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There are many reasons children struggle and misbehave. It is important to try to understand because if you know the reasons they are having trouble with their behavior you’re more likely to use the right interventions. Sometimes children or teens misbehave because of other reasons, such as underlying emotional or neurological problems (ADD, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, etc.) Between 10-20% of kids have an emotional or learning problem that interferes with their ability to manage their behavior. It is very common for parents who take my course to have one of these children. Clearly, they are more difficult to parent. For that reason, I will go into depth on this issue. For those parents whose children do not have any of these problems, it is a good time to light candles at church and be thankful (or be thankful in any way that best fits). Here are some common reasons:

ATTENTION

When a child gets little positive attention they will seek negative attention. Any attention is better than no attention at all. Attention from parents is critical to the development of a child’s sense of themselves and their self-esteem. Without significant attention from parents, they flounder.

CONTROL

Some children misbehave as a way to rule the nest. When parents are too controlling or they allow the child to be too manipulative power issues come into play. Overcontrolling parents breed oppositional behavior in kids. At the same time, if you are a wimp and the child can get his or her way by whining, yelling or screaming you give them power they are more than willing to take. When in doubt, firm and kind is the rule to follow.

HELPLESSNESS

Some kids misbehave as a way to get out of doing things. If they can appear helpless (to clean their room or do the dishes) and the parent buys into it, the helplessness gives them a powerful tool to escape work. Try to never allow a child to get out of doing their responsibilities through feigning helplessness.

LACK OF GOOD TEACHING

Some kids are never taught to behave in an acceptable way. Their parents have the idea that their child is born knowing how to be socially appropriate and they abdicate their parental role as a teacher. Depression is a common emotional problem in children and teenagers. It is characterized by: Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) are also often overlooked in children and teens and may cause lifelong problems when it is overlooked or misdiagnosed. Many people still think that ADD is just a fad or something that kids outgrow. Yet, when ADD is left untreated it causes serious life problems. For example: Many people think that ADD is just an excuse for poor grades or bad behavior. Teachers and parents often tell kids with ADD that if only they would try harder they’d do better. Unfortunately, that is not true. In fact, the harder people with ADD try, the worse it gets. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is the most common learning problem among children, teens, and adults. It affects more than 17 million Americans. At Amen Clinics, we can help you and children loved ones suffering from behavioral issues. If you are ready to help a loved one, give us a call at 1-888-288-9834 or click here to ask a question. Depression in children and teens can take many forms and is increasing at a shivering rate affecting their social, academic, and familial functioning.  Many children become depressed because of their difficult home life and tense family relations.  However, depression can occur at any point in a child’s life even when things seem to be going well and those affecthed may have difficulty dealing with everyday activities and responsibilities.  For instance, depression may affect the way kids behave at home and at school, how they interact with others, and how they feel about themselves. In a recent study done by Columbia University was the first of its kind distinguishing trends in depression by gender, income, and education. This study looked at children who are the age 12 and older for a ten-year period. The study concluded in 2015 and found that children who are aged 12 to 17 increased from 8.7% in 2005 to 12.7% in 2015.  The authors note, major depression is associated with “significant disability, morbidity, and mortality.”  Be proactive in noticing depression in children and teens with these tips: 

Some of the factors that may predispose children to depression are:

Know the Signs:

Know the Facts:

Distinguishing “normal” misbehaviors of childhood from more worrisome problems can be challenging.  Do you find yourself asking questions such as “Are my child’s behaviors causing problems in his/her life, at home, in school, or in relationships with family or friends?” and “Are my child’s behaviors holding him/her back from gaining confidence or success?” If left untreated, childhood depression can ultimately lead to school failure, alcohol and drug use, and even suicide. Depression in children, teens, and adults is not a personal weakness; it is a mental health problem. The good news, however, is that childhood depression is treatable, especially when it is diagnosed early. In addition, anxiety and depression interfere with school, work, health, relationships and more. Contact us today at 888-288-9834, or have someone reach out to you. As a parent, you’ll do anything to help your child. It’s so painful to watch your son or daughter struggle. But, where do you go when it seems like you’ve tried everything?  Unfortunately, Liz knows how that feels. She felt like she was losing her daughter, Isabella, who had been severely struggling with ADD symptoms at school. Isabella was in third grade when she started to fall behind in her schoolwork. Initially, Liz took notice but didn’t want to overreact. It was only third grade. “By fourth grade, we knew there were definitely some issues,” Liz explained. “By the time we were changing schools, we knew there was more than an educational or behavioral problem.” Liz and her husband spent the next year and a half doing everything they could to help their daughter. Isabella’s older brother helped with after-school efforts too. They tried tutoring, an educational therapist, and even ocular therapy. A local educational foundation evaluated Isabella and said the core challenge was her memory. The whole family worked on memory games with her.

