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To Be Mentally Strong, Children Need a Healthy Brain

Excerpted from Raising Mentally Strong Kids, by Daniel Amen, MD, and Charles Fay, PhD If you want your child to be mentally strong, it starts with helping them have a healthy brain. And brain health is important for you too, because parenting requires mental strength. Brains run schools, families, friendships, businesses, churches—and you. Yet most people rarely think about their brains, least of all their children’s brains. Yet mental strength starts with a healthy brain. If you want your child to be mentally strong, it starts with helping them have a healthy brain.
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WHY YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN HEALTH IS THE KEY TO MENTAL STRENGTH

It’s so important to know about the brain, love it, and maybe even become a bit obsessed with it—especially for your kids’ sake. And it’s equally critical to teach your children at an early age to love and care for their own brains. It will make parenting so much easier while setting them up for the mental fortitude that will help them succeed in every area of life! And remember, although it’s better to start early, it’s never too late to teach your child, adolescent, or young adult about brain health.

BRAIN BASICS FOR CHILDREN

Let’s take a deeper look at the supercomputer inside your head. The human brain typically weighs about 3 pounds and is the consistency of soft butter, tofu, or custard, and it is housed in a hard skull that has sharp bony ridges. It’s no surprise that the brain can be damaged from repeatedly heading soccer balls or from being pounded by helmet-to-helmet tackles in football! The brain is a symphony of parts that work together to create and sustain a life. It is the organ responsible for learning, loving, creating, and behaving. And it is the most complex and amazing organ in the universe.

3 BRAIN PRINCIPLES FOR KIDS AND PARENTS

To help you and your child develop strong brains, here are some key principles you need to know.

  1. Develop a love affair with your brain.

You need to love the 3-pound mass between your ears because your brain controls how you think, act, feel, and manage those difficult situations that leave you wanting to lecture, threaten, scream, or use some other ineffective parenting strategy. Obviously, the brain helps you remain thoughtful rather than reactive, one of the hallmarks of great parenting. When you fall in love with your brain, you start taking better care of it. You feed it, exercise it, and rest it. Your brain also helps you consistently demonstrate firmness and kindness. Decades of research shows this combination of firmness and kindness to be one of the primary factors differentiating successful from unsuccessful parents.

  1. Teach your child to love and protect their brain.

 As you may already know, modeling is one of the most powerful ways of teaching your kids. As they see you falling head over heels in love with your brain, this will help them want a similar love affair. They will be responsive to learning that the brain is soft; the skull is hard and has multiple sharp ridges. When the head experiences any form of impact, the brain ricochets inside this hard and sharp casing. In brain scans, I have seen children as young as 8 suffering from serious head injuries from playing football for only one season. You read that right: brain damage at 8 years old! In fact, I recently worked with a patient who had been an all-American soccer player in high school and college. Even though she never had a concussion, her brain was not healthy—and hadn’t been for years. The brain trauma she endured and never knew about made every aspect of her life as a parent, a wife, an employee, and a friend harder.

  1. Educate your child about how to care for their brain.

It’s not hard. I started teaching my daughter Chloe when she was 2 years old how to make choices to care for her brain. Show by example how to avoid anything that hurts the brain, such as: In addition, show them how to do things that help the brain, such as:

RAISING MENTALLY STRONG KIDS

You will find several more helpful brain principles for parents and children in the book Raising Mentally Strong Kids. In the book, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, brain and mental health expert Dr. Daniel Amen and child psychologist Dr. Charles Fay have teamed up to reveal what’s missing from most parenting books. It’s the fact that you need to address both the brain and the mind of your child (and yourself) in order to be an effective parent and raise competent humans. In this groundbreaking, science-backed book where neuroscience meets practical psychology, parents are given proven tools to help children of all ages go from defiance, meltdowns, and power struggles to being responsible, resilient, and confident. Order your copy now and put your child on the path to a brighter future. If you want to join the tens of thousands of parents and children who have already learned how to be mentally stronger at Amen Clinics, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.  

Is Your Parenting Style Making Kids Mentally Strong or Weak?

Excerpted from Raising Mentally Strong Kids, by Daniel Amen, MD, and Charles Fay, PhD Do you love your children and want to be an involved parent? Of course, you do! That’s why you’re reading this blog. But not all parents are alike. Some parenting styles make it harder to achieve the goals you have for yourself and your child—contributing to lack of motivation, neediness, feelings of entitlement, or feelings of anxiety. Other parenting styles facilitate the process of raising young people who are competent, and even better, allow us to enjoy our kids more in the present moment. If you want to get on the fast track to fun times and a brighter future, you need to take an honest look at yourself. You may unknowingly be making parenting harder than it needs to be. Some parenting styles make it harder to achieve the goals you have for yourself and your child—contributing to lack of motivation, neediness, feelings of entitlement, or feelings of anxiety. Others facilitate the process.
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WHAT’S YOUR PARENTING STYLE?

You likely fall into one of four main parenting styles. Before we dive into the four styles, understand that your parenting style usually comes from several factors, including: You may feel comfortable with your current style, or perhaps it isn’t working well enough for you. The good news is, you can fine-tune your style to be a more effective parent, so you can raise resilient, responsible, respectful kids. Decades of research beginning with the work of clinical and developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind in the 1960s show that parenting styles can be viewed along two lines: from loving to hostile and from firm to permissive. Jim Fay and Foster Cline, MD, describe three styles: We also include a fourth style:

WHAT IS THE HELICOPTER PARENTING STYLE?

