Has your thinking gotten fuzzy—making you feel confused, decreasing your ability to concentrate, and rendering your memory sluggish? Have you been experiencing a mental haze related to COVID-19? Brain fog isn’t considered a medical condition itself, but it can interfere with your everyday life in so many ways. Common symptoms of brain fog include:
Everybody can experience brain fog after a sleepless night, during a particularly stressful period, or after indulging in a big meal with alcohol, but in some cases, it can be a symptom of a more serious problem. When are your symptoms simply a nuisance and when does mental fatigue become something you need to address? If brain fog persists over time or appears to worsen, it’s time to seek an evaluation.
At Amen Clinics, we have been seeing a growing number of patients who have had COVID-19. Many of them, even those who say they had mild cases and recovered, report experiencing lasting brain fog and fatigue. This is in addition to the mental health issues that originally drove them to seek treatment.
In other people, cognitive dysfunction is linked to other causes. For 67-year-old Lew, making a grave error on his finances that could potentially cost him $100,000 was what prompted him to seek help. He had been a Navy pilot and instructor for 40 years, but he had to stop flying because he was unable to think clearly enough to go through his flight plans. He couldn’t remember conversations; was unable to keep track of schedules, appointments and everyday tasks; and had been forgetting the names of people he recently met. Initially, Lew was diagnosed with dementia, but further testing showed his brain fog was related to a different condition altogether.
Many people with COVID-19 experience an inability to concentrate, confusion, or short-term memory loss. In some people who have recovered from the acute illness, there are lasting issues with mental fog that Amen Clinics calls COVID-Brain. According to a pre-print study published on MedRxiv, cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms seen in people who are still experiencing issues 7 months after contracting the virus. About 65% of the 3,762 respondents from 56 countries involved in this study reported symptoms lasting longer than 6 months. Over half of those experiencing “long COVID” complained of mental fog.
Getting distracted while you’re paying the monthly bills, tuning out during your weekly department meetings at work, misplacing important documents—these brain fog symptoms could be related to adult ADD/ADHD. Approximately 4.4% of adults have been diagnosed with the condition, but experts suggest it may affect many more who remain undiagnosed and untreated. Getting an accurate diagnosis that includes which type of ADD/ADHD you have (brain imaging has identified 7 types of the condition) and receiving proper treatment can help you think more clearly so you can perform better on the job and in all areas of your life.
Depression can make you feel sluggish—both physically and mentally. Many people with this condition have trouble concentrating, remembering things, and making decisions, which can cause you to spiral into even deeper depression. Getting a targeted treatment plan based on the specific type of depression you have (there are 7 types of depression) can help minimize symptoms of brain fog.
For Lew, the 67-year-old pilot who had to give up flying due to fuzzy thinking, lab testing and brain SPECT imaging showed that his brain fog stemmed from exposure to toxic mold after his home had some water damage. If Lew had simply continued taking the medications he’d been prescribed for dementia, he wouldn’t have gotten any better, and he never would have discovered that toxic mold was the root cause of his cognitive dysfunction issues. Through a cleansing program that included nutrition, supplements, meditation, and exercise, Lew’s memory and thinking began to improve. After three months, he said, “I’m fully functional again.”
Common symptoms of brain fog, such as having trouble with focus, problem-solving, and memory can be signs of Lyme disease. This bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected deer tick can cause a host of cognitive and neuropsychological issues. Unless Lyme disease is detected and treated appropriately, the infection persists, and symptoms can worsen.
Losing your train of thought, feeling overwhelmed by the decision-making process, having trouble navigating familiar areas—these brain fog symptoms could be related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Having brain fog or feeling like your memory is slipping when you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, or even in your 80s is common, but it’s not normal. It can be a sign of impending doom. If you live to the age of 85, you have a nearly 50% chance of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Taking action early to reduce the risk factors that contribute to dementia can help you reduce symptoms of cognitive dysfunction.
No matter your age, persistent symptoms of brain fog should be taken seriously. If you’re struggling with your thinking or memory, now is the time to seek an evaluation. Finding the root cause of your cognitive problems can help you find the right treatment plan. The earlier you start with targeted solutions, the more effective they will be at helping you clear brain fog.
Brain fog, memory issues, and fuzzy thinking can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we use brain SPECT imaging as part of a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root causes of brain fog and to address the conditions related to cognitive dysfunction. Amen Clinics has also created a proven Memory Rescue Program that can help you address your risk factors, train your brain, and improve your memory.