When Hard Work Doesn’t Pay Off

“It wasn’t that Isabella wasn’t trying hard,” Liz said. The tutoring and therapy commitments alone were taking two hours a day, four or five days a week. Isabella worked so hard every day and still got D’s and mostly F’s in her schoolwork. Liz and her husband pulled their daughter out of all extracurricular activities; school seemed so much more important. But even that choice appeared to have devastating effects. “She was losing self-confidence. She was turning inward, doubting every move,” Liz said. “We were losing our daughter, and it was killing us.” Then two different family friends heard about Isabella’s challenges. Both made the same recommendation: call Amen Clinics. Something rang true when Liz heard about SPECT scans. In a leap of faith, Liz scheduled a Full Evaluation. At the first consultation looking at Isabella’s brain SPECT scans, Liz and her husband were stunned. The front cortex of her brain looked like “her brain was on fire” due to its overactivity. Isabella’s psychiatrist explained that Isabella’s brain was quite literally exhausted. It didn’t know how to shut down, to calm itself—a vital task in the learning process. Isabella’s psychiatrist spoke with her parents, describing Isabella’s particular form of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). ADD is the most common psychiatric challenge for children. However, conventional treatments often fall short in “classic” cases. The explanation for this is simple, according to Dr. Daniel Amen’s findings, there are seven types of ADD, with each type requiring very different treatment.

Report Card Improvements

Isabella’s parents looked at their options and chose to begin treatment through exercise, dietary choices, and brain-focused supplements only. “Within three weeks, Isabella’s grades went from mostly F’s to C’s and D’s,” Liz said. “Within six weeks, she went to almost all C’s.” At a follow-up appointment, the family decided to try two prescription medications that could further help Isabella focus while at school. They learned that Isabella’s challenge would not benefit from solely a stimulant medication; rather it would require specific medication to calm the overactive regions of her brain and another to activate the frontal cortex for focus. Using minimal dosages of two different medications, and continuing the dietary and lifestyle choices, Isabella went through a transformation at school. “Within three weeks of being on prescriptions, Isabella became a B-student at a very distinguished private school,” Liz said. Isabella is 14 now, an eighth grader with top grades and involved in sports again and acts in school plays. Most importantly, she feels confident again and even ran for student body president.

Pinpointing Problems and Solutions

Amen Clinics brought Isabella and her family an accurate diagnosis, proven solutions, and hope. “They were able to pinpoint exactly what was Isabella’s problem,” Liz said. Through a whole-person approach, she has been able to become her very best—not only in school but in every aspect of her life. “It’s been unbelievable to watch the transformation. We’re very blessed.” What can a Full Evaluation do for you or a loved one? It’s time to stop guessing. Amen Clinics Full Evaluation of your biological-psychological-social-spiritual history including two brain SPECT imaging scans (at rest and concentration), cognitive testing, and clinical assessment is designed to address your unique needs and offer targeted treatment options. At Amen Clinics, we specialize in childhood learning challenges and ADHD. Our holistic treatment approaches are yielding transformative results. Call 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule an appointment now. It’s time to open the door to a bright and hopeful future for your child and your whole family. It’s back to school time already, which can mean helping your child adjust to a new classroom, new teachers, and for many—new distractions. Getting through this transition can be a challenge for those with undiagnosed or untreated ADD, and can wreak havoc on their lives – and yours! But, it doesn’t have to; learning more about the symptoms and treatment for ADD can lead you and your loved ones to healthier and more productive lives. One of Dr. Amen’s scientific contributions is, through the use of brain SPECT imaging, he uncovered the 7 subtypes of ADD, each involving a unique pattern of activity in the brain. And, not surprisingly, that each of the ADD types requires a different treatment—not a one-size-fits-all ADD solution.

While each of the 7 types of ADD has its own unique set of symptoms, they generally share the same core symptoms:

The 7 Types of ADD:

Type 1: Classic ADD

This first type of ADD – what is known as ADHD (H = Hyperactive), is usually evident early in life. As babies, they tend to be colicky, active and wiggly, growing into children who tend to be restless, noisy, talkative, impulsive and demanding. Their hyperactivity and sometimes conflict-driven behavior gets everyone’s attention early on. Classic ADD tends to be more frequently seen in boys.