What is a helicopter parent? The helicopter parenting style describes those parents who are loving and permissive. They often seem sweet and kind to their children and give them anything they want. They are reluctant to challenge or frustrate their children. Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? Protect your children. Make life as easy and smooth as possible. The problem occurs when permissive parenting means they give in to their child’s every whim. Their overall goal is to create a perfect world for their kids.

SIGNS AND CONSEQUENCES OF HELICOPTER PARENTING

WHAT IS DRILL SERGEANT PARENTING?

A Drill Sergeant parent is hostile and firm. Drill Sergeant parents value the role of authority and rules and tend to be rigid and inflexible. Parents who use this style with kids create major heartache. They were either raised this way themselves or feel like it’s the best way to raise responsible and respectful children. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that people with the Drill Sergeant parenting style may have overactivity in an area of the brain called the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG). This can cause people to get stuck on worries or behaviors that aren’t helpful. People with this authoritarian parenting style also have a tendency to be argumentative and oppositional. SIGNS AND CONSEQUENCES OF DRILL SERGEANT PARENTING

WHAT IS UNINVOLVED PARENTING?

Uninvolved parents are hostile and permissive. To put it simply, these are the parents who do not care. They are usually overwhelmed in their own lives—they may have had a head injury, drank too much, or experienced trauma—all of which can negatively impact brain function. Considering that you are reading this blog, it’s clear that you don’t likely fit into the Uninvolved parenting style, so we won’t delve deeply into this parenting style.  WHAT IS CONSULTANT PARENTING? Welcome to the wonderful world of the firm and loving Consultant parent! Helicopter parents and Drill Sergeant parents expend so much effort that ends up leading to burnout and harmful results. The Consultant parenting style requires less effort but makes it so much easier to reach the goals you have for yourself and your child. It also smooths your child’s transition to being a competent and confident adult. In addition, it lets you all have a lot more fun along the journey. 

SIGNS AND BENEFITS OF CONSULTANT PARENTING

RAISING MENTALLY STRONG KIDS

You will find much more about parenting styles and how they affect your child in the book Raising Mentally Strong Kids. In the book, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, brain and mental health expert Dr. Daniel Amen and child psychologist Dr. Charles Fay have teamed up to reveal what’s missing from most parenting books. It’s the fact that you need to address both the brain and the mind of your child (and yourself) in order to be an effective parent and raise competent humans. In this groundbreaking, science-backed book where neuroscience meets practical psychology, parents are given proven tools to help children of all ages go from defiance, meltdowns, and power struggles to being responsible, resilient, and confident. Order your copy now and put your child on the path to a brighter future. If you want to join the tens of thousands of parents and children who have already learned how to be mentally stronger at Amen Clinics, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.  

33 Best Tips for Raising Mentally Strong Kids

Excerpted from Raising Mentally Strong Kids, by Daniel Amen, MD, and Charles Fay, PhD Here are some of the best parenting techniques to increase your effectiveness. They will also help build what we call the Four Circles of Mental Strength, so your kids will have the foundation they need to achieve their potential. We have gathered these “best things you can do for your child” over decades of working with both “difficult” and “not-so-difficult” children, teenagers, and young adults—and their parents. We don’t expect you to follow all of the parenting strategies listed. Choose the ones that are the most appropriate for your situation. Simple Parenting Tip: Remember what it is like to be a child (the good and the bad). Remember how you felt when you were their age. This will help you relate to their worries and concerns with empathy.
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REMEMBER WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE A CHILD

  1. Remember what it is like to be a child (the good and the bad). Remember how you felt when you were their age. This will help you relate to their worries and concerns with empathy.
  2. Remember how it felt when your mom or dad were too busy for you.
  3. Remember what it felt like to tell a lie and how you wish your parents would have reacted when they found out.
  4. Remember how you felt when your parents fought with each other (do you fight in the same way with your spouse or the child’s other parent?).
  5. Remember how it felt when your mom or dad took you someplace special.
  6. Remember mealtimes when you were a child. Were they a positive experience (and why), or were they a negative experience (and why)?
  7. Remember how you felt at bedtime.
  8. Remember the first time you asked someone out on a date, or were asked out, and the intense anxiety and excitement that goes along with dating.
  9. Remember your sexual feelings and experiences as a child and teenager.
  10. Remember the worst teachers you had, so that you can relate to your kids when they complain about school.
  11. Remember the best teachers you had, so that you can tell your children how good school can be. 

DEVELOP CLEAR GOALS FOR YOURSELF AS A PARENT

  1. Develop clear, written goals for raising your children and spell out the kind of person you’d like them to become. Look at your goals every day to see if your behavior is encouraging what you want. In all of your interactions with your children, ask yourself if your actions encourage the behaviors you want.
  2. Be involved with your child. Ensure you spend enough time with them so that you can influence their direction.
  3. Be open with your child. Talk with them in such a way—active listening and empathy—that will help them talk to you when they need to.
  4. Be firm and set limits. Provide appropriate supervision and limits until they develop their own moral/internal controls.
  5. Be a good co-parent. Whether married or divorced, it is best when parents support each other in their interactions with a child.
  6. Be kind. Raise your children in such a way that they will want to come and see you after they leave home. Being a parent is also a selfish job.
  7. Be fun. Joke, clown, and play with your kids. Having fun is essential to both physical and emotional health. 