As an essential medical practice, Amen Clinics locations are open and available for in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
The arrival of a new baby is supposed to be a joyous time of life, but for many mothers, it’s fraught with feelings of sadness, emptiness, and exhaustion. Considering the dramatic hormonal changes that come with giving birth, along with sleep deprivation, fatigue, and the stress of caring for a tiny human, it’s no wonder you might feel overwhelmed. But how can you tell if you just have a case of the “baby blues” or if it’s postpartum depression, which affects about 1 in 7 mothers?
The baby blues typically involve mood swings, crying for no reason, trouble sleeping, and feeling sad or anxious. The baby blues usually develop in the first few days following birth and resolve within a few weeks. Symptoms that are more severe and that last for more than 2 weeks could be a sign of postpartum depression.
The mother-infant bond is one of the most fundamental bonds in the human universe. If you emotionally withdraw from your baby, feel like you don’t love your baby, or neglect caring for your baby, it’s a sign you need help.
Of course, your sleep patterns will change after having a baby, and nightly feedings will interrupt your rest. However, if you’re oversleeping, or if you have trouble getting your zzz’s, even when the baby is napping, then it’s likely something more serious.
Feeling like you aren’t a fit mother and that you aren’t equipped to care for a newborn is a common symptom among women with postpartum depression.
One of the most overlooked symptoms of postpartum depression is anger and irritability. Some mothers describe it as an intense rage that comes on suddenly and is out of proportion to whatever triggered the reaction.
Thoughts of suicide or of harming your baby are red flags of a serious mental health crisis. If you are having any such thoughts, it’s important to call your doctor immediately.
Many women with these symptoms feel too ashamed or guilty to speak to anyone about their struggles. They see it as a sign that they aren’t a good mom. Because of this, an estimated 60% of women with postpartum depression don’t seek help. But getting treatment for postpartum depression is critical for your own health and the healthy development of your baby.
One of the most important things for mothers to understand is that this condition is not a character flaw—it has a biological basis in the brain. Hormonal changes shortly after birth can alter the way the brain functions, especially in a region called the limbic system. This area is involved with setting the emotional tone of the mind, promoting bonding, and more. When the activity is too high in the limbic system, it is associated with sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, and an increase in negative thinking.
Brain SPECT imaging tests show that mothers who have postpartum depression tend to have abnormally high activity in the limbic system. Going to a practitioner who uses functional brain scans to help detect these changes in the brain can help you see that your condition is biological, not moral. It also allows for a more targeted treatment plan to help you get back to thinking of your new baby as a bundle of joy.
At Amen Clinics, we use brain SPECT imaging to identify brain patterns associated with depression. Our brain imaging work is part of a comprehensive assessment that also looks at the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that can contribute to postpartum depression.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of depression, whether or not you have a newborn, we’re here to help. Call 888-288-9834 today to speak with a specialist or schedule a visit online.
When you think of depression, you probably imagine someone moping, tucked under the covers all day, unable to muster the energy to get out of bed. For some people with the condition, however, there are none of these telltale signs. Instead, although they may feel lethargic, worthless, and sad on the inside, they appear perfectly happy on the outside. They skillfully mask their feelings and power through their days, appearing so cheerful that some people refer to this condition as “smiling depression.”
Although it isn’t recognized as a clinical diagnosis, smiling depression is real, and it affects more people than you might think. Consider the number of celebrity suicides of people who were too embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help (from Ernest Hemingway, Judy Garland, and Junior Seau to Robin Williams, Mindy McCready, and Anthony Bourdain). On the outside, they seemed like they had everything; on the inside, they were suffering.
You may be suffering too.
People who hide their feelings may experience all the typical symptoms of depression, including:
For someone with smiling depression, however, they tend to “fake” happiness, forcing themselves to appear optimistic. Outwardly, they look like the picture of success. They often perform well on the job, work out on a regular basis, take good care of the family, and still find time for an active social life. Everything looks completely normal, but it’s all a façade. Even though they may be laughing with friends or coworkers, they actually feel empty and disconnected inside.
There are many reasons why you might keep depressive symptoms private. For example, you may:
Whatever is motivating you to internalize your feelings, be aware that keeping it all bottled up has consequences.