Type 2: Inattentive ADD

Those with this type are usually quiet, more introverted and appear to daydream a lot. They may be labeled as unmotivated—even slow or lazy. Inattentive ADD is common in girls and boys but is often missed because children with this type tend to have fewer behavioral problems and don’t draw the negative attention to themselves as do those with Classic ADD. Nonetheless, left untreated they may live life below their true potential.

Type 3: Overfocused ADD

People suffering from this type have most of the ADD features, but rather than not being able to pay attention, they become hyper-focused on certain things while tuning everything else out. These folks tend to get stuck or locked into negative thought patterns and behaviors. This type of ADD is often found in substance abusers as well as the children and grandchildren of alcoholics.

Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD

In addition to the core features of ADD, people with this type have symptoms associated with temporal lobe problems, such as problems with learning, memory, mood instability, aggression, temper outbursts, and sometimes, even violence. It is not unusual to see this type of ADD in people who have had head injuries.

Type 5: Limbic ADD

In Limbic ADD, the core symptoms of ADD intersect with mood issues and are present over a long period of time. Commonly, people with this type suffer from not only the symptoms of ADD, but also with low self-esteem, sadness, low energy and motivation, and a loss of interest in fun activities.

Type 6: Ring of Fire ADD

With this type, people often have difficulty “turning off” their brains, typically feeling overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions, in addition to problems with inattention, distractibility and other core ADD symptoms. Ring of Fire ADD can also be related to some form of allergy, infection or inflammation in the brain, or to bipolar disorder.

Type 7: Anxious ADD

With Type 7, the core symptoms of ADD are compounded by symptoms of anxiety such as worry, nervousness, tension and fear of being judged. Furthermore, the ADD symptoms in people suffering from this type tend to be magnified by their anxiety. 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. For daily brain health updates, follow us on Facebook. Jeremy was a bright student who worked hard and succeeded academically. He loved to learn and had done exceptionally well at a prestigious university, but he had a tendency to get bored easily. As a result of his hard work, Jeremy attained his dream of being accepted to medical school. He expected that medical studies would be an extension of the smorgasbord of intellectual challenges he had experienced in college. But Jeremy was soon disappointed when he discovered how much rote memorization was involved. Having to memorize a seemingly endless number of uninteresting facts made Jeremy and his brain feel half asleep. He resorted to simultaneously listening to both the television and the radio to remain awake enough and have sufficient attention to commit to memory what he needed for his exams. The fact that Jeremy’s brain began to fall asleep when faced with uninteresting information was an important sign that he had attention deficit disorder, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). People with adult ADD, which affects an estimated 4.4% of Americans, have a high susceptibility to boredom, have difficulty tolerating boredom, and are easily distracted. They’re the ones who tend to look around the room, drift off, appear bored, forget where the conversation is going, or interrupt with extraneous information. Why is boredom associated with this condition? It starts in the brain.

Your Brain’s Role in Boredom

ADD/ADHD is a brain disorder that results in problems with low stimulation and increased boredom. Brain SPECT imaging shows that in people with ADD/ADHD, there is low activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain that is involved with focus, attention, concentration, goal-setting, planning, organization, and impulse control. Underactivity in this part of the brain can contribute to problems in these areas and feelings of boredom.

How ADD/ADHD Boredom Interferes with Everyday Life

Because of the way the ADD/ADHD brain functions, people with this disorder have trouble completing everyday activities, such as paying bills, doing household chores, or organizing their files at work. If you have ADD/ADHD, this means you may fall behind on payments, neglect cleaning the house, or have a messy desk at work. This can cause a host of problems in your life—financial issues, relationship trouble, and problems holding a job. Some people with ADD/ADHD also have trouble maintaining everyday relationships. They often quickly become bored with their romantic partner. When the rush of new love wears off, boredom sets in, they end the relationship and seek out someone new.

Why People with ADD/ADHD Need Stimulation

Because people with ADD/ADHD need stimulation or excitement in order to stay engaged. They can pay attention just fine to things that are new, novel, interesting, highly stimulating, or frightening. For example, they can easily lose themselves for many consecutive hours playing exciting video games. And activities that would make most of us tremble with anxiety—such as motorcycle racing, free climbing, or skydiving—seem to calm these individuals. Take a look at an Amen Clinics patient who was an airplane wing walker. This man required an extreme amount of stimulation in order to feel calm and comfortable. Most of us would be paralyzed by anxiety walking on the wing of an airplane mid-flight, but this man, who normally experienced boring situations as remarkably intolerable, was optimally stimulated when engaging in his hobby. He stopped being distracted and became mindful, alert, and fully aware in the present moment. Why? The excitement boosted adrenaline, which is often low in those with ADD/ADHD due to adrenal gland disorders and stimulated his frontal lobes. This allowed him to feel calm and focused while walking on wings instead of rattled by his normal state of intense boredom.