DEVELOP CLEAR GOALS FOR YOUR CHILD

  1. Be relational. We live in a relational world. It is imperative to teach your children how to get along with others.
  2. Be responsible. Children need to believe and act as if they have some shared control over their own life—that when bad things happen it is not always someone else’s fault. Otherwise, they will act like a victim and have no personal power.
  3. Be independent. Allow your child to have some choices (shared control) over their own life. This will enable the child to be able to make good decisions on their own.
  4. Be self-confident. Encourage your child to be involved with different activities where they can feel a sense of competence. Self-confidence often comes from the ability to master tasks, sports, and activities.
  5. Be self-accepting. Notice more positive than negative in your child. This will enable them to accept themselves.
  6. Be adaptable. Expose your child to different situations so they will be flexible enough to deal with the various stresses that will come.
  7. Be emotionally healthy. Allow your child the ability to express themselves in an accepting environment. Seek help for your child if they show prolonged symptoms of emotional trouble.
  8. Be fun. Teach your child how to have fun and how to laugh.
  9. Be focused. Help your child develop clear goals for themselves (both short-term and long-term goals).  

AUTHORITY IS ESSENTIAL

  1. Authority is essential to maintaining order and structure in a family. The sixties generation lost the concept that authority is a good thing.
  2. Being firm with your child is not the same as being mean.
  3. Your child will respect you more if you believe you are supposed to be the authority in the relationship.
  4. Establishing authority (in a kind way) with a child enhances creativity. They know the boundaries and do not have to test them continually, leaving energy for more productive activities.
  5. Establishing authority (in a kind way) with a child will help them deal with authority as an adult.
  6. Mean what you say. Don’t allow guilt to cause you to back down on what you know is right.

RAISING MENTALLY STRONG KIDS

 You will find 97 more of the best things you can do as a parent in the book Raising Mentally Strong Kids. In the book, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, brain and mental health expert Dr. Daniel Amen and child psychologist Dr. Charles Fay have teamed up to reveal what’s missing from most parenting books. It’s the fact that you need to address both the brain and the mind of your child (and yourself) in order to be an effective parent and raise competent humans. In this groundbreaking, science-backed book where neuroscience meets practical psychology, parents are given proven tools to help children of all ages go from defiance, meltdowns, and power struggles to being responsible, resilient, and confident. Order your copy now and put your child on the path to a brighter future. If you want to join the tens of thousands of parents and children who have already learned how to be mentally stronger at Amen Clinics, speak to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.   Content updated from previous publish date. Do you have one of the estimated 1 in 36 children in the U.S. who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? If you’re the parent of a child with ASD, you know that an autism diagnosis is life-changing for your child, for you, and for your entire family. Autism is associated with deficits in social skills, communication, and the ability to form and maintain friendships. Kids with autism may have rigid thinking, may be hypersensitive to sensory stimuli, and may have limited interests. This can change the family dynamic and create unexpected challenges for parents and siblings. This blog will help you understand the latest science on what causes autism and how can you manage it. If you’re the parent of a child with ASD, you know that an autism diagnosis is life-changing for your child, for you, and for your entire family.
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WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s behaviors and ability to communicate, learn, and relate to others. Autism is not one single thing; it has many faces. Just look at a classroom full of autistic children, and you will see that they are not all alike. In about one-third of kids with autism, it is common to experience normal development in the first year of life and then to regress in the second year of life.

WHAT CAUSES AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?

Scientists have yet to pinpoint a specific cause for autism, however, they have discovered numerous contributing factors. The scientific community continues to search for causes of autism and may find additional contributing factors in the future.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN FOOD AND AUTISM SYMPTOMS

Food can play a critical role in the severity of autism symptoms. Processed foods that are full of preservatives, pesticides, artificial colors and flavorings, and other chemicals may contribute to autism and can exacerbate ASD symptoms, according to a 2019 study. Foods that lack fiber promote the overgrowth of destructive bacteria, which may influence behavior. On the other hand, emerging research shows that consuming organic foods that are high in fiber and healthy fats may help. Some foods can make autism worse. For example, many children with autism may have a sensitivity to gluten and dairy, which can trigger immune responses associated with autoimmune disorders. Removing dairy and wheat products from the diet can significantly reduce GI problems and other symptoms.

IMPROVING SOCIAL SKILLS IN AUTISM

Children with ASD have difficulty with social skills, and as a result, they are more likely to be bullied in school. They tend to be sensitive to scents, noise, bright lights, and powerful emotions. To help manage these issues, follow these tips:

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Remember that managing autism symptoms is a daily practice that requires consistent effort. By following these strategies on a regular basis, you may be able to help your autistic child experience significant improvements in their everyday life. Autism, ADD/ADHD, and other brain-based 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. Content updated from previous publish date. “I’m so stupid.” “I’m always messing things up.” “No one will ever love me.” Does this sound like your inner critic? We all have a little voice in our head that whispers—or screams—to us throughout the day. Sometimes, our inner thoughts help us make better decisions so we can keep on track toward our goals. Other times, however, our inner critic kicks into overdrive and spews automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) that are toxic. Negativity is common, but it is especially prevalent in people with mental health issues. This negative self-talk can dampen our moods, ignite stress and anxiety, and hold us back from achieving our dreams. If you’re riddled with ANTs, you can learn to fight back. Here are some of the most common types of negative thoughts, how they damage your mindset, and a simple 5-step technique to eliminate negative thinking patterns. Negative self-talk can dampen our moods, ignite stress and anxiety, and hold us back from achieving our dreams.
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BRAIN-BASED MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS THAT INCREASE NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

Negative self-talk is strongly linked to mental health issues, such as ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among others. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that these psychiatric conditions are really brain health issues that can fuel negativity. Here’s a deeper look at the connection between negative thinking, brain health, and mental health. These individuals also often have to endure harsh critiques from others who don’t understand that ADD/ADHD brains work differently. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that low activity in the prefrontal cortex is common in people with ADD/ADHD. This region is involved with focus, attention, impulse control, and follow-through, and when activity is too low, it is associated with trouble in these areas, which can lead to negative thoughts about oneself. SPECT scans at Amen Clinics show that the emotional centers of the brain—called the limbic system—are often overactive in people with depression. This heightened activity is associated with increased negativity. On SPECT scans, anxiousness is associated with overactivity in the basal ganglia, important structures deep in the brain. They are involved in setting the body’s anxiety level, and when activity is too high it increases anxious and stressful thoughts. Brain SPECT imaging shows that too much activity in an area of the brain called the anterior cingulate gyrus is common in people with OCD. This is associated with rigid thinking and cognitive inflexibility, both of which keep people locked into their negative thinking patterns.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE SELF-TALK?