People with depression are prone to thoughts about death and suicide. In typical depression, people generally lack the energy to act on their suicidal thoughts. Those with smiling depression, however, tend to have the energy required to plan and act on such thoughts. For this reason, someone who is hiding their depression from the world could be at greater risk of attempting suicide. On top of this, because they are keeping their pain inside, they are less likely to reach out to friends or family for support or to seek help. This compounds depression and adds to the risk.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression but hiding it from everyone (including yourself), understand that there is hope and there is help. Follow these 3 steps to put yourself on the path to healing.
1. Start by choosing someone you trust with whom you can share your feelings. Opening up about your inner pain may help you cope with some of your symptoms.
2. The next critical step is seeking a diagnosis. Finding a practitioner who understands that mental health conditions are based on the biology of the brain and who utilizes functional brain imaging can help you see that your problems aren’t a sign of psychological weakness but rather a biological and treatable problem.
3. Getting the right treatment plan depends on the type of depression you have. Brain imaging studies have identified 7 different types of depression, and treatment needs to be tailored to your type. In addition, the most effective treatment plans go beyond antidepressants and can include diet and exercise recommendations, nutritional supplements, strategies to eliminate negative thinking patterns (killing the ANTs, or automatic negative thoughts), psychotherapy, and more.
Don’t let smiling depression keep you down. You deserve to feel as happy on the inside as you look on the outside.
At Amen Clinics, we use brain SPECT imaging, as well as an all-encompassing 4-circle approach that looks at biological, psychological, social, and spiritual elements to diagnose and treat depression symptoms. By using the least toxic, most effective personalized solutions, we have helped thousands of people overcome symptoms of depression. To learn more or to schedule your comprehensive evaluation, please visit us online or call 888-288-9834.
In the field of psychiatry, there seems to be a new “diagnosis du jour.” A rising number of people are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD). Up until the year 2000, bipolar disorder (formerly referred to as manic-depressive illness) was diagnosed at a rate that hovered around 0.4%-1.6%. By the 2000s, that number jumped to 5%-7%. These days, it’s reached fad status.
Many people walk into a psychiatrist’s office and say, “I’m bipolar” or they’ve been diagnosed with the condition. But there’s a problem—many of them don’t actually have the disorder, which is associated with dramatic swings in moods and energy levels that repeat in a cyclical pattern. A 2008 study found that 57% of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder had been misdiagnosed.
That’s what happened to Jessica. She was dealing with severe moodiness and after a 10-minute visit with her primary care physician, was diagnosed with the condition and given a prescription for mood stabilizers. But the medication wasn’t working. A functional brain scan using SPECT technology showed why. Jessica was suffering from the lasting effects of concussions she suffered from multiple bicycle accidents. She didn’t have bipolar disorder; she had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that needed healing. With the right treatment plan, her moods improved, and she started feeling like her old self again.
Being mistakenly diagnosed with bipolar disorder is problematic because the treatments for it typically won’t work to heal other conditions and could make them worse. Some people who have been misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder spend years going from one mood-stabilizing medication to another without relief. This can increase the risk of alcohol and drug abuse as a way to self-medicate and also raises the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Because there are so many overlapping symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and other conditions, simply assessing symptom clusters isn’t enough to make an accurate diagnosis. Functional brain imaging studies using a technology called SPECT can help accurately distinguish brain patterns associated with bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, depression, TBI, and other conditions.
At Amen Clinics, we use leading-edge brain imaging technology called SPECT as part of an overall evaluation to accurately diagnose and treat mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and treatment isn’t working, it’s important to understand if you have been misdiagnosed. Getting an accurate diagnosis is critical to finding the relief you want from your symptoms, so don’t hesitate to schedule a visit or call to speak to a specialist at 888-288-9834.
Over half of the U.S. population will struggle with a mental health issue at some point in their lives, which means it’s actually more common to experience some form of “mental illness” than not. The conditions affecting the most Americans are anxiety disorders (28%), depression (21%), impulse control disorders (25%), and substance use disorders (15%). Half of all cases start by age 14, and 75 percent start by age 24.
Despite how prevalent these conditions are, being diagnosed with a mental illness or psychiatric disorder insidiously taints or stains everyone who struggles with perceived issues of the mind. Our society tends to shame people with mental health problems, and the stigma attached to psychiatric disorders often prevents people from seeking the treatment they need. In fact, more than half of all people with mental health conditions go untreated. Too many people say, “I’m not going to see a psychiatrist because I’m not crazy.”