Unhealthy Ways to Stimulate the ADD/ADHD Brain

Many people with this condition unconsciously—based on brain-driven mechanisms (not will-driven)—play ADD/ADHD games as a way to boost adrenaline and stimulate their frontal lobes. These games just seem to happen. No one plans for them to happen. Most ADD/ADHD people deny that they engage in these behaviors, but they are common in the patients at Amen Clinics.

Here are 3 unhealthy ways that people with ADD/ADHD create stimulation:

  1. “Let’s have a problem.” Without enough stimulation, the brain looks for ways to increase its own activity. Being mad, upset, angry, or negative has an immediate stimulating effect on the brain. Whenever you get upset your body produces increasing amounts of adrenaline stimulating heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and, yes, brain activity. Many people with ADD/ADHD pick on others to get a rise out of them, get them upset, or make them crazy.
  2. “Fighting as foreplay.” Many couples where one or both partners have ADD/ADHD have intense fights followed by a period of making up and making love. One minute you’re fighting and talking about divorce, and the next moment you’re making wild passionate love. It’s confusing, but the arguing provides the stimulation that gets you ready for love.
  3. “Let’s get addicted.” People with ADD/ADHD have a higher incidence of addiction, whether it’s to drugs and alcohol, food, video games, social media, or even work. Think of those who are addicted to their iPhones and other mobile devices. It’s the constant pings alerting them to new information and novelty that stimulates their brain and relieves their boredom.

Healthy Ways to Stimulate the ADD/ADHD Brain

There are better ways to support and stimulate the brain, including:

If ADD/ADHD is interfering with your life, finances, work, or relationships, it’s time to seek professional help. 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.   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. “Real men don’t cry.” That unhealthy stereotype can be particularly detrimental to men with a psychiatric condition. Since men learn from a young age to bottle up their emotions, they are far less likely than women to seek treatment for a mental illness. This is especially true of depression since women are diagnosed with the complaint more frequently than men. Major depressive disorder affects six million men each year in America and many millions more will choose to tough it out rather than admitting they need help. Sadly, those who suffer from depression may never know how their ailment influences other people in their life. A recent study shows that depression in fathers has a direct effect on the behavioral problems of their adolescent children. This should come as a wake-up call to the multitude of men who are attempting to manage their symptoms by white-knuckling their way through the pain. Since depression can have a negative influence on the entire family, it is time for men to step up and get help. Delaying treatment for depression can have significant personal, interpersonal, occupational and social consequences.

If you are struggling with symptoms of depression, here are nine proven strategies that can help you:

1. Know Your Type

Did you know that there are different types of depression? Knowing your type can help reduce stigma, provide hope and guide treatment.

2. Stress Less

It is easy to become overwhelmed in our fast-paced society. To reduce stress, try meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques.

3. Quality Sleep

Insufficient and inconsistent sleep can increase irritability, moodiness and poor judgment. To remain at the top of your game, it is recommended that you get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

4. Step into the Light

Daily exposure to appropriate levels of sunlight can boost serotonin and vitamin D3 levels which can improve your mood.

5. Get Moving

Exercise is the most important thing you can do when feeling depressed. Exercising releases “feel good” chemicals in your brain that can promote a sense of well-being.

6. Eat Good Mood Food

Good mood foods like lean protein, raw spinach and walnuts contain bliss-enhancing nutrients which can elevate your mood.

7. Kill Your ANTs

ANTs are the Automatic Negative Thoughts that pop into your head, causing you to get upset or depressed. Once you identify an ANT, jot it down, identify it and then kill it by writing a more realistic version of the same thought.

8. Talk it Out

Most men aren’t comfortable talking about their feelings. However, opening up about personal struggles can have big benefits for those who deal with depression. Whether in a support group or with a therapist, talking it out can reduce your sense of isolation and provide relief from your symptoms.