Negative self-talk impacts us in numerous harmful ways, and it all starts in the brain. Your brain is always listening and reacting to every single one of your thoughts. Your thoughts are based on numerous factors, such as sensory input, past experiences, the foods you eat, gut bacteria, and your brain health. When you have a happy thought, it triggers your brain to release chemicals that affect all of the cells within your body, making you feel good.  When you have a negative thought, however, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel bad. Having a few negative thoughts once in a while is normal, but when your thought patterns are predominantly negative, it can have long-term impacts. Rumination and self-blame are associated with increased risk for mental health conditions, according to a study in Plos One. Negativity, worries, and stressful thoughts can also exacerbate existing psychiatric issues. And they can even lead to cognitive problems and memory loss. For example, brain-imaging research in Alzheimer’s & Dementia shows that repetitive negative thinking may be involved in the accumulation of damaging brain deposits typically found in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and may heighten the odds of developing dementia.

9 COMMON TYPES OF NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

There are many forms of negative self-talk. Some of the most common types of gloomy, pessimistic, defeatist, and unhelpful phrases we tell ourselves include the following:
  1. All-or-Nothing: When you tell yourself that people, situations, or relationships are either all good or all bad
  2. Less-Than: When you compare yourself to others and think that you aren’t as good as others
  3. Just-the-Bad: When you only see the bad in situations, people, or relationships
  4. Guilt-Beating: When you talk to yourself using words like should, must, ought, or have to
  5. Labeling: When you attach negative labels to yourself or someone
  6. Fortune-Telling: When you predict the worst possible outcome for a situation with little or no evidence for it
  7. Mind-Reading: When you believe you know what other people are thinking—and you generally assume they’re thinking something unkind about you—even though they haven’t told you what they are actually thinking
  8. If-Only and I’ll-Be-Happy-When: When you argue with the past and long for the future rather than making the most of the present
  9. Blaming: When you blame others for your problems, or conversely, when you blame yourself for others’ problems

5 STEPS TO ELIMINATE NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

Defeating the negative self-talk that infests your mind takes work, but there is a simple technique that can help you learn to manage your mind. Here are 5 steps to combat negative thinking:
  1. Whenever an automatic negative thought enters your mind, train yourself to recognize it and write it down. This helps get the thought out of your mind.
  2. Identify the type of negative thought.
  3. Ask yourself if the thought is true.
  4. Ask yourself how the thought makes you feel, and how you would feel if you didn’t have that thought.
  5. Turn the thought around to its opposite and ask yourself if this new thought might be more true than your original thought. Find evidence that supports this new thought.
When you learn to become aware of negative thoughts and challenge them, you can begin to eliminate negative self-talk and speak to yourself in a kinder, more positive way that gives you more confidence, improves self-esteem, and motivates you to reach your goals. ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, 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. Did you grow up feeling scared, neglected, or insecure? Was your family home filled with chaos, strife, or arguments? You may think you’ve outgrown those early days of uncertainty, but unfortunately, childhood trauma does not remain in childhood. It reverberates throughout our lives. These early exposures impact brain development and can lead to a host of issues later in life that create problems in adult relationships. From choosing unhealthy partnerships to avoiding commitment, the wounds we carry from childhood can greatly interfere with our adult relationships. Here, we will explore some of these impacts, how they impact the brain, as well as various ways to address them so you can have happier relationships. From choosing unhealthy partnerships to avoiding commitment completely, the wounds we carry from childhood can greatly interfere with our ability to thrive in adult relationships.
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THE IMPACTS OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

A young brain, faced with various forms of trauma (especially on an ongoing or regular basis), is constantly being flooded with stress hormones. This is problematic because it interrupts normal brain function, ultimately leading to stunted growth in the brain in areas like the hippocampus, which deals with memory formation. Indeed, studies have shown that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with physical brain changes, including: In addition, people with PTSD tend to produce higher levels of cortisol and norepinephrine in response to stress. Ultimately, these constant stress responses—triggering a frequent “fight or flight” state—can impact everything from immune response to metabolic and cardiovascular functioning. Traumatized children may exhibit behavioral issues, including problems with emotional regulation, learning, social interactions, and aggression. They often struggle with creating healthy attachments later in life. To help gauge the possible impact of various traumatic events, experts created a questionnaire about adverse childhood experiences or ACEs. The ACE test asks 10 questions to determine the level of trauma experienced before a child’s 18th birthday. This childhood trauma test explores topics such as: There can be mitigating factors to help offset these events—for example, a loving relative or teacher present in the child’s life—and there can be additional traumas outside the home, like bullying in school. In general, higher ACE scores indicate exposure to more traumatic events and are associated with a higher risk of long-term health effects.