This needs to stop. Now!
Shame holds too many people back from getting the help they need. No one is shamed for cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, even though they have significant lifestyle contributions. Likewise, no one should be shamed for depression, panic disorders, bipolar disorder, addictions, schizophrenia, or any other condition. But people with these issues are often blamed for their condition, called names, or told to “just get over it.”
Social stigma—the biased attitudes coming from family, friends, coworkers, and others—is only part of the problem. By labeling these issues as “mental health” or “psychiatric,” people suffer in silence because of the shame they feel internally. They’re more likely to isolate themselves from their support network, which can exacerbate symptoms. In addition, they mistakenly think that having a condition like depression or anxiety is a character flaw or personal weakness. It isn’t.
All of these mental disorders have a biological and neurological basis. Your brain can have problems just like your heart can have problems. Looking at mental health disorders as brain disorders changes everything.
One of the most powerful ways the healthcare arena can help reduce shame and stigma is to use some of the same tools and strategies to evaluate mental health conditions that are used to diagnose medical conditions. These include looking at family history and genetics, performing bloodwork and other lab tests, and using functional imaging tools to look at the brain.
Seeing is believing. Functional brain imaging studies using SPECT technology show that mental health problems are actually brain health problems. Without imaging, physicians miss important clues about factors that may be contributing to symptoms of mental illness, including past traumatic brain injuries, exposure to toxins (such as toxic mold, drugs, or alcohol), and infections (such as Lyme disease). All of these underlying issues are treatable when properly diagnosed. When these factors go undiagnosed and untreated, however, symptoms can fester.
The more we can shift the discussion, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health to brain health, the sooner we can end the stigma and stop the shame.
At Amen Clinics, we use SPECT brain imaging as part of a comprehensive brain-body evaluation for people struggling with mental health (or rather, brain health) conditions. Our integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment includes scanning your brain, lab tests, and exploring any biological, psychological, social, or spiritual factors that could be contributing to your symptoms. With the Amen Clinics Method, we have helped tens of thousands of people optimize their brain to overcome their symptoms. To learn how we can help you, call 888-288-9834 to talk to a specialist today or schedule a visit.
Being overweight can make you feel bad about the way you look and feel like a failure if you can’t stick to a healthy diet. But can it actually contribute to depression?
A growing body of evidence shows that obesity and depression go hand in hand and can feed off each other. Weight problems increase the risk of developing depression. Likewise, people who are depressed are more likely to be overweight and experience a faster rise in body mass index (BMI) than people who are not depressed. Which came first—the weight problem or the depression—remains to be seen.
Fat tissue can contribute to the problem. Fat cells secrete substances called cytokines that cause inflammation. Chronic inflammation of the brain, which is often found in people who are obese, is also found in those struggling with depression.
Brain imaging studies show that the areas of the brain that are most impacted by obesity tend to be the ones involved in self-control and the regulation of appetite. When these brain regions aren’t functioning at optimal levels, it can make you more vulnerable to overeating and to giving in to cravings for unhealthy foods, which compounds the problem.
People who are depressed also tend to have markedly increased activity in the limbic areas of the brain, which are involved in setting a person’s emotional tone.
Losing the extra pounds can help alleviate depressive symptoms and vice versa, getting your depression under control can help you manage your weight. Making minor tweaks to your food, nutritional supplements, exercise, and even your thinking patterns can help you do it.
Not all people who are overweight and depressed are the same. Knowing your brain type is the first step into learning more about how your unique brain functions. Brain imaging studies show that there are 5 types of overeaters and 7 types of depression:
Type 1: Pure Anxiety
Type 2: Pure Depression
Type 3: Mixed Depression
Type 4: Over-focused Depression
Type 5: Temporal Lobe Depression
Type 6: Cyclic Depression
Type 7: Unfocused Depression
Knowing your type can help you find the best solutions for your needs.
Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with depression and obesity. There is also evidence that low levels of these fatty acids play a role in substance abuse, and it can be argued that overeating is a form of substance abuse. Boosting omega-3 levels is one of the best things you can do for your weight and moods. Research shows it decreases body fat, appetite, and cravings, in addition to reducing symptoms of depression. Unlike what we have been told in the past, good fats are not the enemy of a healthy diet. To increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, eat more:
Having low levels of vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” has been associated with both depression and obesity. Some researchers believe that nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population suffers from a vitamin D deficiency. Get your levels tested and supplement with vitamin D if needed.
