive treatment that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased oxygen is picked up via the bloodstream and transported to damaged tissues to facilitate the healing process.

HBOT has been used to improve many issues including, but not limited to:

Justin has told Dr. Amen that he loves HBOT therapy so much he got a hyperbaric chamber for his home, and he uses it on a daily basis.

When Dr. Amen informed Justin how important nutrition and supplementation is if you want to change your brain and heal your mind, the musical artist cleaned up his diet and also started doing IV nutrient therapy on a regular basis. IV therapy provides more potent doses of important nutrients than oral supplements, and because it bypasses the digestive system you get 100% absorption without any gastrointestinal issues.

HBOT and IV therapy are only part of the brain-based plan that has been helping him cope with the anxiety, depression, and other issues he faces.

The artist has subsequently received a diagnosis of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can lead to a vast array of neuropsychological symptoms, including:

With a comprehensive treatment plan in place, the superstar feels like he’s on the right track to healing and getting back to the creative music-making process and performing that feeds his soul. He says it’s because he’s “in a good headspace… a better headspace.” We would say, it’s really all about being in a better “brainspace.”

At Amen Clinics, we take a unique brain-body approach to diagnosis and treatment that includes brain SPECT imaging, as well as laboratory testing to check physical health, and other important factors that could be contributing to symptoms of depression. By getting to the root cause of your symptoms, we can create a more effective, personalized treatment plan for you.

If you want to join the tens of thousands of people who have already enhanced their brain health, overcome their symptoms, and improved their quality of life at Amen Clinics, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.