SYMPTOMS OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA IN ADULTHOOD

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 6 adults report experiencing 4 or more types of ACEs. But the CDC also notes that reducing these events could help reduce the instances of a surprising array of negative outcomes: This partial list gives us a glance at some of the many ways that childhood trauma can continue to wreak havoc long after the trauma has ended and throughout adulthood. The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies points out that the effects of childhood trauma in adults are:

CHILDHOOD TRAUMA CASE STUDY: ABBY RAO

Recently, influencer Abby Rao appeared on an episode of Scan My Brain with Dr. Daniel Amen. As a child and teenager, she experienced mental abuse from certain family members—a stressor so intense that she recalls having suicidal thoughts by 13 years old. Now an adult, she had recently made positive lifestyle changes, such as quitting alcohol and adopting a healthier diet, and was curious about her childhood trauma’s long-term impacts on her brain. Dr. Amen detailed the problem: Trauma from childhood can feel just as alive in adulthood—it sets up shop in your brain and stays there, and we retain memories of ourselves at all ages. If we don’t manage or overcome trauma, our younger selves can take over and try to run the show whenever we’re “triggered.” It’s not surprising that this can greatly affect all of our relationships. Based on a database of roughly 225,000 brain SPECT scans at Amen Clinics, specific patterns of activity appear in people who have experienced trauma. For example, Rao’s brain scan revealed a diamond pattern, a common marker of trauma. People with the diamond pattern tend to have symptoms such as excessive worry, rumination (going over and over a thought in your head), or a tendency to get upset in the face of adversity. This can lead to anxious and sad feelings over time. Seeing the diamond pattern on a brain scan can be very helpful for people like Rao who experienced childhood trauma. “I feel really validated….I was told for so many years that nothing happened, so just to have that validation means a lot,” Rao says. “I’m so determined to undo what’s been done and let other people know that they can undo it, and also just how serious it is. It’s real.”

6 WAYS CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AFFECTS ADULT RELATIONSHIPS

With these far-reaching kinds of issues, it’s no wonder that many adults who have experienced childhood trauma also find that their adult relationships are marred by negative patterns. For example, one study indicated that children with trauma are more likely to “experience distrust, feel distant from others, and develop an insecure attachment style.” In addition, an increased risk for mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependence, compounds negative impacts on relationships of all kinds. These findings echo earlier research that noted childhood trauma and mistreatment were more likely to affect relationships for both males and females. “Male and female abuse and neglect victims reported higher rates of cohabitation, walking out, and divorce,” the researchers stated. “Abused and neglected females were also less likely than female controls to have positive perceptions of current romantic partners and to be sexually faithful.” Sadly, childhood trauma may appear in many more ways when the victim enters a relationship in adulthood. Responses and patterns can include:
  1. Resisting intimacy or commitment.
  2. Harboring a deep fear of abandonment.
  3. Starting fights, or avoiding conflict at all costs.
  4. Choosing abusive partners (to mimic the treatment they received in childhood).
  5. Remaining isolated and avoiding relationships altogether.
  6. Codependency, which focuses on “fixing,” or finding one’s own identity in, a partner.

HELP FOR OVERCOMING CHILDHOOD TRAUMA

There is hope for people who have been impacted by childhood trauma, even in their adult years. Helpful strategies include: These steps can help pave the way for creating and maintaining healthier relationships for years to come. Emotional trauma, depression, and other mental health problems can’t wait. 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. Content updated from previous publish date. “I’m so ADD.” “I’m having an ADD moment.” “Everyone has a little ADD.” People often use these common phrases whenever they get distracted, fail to follow through on something, or show up late. But these off-handed comments don’t reflect the reality of having attention deficit disorder (ADD), more commonly called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In fact, they perpetuate several ADD/ADHD myths that are harmful to the millions of Americans who have this condition. Research shows that ADHD is, in fact, underdiagnosed. Less than half of all children with ADHD are being treated and fewer than 20% of adults with the condition are currently diagnosed or receiving treatment.
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9 HARMFUL ADD/ADHD MYTHS

Myth #1. ADD/ADHD is not a real diagnosis. It’s a flavor-of-the-month illness, a fad diagnosis. It’s just an excuse for bad behavior.

Fact: ADD/ADHD is real, and it devastates many people’s lives. ADD/ADHD has been described in medical literature for over 100 years. A search for “ADHD” on PubMed, an online hub for scientific research, pulls up more than 45,000 results. Among them are hundreds of brain-imaging studies showing differences in the brains of people with ADD/ADHD compared to those who don’t have the condition. According to the CDC, 9.4% of children ages 2-17 have at one time been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. It is the most common learning and behavior problem in children, but the issue doesn’t end there. It also affects 4.4% of adults.

Myth #2. ADD/ADHD is overdiagnosed. Every child who acts up a bit, or adult who seems lazy, gets diagnosed with it.

Fact: Research shows that ADD/ADHD is, in fact, underdiagnosed. Less than half of all children with ADD/ADHD are being treated, according to statistics. And fewer than 20% of adults with ADD/ADHD are currently diagnosed or receiving treatment.

Myth #3. ADD/ADHD is only a disorder in hyperactive boys.

Fact: Compared to girls, boys are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. According to the CDC, 11.7% of boys and 5.7% of girls have been diagnosed with the condition. However, girls are more likely to go undiagnosed because they tend to have the inattentive type of ADD/ADHD. Females may not be hyperactive or disruptive, so the condition goes unnoticed. These individuals are frequently daydreaming, have trouble with motivation, and may appear “spacey” or preoccupied. They are often ignored because they do not bring enough negative attention to themselves. Many of these children, teenagers, and adults earn the unjust labels “willful”, “lazy”, “unmotivated”, or “not that smart”.

Myth #4. ADD/ADHD is only a minor problem. People make too much of a fuss over it.

Fact: Left untreated or ineffectively treated, ADD/ADHD is a very serious problem. Not only does it have a significantly negative impact on the individual with the condition, but it is also detrimental to the people in their lives and to society at large. For example, findings in the Journal of Psychiatric Research show that an alarming 33% of those with untreated ADD/ADHD never finish high school, compared to the national dropout average of 15%. Untreated ADD/ADHD has also been associated with increased risk of:

Myth #5. ADD/ADHD is an American invention, made up by a society seeking simple solutions to complex social problems.