It’s no secret that exercise revs your metabolism, but it is also a powerful mood booster. In fact, several studies have found it to be as effective as antidepressant medication. How does it do it? Physical exercise stimulates neurotransmitter activity, especially dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which elevates mood. One of the ways it helps is by boosting a substance called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is involved in growing new brain cells and has been found to be instrumental in putting the brakes on depression.
The best exercises for people who are both depressed and overweight include those that combine aerobic coordination activities and a social aspect. The aerobic activity boosts blood flow and neurotransmitter activity, and social bonding can help calm overactivity in the brain’s limbic system to boost your mood. Try these activities:
Automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) can infest your mind and keep you chained to unhealthy habits that cause weight gain and mired in the negativity that contributes to depression. You may be familiar with ANTs like these:
“I have no control over my eating.”
“I don’t like foods that are healthy for me.”
“I have to eat to comfort myself.”
These ANTs play a major role in making you fat and stealing your happiness. Learning to challenge your thoughts is critical to winning the battle of the bulge and enhancing your moods.
A helpful treatment for emotional overeaters is the natural supplement SAMe in dosages of 400-1,600 mg. It is involved in the production of several neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine) that affect mood. The brain normally produces, all the same, it needs from the amino acid methionine. When a person is depressed, however, it impairs the synthesis of SAMe. Taking SAMe has been found to promote positive moods and also suppress appetite.
With the world’s largest database of functional brain scans — 150,000 and growing —Amen Clinics physicians are able to more accurately diagnose and more effectively treat the 7 types of depression than any other healthcare professionals. We also take a unique brain-body approach to treatment that includes brain health nutrition coaching to help you feed your body and fuel your brain so you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight and healthy moods.
Find out how we can help you today at 888-288-9834 or schedule a visit online.
Every day, you take a shower, wash your face, and brush your teeth so you can look and feel your best. But could the bath soap, shampoo, deodorant, and other personal care products you use actually be contributing to mood issues and brain fog? Could they be stealing your mind?
On a daily basis, we are exposed to a host of chemicals and substances that poison the human brain. Common toxins can be found in the products we put on our arms, legs, faces, and hair. For example, in 2019, the FDA found asbestos in cosmetics marketed to teens, prompting a voluntary recall. The harmful chemicals in these everyday items are easily absorbed through your pores and can be transported to every organ in your body, including your brain.
Your brain is the most metabolically active organ in your body. As such, it is vulnerable to damage from toxins.
This means that while trying to look better on the outside, you could be poisoning yourself on the inside and increasing your risk for brain health/mental health issues. The more exposure you have to these everyday toxins, the more you are putting your brain at risk.
Think about how many personal care and cosmetic products you use each day. If you’re like the average American woman, that would be about 12 products. The average American male uses about 6.
The risk from these items is real. In 2016, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $72 million to the family of a woman whose death from ovarian cancer was associated with the daily use of Johnson’s Baby Powder among other company products. And all those hair care products? Research shows that hair salon workers have a higher than normal risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Environmental toxins impact nearly every aspect of your body and can damage the brain and lead to a variety of symptoms.
On the physical side, issues can include autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancer, fatigue, weakness, aches and muscle cramps, numbness/tingling, tremors, allergies, abdominal pain, diarrhea, smelly stools, bad breath, low appetite, weight issues, skin rashes, sweats, temperature regulation problems, and more.
From a psychiatric standpoint, exposure to toxins can increase the risk of depression, suicide, ADD/ADHD, learning problems, brain fog, autism, temper outbursts, psychotic behavior, and dementia.
Even though toxins are one of the major causes of psychiatric issues, they are almost completely ignored by most healthcare professionals. If you go to visit a primary care physician or psychiatrist with complaints of depression, for example, it is highly unlikely they will ask you anything about your exposure to toxins. And because most psychiatrists never look at the brain, they don’t see the evidence of brain toxicity.
Instead, in the case of depressive symptoms, it is common to be given a prescription for anti-depressants. But if you have brain toxicity, traditional psychiatric treatments may not be effective because the brain needs to heal from the toxic exposure.
It is possible to see evidence of brain toxicity with brain SPECT imaging studies. On brain scans, an overall pattern of low blood flow in the brain is commonly seen when there is exposure to toxins.
Seeing this evidence can prompt questions about what personal care products or other substances might be causing the problems. Finding the root cause is a critical step in getting the right treatment.