9. Get a Brain Image

Depression is not the consequence of a character flaw or personal weakness, it is the result of biological problems in the brain that can be balanced. By looking at our patient’s brain function through brain SPECT imaging, we can identify the underlying brain biology of a person’s depressive systems, allowing us to tailor a treatment plan to begin the healing process. At Amen Clinics, we understand that depression is not a simple disorder with a one-size-fits-all solution. We have helped tens of thousands of people with depression from all over the world and can help you, too. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. All teenagers get moody and anxious as they go through adolescence, right? Well, while it may be a cliché to think of teens as sad and moody, there may be something making many teen’s lives harder than just changing bodies. A study on depression in adolescents and young adults, published in the journal Pediatrics, found a startling increase in the amount of young people struggling with depression. It was found that the number of teens who reported an MDE (Major Depressive Episode) rose from 8.7% in 2005 to a staggering 11.5% in 2014, a 37% increase. However, after analyzing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, they found no evidence of a corresponding increase in mental health treatment for adolescents. This means that there are potentially hundreds of thousands of young adults struggling every day in a battle with depression in addition to the more than 3 million adolescents between 12-17 who reported an MDE last year. This is a very real problem, but there are also very real solutions. If you or someone you love have been feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or angry, even at little things for more than just a couple bad days, there may be steps you can take to help. Here are some other signs to consider; a depressed person might: Everyone experiences depression a little differently, so there is not a definitive list of symptoms. However, the best thing you can do is be aware, be active, and be informed about the severity and nature of depression. Depression is not the results of a character flaw or personal weakness. If you or a loved one is struggling, contact Amen Clinics today or call (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.
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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. Parenting a child is one of the most important responsibilities any of us ever undertake. Yet, it does not require any special training or prior experience. It has been said that parents make most of their mistakes with their first child, overcompensate with the second child, and finally get it right with the third child. In this day and age, most families have 2 children or less, so there is no time to lose! Parents are generally the most important people in a child’s life. Unfortunately, parents often underestimate their own influence in raising children and teenagers. Parenting any child is a challenge and requires solid skills. Parenting children with brain-based issues requires “superior” parenting skills if you are going to be really helpful to them. Parenting is a skill we learn mostly from our parents. If you do it right, your children are more likely to do a good job with their own children, and on and on. Do it wrong and generational problems are likely to follow. Here are 5 critical steps in the parenting process which will lead to more peace and harmony in your home:

1. Establish Total Focus As A Parent

The most important step in the parenting process is goal setting. It is critical as parents to know clearly what you are trying to accomplish. When you have clear goals, you are more likely to act proactively and positively, consistent with your goals. Without a clear vision of what you want for yourself or your child, you become reactive, ineffective, and easily frustrated. And you need to look at these goals every day.

2. Teach Your Children To Set Goals

In order for children to be successful in the world, it is critical to teach them to set their own goals. As with adults, when children know what they want, they are more likely to match their behavior to get it. Being goal-directed helps keep our behavior on track. Teaching children to make short and long-term goals and focus on them daily will make a huge difference.

3. Focus On Stabilizing Any Of Your Own Psychological Or Neurological Problems

As a parent, having an unrecognized, undiagnosed, untreated mental illness can be devastating to the emotional development of a child. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, it is imperative to have an evaluation by a competent professional. In order to effectively parent any child, let alone one having difficulties, parents must look at their own attitudes, behavior, and mental health.

4. Think Clearly And Logically When Dealing With Your Child

Parenting requires clear thinking. It is especially important in raising difficult kids. When you have dealt with a difficult child year after year, your thoughts and expectations may become negative and you decrease your chances of being able to step back to take a realistic, calm look at situations that arise. Correcting your own negative thoughts will be very helpful with this. Doing this will not only help you with your ability to deal with your child in a more rational and effective way, it will also improve your mood and self-esteem.

5. Remember The Two Critical Ingredients For A Great Relationship

The essential ingredients for building positive relationships with children are:

Time: Studies indicate that parents spend less than 7 minutes a week talking with their children. It is not possible to have a good relationship in such little time. Children need actual, physical, quality time with their parents. Some parents complain that their children are too busy or are not interested in spending time with them. Force the issue with your kids and tell them that they are important to you. Try spending 20 minutes a day with your child doing something they like. During this time, avoid nagging or criticizing in any way and notice and point out positive behaviors.

Willingness To Listen: Good communication is essential to any relationship and absolutely essential to the parent-child relationship. In order to get your child to talk to you, you must first show that you are willing to accept and listen to what they have to say. You must also believe they have the capacity to solve many of their own problems if they are allowed to talk through them.

Amen Clinics has helped tens of thousands of people from all over the world better understand the unique ways their brains work over the past 25 years. If you feel that you or a loved one could benefit from an evaluation, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.