Fact: ADD/ADHD is found in every country where it has been studied. A review of 175 studies on the prevalence of ADD/ADHD worldwide in children 18 years of age or younger estimates that 7.2% of kids have the condition. A 2021 study in the Journal of Global Health found that 6.76% of adults around the world have symptomatic ADD/ADHD, which translates to over 366 million adults worldwide. The prevalence of persistent ADD/ADHD in adults around the globe is 2.58%, representing nearly 140 million individuals.

Myth #6. Bad parents or bad teachers cause ADD/ADHD. If only our society had old-fashioned values, there wouldn’t be these problems.

Fact: Ineffective parents or teachers can certainly make ADD/ADHD symptoms worse, but they are generally not the sole cause. ADD/ADHD behaviors often make even the most skilled parents and teachers feel stressed and inept.

Myth #7. People with ADD/ADHD should just try harder. Everybody gives them excuses and coddles them.

Fact: The truth is, for people with ADD/ADHD, the harder they try the worse things get. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that in people who don’t have the condition, concentration is associated with increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain involved with concentration, focus, and follow-through. However, when people with ADD/ADHD try to concentrate, there’s a decrease in activity in this part of the brain.

Myth #8. Everyone outgrows ADD/ADHD.

Fact: Many people never outgrow ADD/ADHD and have symptoms that interfere with daily living throughout their lives. Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2021 shows that approximately 50% of childhood ADD/ADHD remain in adulthood.

Myth #9. Medication alone is the best treatment for ADD/ADHD and has few side effects for most people.

Fact: Stimulant medication is often the first-line treatment for ADD/ADHD. Although it can be effective for some children and adults with ADD/ADHD, it is not helpful for everyone. In fact, stimulants exacerbate symptoms in some people. The brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD, and each type requires its own treatment plan. For example, people who have an ADD/ADHD type called “Ring of Fire,” in which the brain is overactive, do worse on stimulant medication. In general, medication should never be the first and only thing you try for ADD/ADHD. Treatment must be properly targeted to an individual’s ADD/ADHD type and needs to involve a comprehensive approach that includes beneficial forms of therapy, neurofeedback, lifestyle strategies, parenting skills, nutrition recommendations, and personalized supplements or medications (when necessary). 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. Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sometimes referred to as ADD, share a number of similar symptoms that overlap, they are two very distinct neurodevelopmental disorders requiring accurate diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding of the distinctions between ASD and ADD/ADHD and their shared symptoms too often lead to misdiagnosis, and/or a delayed diagnosis of one or the other. This can have a number of far-reaching negative impacts including greater severity of symptoms, additional mental and physical health issues, and a lower overall quality of life. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding of the distinctions between autism and ADHD and their shared symptoms too often lead to misdiagnosis, and/or a delayed diagnosis of one or the other.
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What’s more, these two conditions can and often do occur together. While estimates vary, recently published research in Frontiers in Psychiatry states that 50-70% of individuals with ASD also have ADD/ADHD. And on the flip side, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that about 14% of children with ADD/ADHD also have autism diagnoses (though some estimates are much higher). Research has found that untreated ASD and ADD/ADHD both have enough influence to cause significant behavioral, emotional, academic, and social problems in school, at home, and in life in general. Here’s what you need to know about their similarities and differences.

SIMILARITIES OF AUTISM AND ADD/ADHD

Autism and ADD/ADHD are both neurodevelopmental disorders that are more prevalent in boys. Research has revealed that both disorders have a genetic component, meaning that they run in families Parents and siblings of individuals with ASD and ADD/ADHD are more likely to have the disorders themselves. Since they stem from brain development issues, a number of areas controlled by the nervous system are affected in both conditions, such as movement, language, memory, social skills, and the ability to focus. Executive function is affected in both disorders as well, which accounts for issues with impulse control, decision-making, organization, concentration, and time management.

HOW ASD AND ADD/ADHD DIFFER

How autism and ADD/ADHD are characterized helps to define their differences. Let’s take a look at what makes each a distinct disorder.

Features of Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD is primarily characterized by difficulty with social interactions, delayed communication, and restricted or repetitive behavior. Individuals with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. Early signs of autism may appear by age 2 or 3, or as early as one year with more severe developmental delays. The average age of diagnosis is around 4 years. Children with ASD lack the ability to comprehend the social world intuitively. Common symptoms may include any of the following and more: In 2013, Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder were combined into the ASD umbrella category, which is broken into three levels:

Features of ADD/ADHD

ADD/ADHD is a developmental disorder that is characterized by the following core symptoms: Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD, which share the core symptoms in addition to the following: Kids may be diagnosed as young as age 4, according to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, but more typically, between 8 and 10 years. ADD/ADHD has been described by experts as a disorder of self-regulation and executive function or trouble with the skills that help to manage everyday life.