In most cases, when a specific toxin is identified as contributing to mental health issues, the first step is to eliminate your exposure to it. In general, to minimize your exposure to toxins, it’s a good idea to ditch personal care products containing harmful ingredients.
Check ingredients on labels and avoid the following:
Remember: What goes on your body, goes in your body and in your brain. Be careful with the personal care products you use and following these 9 ways to prevent toxins from stealing your mind.
At Amen Clinics, we perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes brain SPECT imaging, which can reveal patterns associated with brain toxicity from environmental toxins, such as chemicals and harmful ingredients in products. By identifying potential substances that contribute to psychiatric symptoms, we can personalize treatment using the least toxic, most effective solutions.
If you are experiencing psychiatric symptoms that are not responding to traditional treatment, reach out today to speak with a specialist at 888-288-9834 or schedule a visit online.
EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is a special psychotherapeutic technique that can be a very powerful treatment for people who have been emotionally traumatized. EMDR therapy uses eye movements or other alternate hemisphere stimulation to remove the emotional charges of traumatic memories.
As part of EMDR therapy sessions, a therapist may direct you to hold specific memories in mind while tracking the therapist’s hand as it moves back and forth across your field of vision. Diverting your attention in this way while you recall a traumatic event has been found to minimize the emotional response connected to the memory. Researchers believe the therapy activates mechanisms in the brain that help you process the memory and distressing emotions.
The brain is naturally wired to help us recover from traumatic events and distressing memories. The healing process involves communication between a variety of brain regions, such as the hippocampus (memory-making center), amygdala (fear center), and prefrontal cortex (behavior center). In some people, however, events can be so traumatic it disrupts the normal flow of neural communication and memories get stuck, making you can feel like you are frozen in time. EMDR helps you get unstuck by restoring the communication process.
Numerous studies show that EMDR therapy offers benefits for emotional trauma and PTSD that typically take years to achieve in psychotherapy alone. A 2014 review of the existing research indicates that 24 randomized controlled studies point to benefits from EMDR treatment for emotional trauma and adverse life events. This review also showed that in some studies, 84% to 90% of people who have experienced a single trauma found relief from PTSD symptoms after just 3 EMDR sessions that lasted 90 minutes each.
In a controlled study by Kaiser Permanente, 67 individuals who had experienced trauma were assigned either to standard care treatment or EMDR. Compared to standard care, the EMDR group showed significantly more improvement on measures of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In a subsequent study from the same team at Kaiser Permanente, follow-ups on the original study participants at 3 months and 6 months showed that improvements from EMDR had been maintained. The authors concluded that long-lasting benefits can be achieved with relatively few EMDR sessions.
Based on this growing body of research, the American Psychiatric Association and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs have recognized EMDR therapy as an effective treatment for PTSD. A growing body of research on EMDR therapy shows promising results in its effectiveness for other conditions, such as depression, addictions, and more.
EMDR is primarily used to treat people suffering from emotional trauma, but it may also be beneficial for people struggling with other problems. According to the EMDR International Association, practitioners currently use EMDR therapy to address a wide array of issues, including but not limited to:
EMDR therapy involves 8 phases that incorporate a variety of elements. It includes looking at past memories, current triggers, and skills and behaviors that can help you in the future.
A therapist will review your history, identify specific memories to target, and create a treatment plan.
The therapist will share several techniques to help you cope with any emotional distress that may arise during treatment.
During this portion of the treatment, you will be directed to identify 3 things associated with the targeted memory to be processed:
As you hold these things in mind, the EMDR processing begins. After the therapist performs the hand movements or other stimulation, you will be asked to let your mind go blank. Then you may either return to continue processing that same memory or move on to process other memories.
Here you replace the negative belief you had about yourself with a positive belief. For example, a victim of assault may go from believing “I am powerless” to believing “I am in control.”
During this phase, your therapist will work with you to resolve any remaining physical tension or bodily sensations related to the memory.
The therapist will ensure that at the end of each session, you feel better than when it started. Your therapist will also provide you with strategies to help you handle any distressing emotions that come up in between sessions and will ask you to maintain a journal where you write down any issues that arise.
At each session, you and your therapist will assess your progress so far and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
To help you understand how EMDR can work for emotional trauma like PTSD, take a look at Steven’s story.
Steven, a 33-year-old bicycle repair mechanic working in Santa Monica, California, took an early lunch on a summer day in 2003 and walked to the local farmer’s market. Within minutes, disaster struck when an 87-year-old man lost control of his car and barreled through the throngs of people at the market. The car was headed straight for Steven, who later said, “I thought he was going to run over my legs…I thought I would lose my legs.”
At the last possible moment, Steven was able to jump out of the way, but 10 people were killed and more than 50 were injured. Traumatized, Steven went back to work. But for months, he couldn’t sleep, and he shook constantly. As in the case of most people who develop PTSD, the Santa Monica farmer’s market disaster was not Steven’s only trauma. He grew up in a severely abusive alcoholic home and also faced death as a tank commander during the Gulf War.
Steven decided to undergo an evaluation and EMDR therapy as a component of his treatment. As part of his assessment, Steven underwent 3 brain scans using brain SPECT imaging technology—before treatment, during his first EMDR session, and after 8 hours of EDMR treatments.
Initially, his brain scan showed a diamond pattern that is often seen in PTSD, with an overactive limbic area, basal ganglia, and anterior cingulate. Then with the help of a trained EMDR therapist, Steven began clearing out the traumas—one by one. His brain actually showed benefit during the first treatment and was markedly improved after only 8 hours of treatment. Steven’s shaking had subsided, and he felt significantly better. With EMDR, Steven was able to change his brain and change his life for the better.
PTSD, emotional trauma, 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.
Is depression interfering with your daily life? Are you tired of trying antidepressant after antidepressant without results? Are you curious about how our approach is different than others you’ve tried?
Brain SPECT imaging provides us with a detailed map of your brain that supports the creation of a customized treatment plan based on your scan results.
Ariel had been experiencing symptoms of depression for over two years. She was tired, had trouble sleeping, was filled with negative thoughts, lacked motivation, and was beginning to have suicidal thoughts. The symptom that was most difficult for her husband though, was her complete loss of interest in sex. He was ready to leave her because he thought she wasn’t interested in him anymore.
Having her brain scanned using a technology called SPECT changed everything. The brain scan showed that a part of Ariel’s brain called the limbic system was working way too hard, which is common in people with depression. With this information, her husband realized Ariel hadn’t fallen out of love with him. She had a brain imbalance. The brain scan helped identify find the most effective solutions for Ariel and together, she and her husband kept her on track with her treatment plan, and their relationship eventually grew even stronger.
A SPECT brain scan changed Ariel’s life.
Seeing your brain scan helps you understand that depression is not a “mental” health condition, but rather a brain health issue.
Many people, including those in the medical field, believe that everybody with depression can be treated the same way. Wrong! Thanks to brain SPECT imaging research, it is now known that depression is not a single or simple disorder. In fact, there are 7 types of depression, and they each need targeted solutions. The 7 types of depression are:
Type 1: Pure Anxiety
Type 2: Pure Depression
Type 3: Mixed Anxiety/Depression
Type 4: Over-focused Anxiety/Depression
Type 5: Temporal Lobe Anxiety/Depression
Type 6: Cyclic Anxiety/Depression
Type 7: Unfocused Anxiety/Depression
In a 2018 survey, 31% of respondents agreed that a weak personality causes depression. Sadly, the stigma surrounding what causes this condition can prevent people from seeking treatment. Seeing on brain scans that depression is a brain issue—NOT a personality weakness—can help you move past the shame you may feel to get the help you need.
Just as people with depression may think a character flaw is the cause of their condition, family members may have the same belief. When loved ones—like Ariel’s husband—finally understand that depression is a brain problem, they are much more likely to be forgiving and supportive in helping you through the healing process.
Depression can have many causes. For example, concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are associated with an increased risk for the condition, and hormones that are out of balance can lead to symptoms of depression. Brain imaging tests can point to the root causes of your depression and help find the best-personalized solutions.
Although depression is a treatable condition, many people don’t follow through on their treatment plan. They may skip or drop out of therapy sessions, neglect to fill prescriptions, or take medicine inconsistently. Research shows that depression treatment non-adherence rates are as high as 52%. When people are able to see on brain scans that there is abnormal activity in certain areas of their brain, it increases compliance with treatment plans.
Brain imaging follow-up scans provide an opportunity for you to see improvement in the health of your brain. When you have visual confirmation that the efforts you are making are paying off, it encourages you to continue with the treatment plan. And brain scans let you know if treatment needs adjusting to speed up your progress.