SHARED ASD AND ADD/ADHD SYMPTOMS: WHY MISDIAGNOSIS HAPPENS

Here’s where things get a little tricky with ASD and ADD/ADHD. Like so many brain disorders, autism, and ADD/ADHD are not just one thing. As explained, at Amen Clinics, brain SPECT imaging has helped identify 7 types of ADD/ADHD and has revealed there are 8-10 factors that can impact abnormal brain function in ASD. Also, in young children, symptoms can change as they grow and develop. With so many variations of each disorder that can change over time, it’s not surprising that there are a number of shared or “overlap” symptoms between ASD and ADD/ADHD, which makes misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis more likely. One research study identified the following traits as the most common overlap symptoms between the two disorders: These shared symptoms make accurate diagnoses of both conditions more challenging. For example, distractibility and impulsivity—hallmarks of an ADD/ADHD diagnosis, often appear in people with ASD. Also, individuals with ADD/ADHD often have speech delays, even though this is one of the identifying features of an ASD diagnosis. Children with ADD/ADHD often get distracted easily and can lose focus when they are speaking. Autistic children have major communication deficits. Some research indicates that when there is first an ADD/ADHD diagnosis in a young child, it can mask symptoms of high-functioning autism or Asperger’s. This can lead to a misdiagnosis altogether or, on average, nearly a two-year (1.8 years) delayed diagnosis of ASD—that’s a combined figure of a 1.5-year delay in boys and a 2.6-year delay in girls.

WHEN ASD AND ADD/ADHD CO-OCCUR

As the figures above show, ADD/ADHD symptoms are very likely to be found in autistic individuals, and while ADD/ADHD individuals may also have autism, it is much less likely. The reasons why ADD/ADHD and autism may co-occur aren’t clear. One theory suggests that these independent disorders occurring together may share a common underlying etiology. More research is needed. What is clear though is that research shows that children with both ASD and ADD/ADHD are more likely to have more pronounced learning difficulties and impaired social skills than children who only have one of the disorders.

DIAGNOSING AND TREATING CO-OCCURRING ASD AND ADD/ADHD

Co-occurrence is not to be taken lightly; both disorders require proper diagnosis, which should come from a qualified specialist, not a simple diagnostic test. Brain SPECT imaging can be helpful in understanding which type of these conditions is involved and assess any other underlying factors that may be factors. Treatment for co-occurrence often starts with addressing ADD/ADHD symptoms and may include different types of therapy, such as behavioral, speech, social skills, and occupational therapies; neurofeedback; lifestyle changes; diet recommendations; nutritional supplements; and medication (when needed). The sooner you start with personalized solutions targeted to your loved one’s brain, the sooner you can minimize symptoms. When both conditions are addressed properly, it can be life-changing, not only for the person with the disorders but also for their family and loved ones. ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, 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. By Hector Rodriguez, MD, M.Div. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community includes a diverse range of people. One thing they share is a higher risk for mental health issues. Research shows that people identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual have twice the risk of having a mental health problem compared with heterosexual people. For transgender people, the risk for psychiatric issues is almost four times higher than cisgender individuals (those whose gender identity corresponds with the sex registered at birth). Because these issues are more common in the LGBTQ community, it’s important to know how to support them in the most effective ways. Research shows that people identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual have twice the risk of having a mental health problem compared with heterosexual people.
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UNDERSTAND GENDER IDENTITY AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION

Sexual orientation and gender identity are important facets in young people’s lives. Sexual orientation refers to a person’s emotional, sexual, and relational attraction to others, while gender identity denotes one’s inner sense of being female, male, or non-binary. As a young person develops into their teen years, it’s common to explore one’s sexuality and express identity as this is a time for self-discovery.

THE TEENAGE BRAIN’S ROLE IN SEXUALITY

The human brain isn’t fully matured until a person reaches their mid-to-late 20s. In particular, a process called myelination is still ongoing during this time. Myelination coats the brain’s nerve cells in a protective fatty sheath that accelerates cell communication. The process begins at the back bottom of the brain, which means the last brain region to benefit from myelination is the prefrontal cortex (PFC), an area involved in impulse control, decision-making, judgment, planning, forethought, follow-through, and executive functions. Because the PFC is still developing, it makes teens more likely to be impulsive and engage in risky behaviors. Research shows that increased risk-taking in adolescents is also due to changes in the brain’s socio-emotional system, including heightened reward-seeking and changes in the dopaminergic system. The neurotransmitter dopamine is involved in motivation, and these changes make teens more motivated to seek rewarding experiences despite the risks. Considering it’s also a time of sexual exploration and self-discovery, this can lead to some problems. Internet searches about sexuality may turn up misinformation that is harmful to self-esteem, direct young people to online pornography, or encourage the use of “hook-up apps.” These can open the door to high-risk behaviors and sexual situations for which a teen may not be fully prepared. After engaging in a risky rendezvous or viewing online porn, teens may feel ashamed, guilty, or, in some cases, traumatized.

WHEN TEENS FACE REJECTION DUE TO SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY

Teens who consider themselves part of the LGBTQ community—or who are questioning if they may be—are often hesitant to talk openly about it because they are afraid of being rejected by their family, friends, and classmates. According to the 2018 LGBTQ Youth Report, the largest survey of its kind involving more than 12,000 LGBTQ teens, these individuals experience heartbreakingly high levels of stress, anxiety, and fear. Some key findings from the report include: Feeling excluded by peers can be devastating for adolescents. Research shows that younger people are less able to cope with exclusion than adults and find it more distressing. Rejection—real or perceived—can have major consequences, including increased risk for anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and homicidal thoughts and behaviors. In addition, the added stress negatively impacts brain development. In fact, toxic stress can alter brain development in ways that affect thinking, learning, and memory, and that increases the risk of mental health issues and substance abuse. At Amen Clinics, brain SPECT imaging studies show that people in the LGBTQ community who have experienced rejection often have heightened activity in the basal ganglia, which is associated with anxiety.

SIGNS A TEEN MAY BE STRUGGLING WITH SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY

Due to fear of rejection, teens who are or think they may be LGBTQ don’t always share this with their parents or siblings. That’s why it’s important to know the signs that a teen may be struggling, such as: Noticing these signs can give parents an opportunity to make a plan to support their teen.

HELPING LGBTQ TEENS FEEL SUPPORTED

If a teen is struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity, it’s important for parents to create a home environment where the teen feels safe and supported. Having parental acceptance and family support reduces the rates of depressive symptoms, according to research. Other findings from the Trevor Project show that LGBTQ youth who have at least one adult who is accepting are 40% less likely to attempt suicide. This means that a parent’s acceptance can literally save a young person’s life in some cases. Here are some strategies to make the home a safe space: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that 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. We already know that contracting COVID-19 can damage the brain, but researchers are finding that even living through the overall experience of the pandemic has had detrimental effects on our young people. A study published in December 2022 in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science, which compared MRI scans from 163 teens both before and during the pandemic, offered up some interesting findings in terms of how these years of COVID-19 have impacted adolescents’ brains. One researcher noted in the post-study press release that subjects assessed after pandemic-related shutdowns “not only had more severe internalizing mental health problems, but also had reduced cortical thickness, larger hippocampal and amygdala volume.” In other words, these pandemic-era teen brains look several years older than would be expected—showing the kinds of changes that previously had been associated with children facing chronic adversity, such as domestic violence, neglect, or dysfunction in their households. Time will tell if these changes lead to worse mental health outcomes in the short- or long-term, if the changes will prove to be permanent, or if these brains will normalize over time. Either way, this study highlights the importance of the physical changes that are still occurring in brains during the teen years—which take place all the way into the mid-20s (and as late as age 28 in men). Let’s look at what’s happening behind the scenes to better understand the crucial brain developments that are taking place in teens. While healthy routines are a great idea, be mindful of not getting too stuck in a rut—teens benefit from establishing those positive habits, but not leaving room for creativity and challenging oneself will actually be detrimental.
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TEEN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE YEARS

We’ve all heard that it’s easier to learn a new skill—a sport, musical instrument, or second language—when starting at a younger age. That’s because as early as age 11, the brain starts to shed connections that are not being utilized. Other typical developments in the preteen and early teen years include thinking for themselves, seeking to define their identity, and pushing back against their parents (which often includes testing boundaries and limits). By 14 years old, teens can further separate themselves from their parents and even become withdrawn or critical of them in further efforts to individuate. They may start to consider or gravitate toward a certain career or life path, and they’re likely to be increasingly concerned about their looks. Friendships may come and go, but at the same time, these connections are increasingly important in their lives. Thus, peer pressure and influence are also strengthening from the early teen years, which can be positive if the surrounding environment is a healthy one—or dangerous when getting mixed up with the wrong crowd, like one that is modeling underage drinking or cannabis use. Because these habits exert serious negative impacts on the brain, they can be especially insidious for young people, since they disrupt or delay healthy development. Though parents may become frustrated about teenagers who assert their independence yet still make the wrong decisions or take unnecessary risks, keep in mind that this reflects a normal stage of the brain’s development. That’s because the prefrontal cortex (PFC)—involved with judgment, impulse control, and learning from mistakes—is the last part of the brain to develop, and it’s still maturing through adolescence and even into the 20s. During this time, emotions can overrule logic, and simultaneously the limbic system is particularly active (influencing feelings, bonding, and peer acceptance), leading to a strong desire to fit in. Therefore, it’s important for parents to model the right behaviors and step in when needed to guide teens on their decisions, then help them process through negative consequences to encourage them to learn from their mistakes. Luckily, this rocky mid-teen stage doesn’t last forever. Though their brains are still developing, by the late teens (17 to 19 years old), they have established a firmer sense of their own identities, have learned to delay gratification, and are able to better understand potential consequences before they act. Meanwhile, the PFC continues to develop, leading to better judgment, and late teens’ relationships generally enjoy more stability.

CREATING HEALTHY VS. UNHEALTHY TEENAGE BRAINS

Too many teens are not receiving the benefit of education on mental health topics—even though most of them (more than 86%) believe it is an important subject—but remember that mental health is brain health. Like adults, teenagers benefit from brain optimization—after all, in these key years of development, we are setting the scene by creating healthy habits that will ideally carry through the rest of life. And, when we can optimize the physical function of the brain, we create better moods. Moreover, young people today are facing many different challenges than in previous generations. In addition to the effects of the pandemic, technology has certainly helped contribute to shrinking attention spans—one recent study by Microsoft found that humans now have an 8-second attention span (1 second less than a goldfish), while modern-day practices like excessive texting and multitasking can shed 10 IQ points off a human brain! That’s not all. Those who obsess over social media have been shown to have a smaller area of the brain that executes key functions like processing emotions and showing restraint, meaning that these people can exhibit more impulsive behavior, with less emotional regulation. This is especially concerning in teen brains, which are still developing in the PFC region. How can we help teen brains become more healthy as they develop? There are a host of behaviors that should be avoided, while teens should seek out those activities and habits that boost brain health. Here are some examples of what to avoid: On the other hand, healthy practices can include mental and physical exercise, meditation, gratitude and appreciation practices, relaxation techniques to lower stress levels, avoiding sports that expose teens to brain injury, maintaining a healthy weight, positive thinking, and listening to classical music (shown to increase energy and focus). And, while healthy routines are a great idea, be mindful of not getting too stuck in a rut—teens benefit from establishing those positive habits, but not leaving room for creativity and challenging oneself will actually be detrimental. For many of us, the teen years were a tumultuous but unforgettable time—full of ups and downs, high drama and humbling life lessons, close school chums, and beloved school memories. But nowadays we have a lot more information about the brain’s workings to explain all of those once-mysterious feelings that accompany our coming of age, and we know how to set up our young people for a lifetime of success ahead by instituting those healthy habits early! Brain and 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.