People with depression often have other conditions, such as anxiety, ADD/ADHD, or addiction. Brain scans provide vital clues to the existence of co-existing conditions, so you can get a comprehensive treatment plan personalized for your needs.
Psychiatry remains the only medical field that rarely looks at the organ it treats. Because of this, the traditional treatment strategy involves a lot of guesswork. Brain imaging provides visual data to take the guesswork out of diagnosis and treatment.
Viewing the brain scans of people who have overcome depression and improved their quality of life is a powerful motivator that gives you the belief that you can do it too.
At Amen Clinics, brain SPECT imaging is performed as a component of a comprehensive evaluation for people with symptoms of depression. The Amen Clinics Method takes an integrative approach to diagnosis and treatment includes looking at the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of your life to identify areas that can be optimized.
If you’re suffering from symptoms of depression, call 888-288-9834 to talk to a specialist today or schedule a visit.
Suicide rates among teens and young adults have skyrocketed to their highest levels in two decades, according to a study released in JAMA on June 18, 2019.
Alarmingly, suicide rates among teens ages 15-19 have seen the greatest jump, increasing by 10% from 2014-2017. Although previous studies have pointed to a rise in suicide among female teens—the number of girls ages 15-19 dying by suicide increased 8% from 2016 to 2017—this latest research found a surge in teenage boys taking their own lives. Compared to 2016, there was a 21% rise in 2017 in boys in the same age group dying by suicide.
This sobering research comes on the heels of another study showing that “deaths of despair” from suicide, drugs, and alcohol have reached a historic high. This deeply distressing news comes from a 2019 study by the Commonwealth Fund, which analyzed state-by-state data from 2005 to 2017. Here’s a closer look at the rise in deaths:
The research stops short of explaining why these deaths of despair are skyrocketing. What’s wrong? Why are we headed in the wrong direction? Shouldn’t our mental health care system and the growing number of addiction treatment centers be helping reverse these trends?
America has an outdated, stigmatizing mental health paradigm that taints people with disparaging labels, preventing them from getting the help they need. And when they do seek help, they are faced with a field that is still diagnosing patients the same way it did over 100 years ago.
Mental health as it is currently practiced in the United States—making diagnoses based on symptom clusters with no biological information, then prescribing multiple medications where the mechanism in individual patients is unknown—does not have a prayer of fixing the epidemic problems of depression, suicide, and addictions.
Similarly, most of the nation’s addiction treatment programs are missing the essential organ of intervention—the brain. Brain dysfunction is the number-one reason why people fall victim to addiction, why they can’t break the chains of addiction, and why they relapse.
Brain imaging studies using a technology called SPECT show that opioids, Vicodin, methamphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol all seriously impair brain function. Unless we heal the brain, there’s little chance of breaking free from addiction.
We need to do better.
What if mental health was really brain health? And what if we replaced the outdated treatment model with a modern brain-based, whole-person program rooted in neuroscience and hope?
No one is shamed for cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, even though they have significant lifestyle contributions. Likewise, no one should be shamed for depression, suicidal thoughts, addictions, panic disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other brain health issues.
Brain imaging helps eliminate the stigma currently attached to mental illness and addiction because people see that their problems are medical in nature, not moral. They aren’t due to a personal weakness or character flaw.
It decreases shame and guilt and increases forgiveness and compassion from their families. Reframing the discussion to brain health is also more accurate and elevates hope, increases the desire to get help, and increases compliance to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Once people understand that the brain controls everything they do and everything they are, they want a better brain so they can have a better life.
The good news is that brain imaging studies show that the brain can heal. People with depression and suicidal thoughts can change their brain and change their lives. And people suffering from addictions have the potential for some of the most dramatic improvement in terms of brain function. In fact, before-and-after scans often reveal a stunning level of recovery.
Now is the time to adopt this new paradigm of brain-centered healing, so we can put the brakes on these staggering statistics and start reversing these trends.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
At Amen Clinics, we have the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to behavior. We use brain SPECT imaging in addition to assessing the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that may be contributing to mental health/brain health disorders and addictions. With this comprehensive evaluation, we are better able to accurately diagnose and personalize treatment solutions for your needs.
If you are struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction, we’re here for you. We have helped thousands of people change their brain and get their life back. Find out more about our unique approach to mental health care by speaking to a specialist at 888-288-9834 or you can schedule a visit online.