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Brian, age 6, was very excited the day he lost his first tooth and even more thrilled when he found a dollar under his pillow the next morning from the tooth fairy. He was so happy he secretly pulled out another tooth after school. Two days later, he tried to pull out a third tooth. Over the next month, Brian pulled out three more teeth. His mother was worried about why her boy was pulling out his teeth.
Denise was 13 when she pulled a knife on her mother. The teen had been having problems with her temper for a while, but this latest incident had escalated to a whole new level. Her mother was starting to feel afraid of her own daughter.
Bonnie, age 15, seemed to go out of her way to irritate her parents and teachers. She knew how to push all their buttons with her bad behavior and managed to get them to yell at her. It’s like she wanted to pick a fight. “I just start screaming at her because she says terrible things,” her dad says.
Why did these kids have behavioral problems? They all came from loving homes, and the parents were doing their best to find solutions.
You may be dealing with behavior issues in your own children—impulsivity, compulsive behaviors, anger or aggression issues, negativity, nervousness, disruptive talking, inappropriate actions, manipulation, or others. The answers, as these parents discovered, lie in the brain.
Behavior Problems are Brain Problems
Each of the parents in the examples above was so concerned they took their children for an evaluation that included brain SPECT imaging. SPECT measures blood flow and activity in the brain and shows three things: healthy activity, areas with too much activity, and areas with decreased activity. The results for these children showed abnormal activity.
Brian’s brain scan revealed marked increased activity in his frontal lobes. When this part of the brain is overactive, people may end up getting “stuck” on certain thoughts and behaviors. In Brian’s case, it was compulsively pulling out his teeth.
Brian’s Scan:
Denise had two SPECT studies—one at rest and the other during concentration. At rest, her brain showed mild decreased activity in the back half of her left temporal lobe. When she tried to concentrate, the activity in her left temporal lobe completely shut down. The temporal lobe is involved in emotional stability, and problems in this area are associated with anger and aggression issues.
Bonnie’s brain scan at rest showed normal activity, but during concentration, there was a decrease in activity in her prefrontal cortex, which is a sign of ADD/ADHD. This area of the brain is associated with impulse control, forethought, and judgment. When the activity is low here, children may be conflict-seeking as a way to stimulate the brain. Playing “I Bet I Can Get You to Yell at Me” is like an adrenaline rush for them.
Getting Help for Your Child’s Troubled Behavior
Many parents simply hope their children will “grow out of” their problem behaviors. But left untreated, these issues can cause lasting consequences that continue or even worsen in adulthood. For example, children who don’t get the help they need are more likely to drop out of school and to abuse drugs and alcohol. They also tend to have trouble getting a job and earn less money in their lifetime. The costs are emotional, physical, and financial.
Getting the right treatment is critical. As you have learned from the brain scan results of these three children, behavioral problems are not all the same. They are associated with different brain patterns, which means they have different treatment needs. Understanding what is happening in your child’s brain is the first step to finding the most effective treatment to improve their behavior. Amen Clinics has helped thousands of children—including Brian, Denise, and Bonnie—overcome a variety of behavioral problems to improve their success in school, enhance their ability to make friends, and create a happier family life. We use brain SPECT imaging to help find targeted solutions as part of a brain-body approach to healing. If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, speak with a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or schedule a visit online.
At the age of 5, Jim Kwik got into a bad accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury and learning challenges. It was hard for him to focus, hard to memorize things, and hard to read. His teachers had to repeat things to him numerous times before he caught on. His troubles continued until he was 18 when he fell down a flight of stairs and hit his head again.
When he woke up in the hospital, it dawned on him that schools teach us what to learn and what to remember, but they don’t teach us how to learn.
He thought there has to be a better way and became determined to learn more about how the brain works so he could improve his ability to learn and boost his memory. Jim made such a dramatic turnaround that he has become widely recognized as a world expert in speed reading, memory improvement, brain performance, and accelerated learning. He took all the tools he discovered and started the company Kwik Learning, which helps others take advantage of the strategies he discovered.
Jim Kwik on the Brain Warrior’s Way Podcast
Jim joined Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen on the Brain Warrior’s Way Podcast to share some of the tools he uses, how information overload in our digital world is making it harder to learn, and how to overcome this.
In this unforgettable session, they explore:
- How much of your memory is predetermined by genetics versus how much is within your own control
- How our digital world is threatening your ability to remember anything and how to fight back
- How digital distraction is making it harder to learn and what you can do about it
- How your tech gadgets could be hiding symptoms of dementia
- The secret to learning anything faster—even when digital distractions are looming
- The one stumbling block that prevents you from learning new things
- The simplest way to turn basic knowledge into creative power
- What your emotional state has to do with your ability to learn and remember
- The secret to stop procrastinating
Listen to the 4-part series with Jim Kwik on the Brain Warrior’s Way Podcast:
Part 1: http://brainwarriorswaypodcast.com/is-information-overload-making-us-less-smart-with-jim-kwik/
Part 2: http://brainwarriorswaypodcast.com/how-to-train-your-brain-to-learn-faster-with-jim-kwik/
Part 3: http://brainwarriorswaypodcast.com/motivation-are-you-not-meeting-your-full-potential-with-jim-kwik/
The Amen Clinics has helped thousands of people improve their memory, improve their school performance, and learn to love learning. If you or a family member is experiencing learning or memory issues, call 888-288-9834 or schedule a visit online.
Ever wonder if the media your tweens and teens are watching influences their moods and mental health? Consider this. In the month following the release of the critically acclaimed but controversial Netflix show “13 Reasons Why” the suicide rate among Americans ages 10-17 jumped by nearly 30 percent! The series, which began streaming on Netflix in 2017, follows the story of a teenage girl who took her own life and left behind 13 audiocassettes for her friends that unravel the reasons why she did it.
The study, which was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, analyzed five years of suicide rates among people between the ages of 10 to 64. Although there was no change in suicide rates for adults in the month after the show’s release, the rate among those under 18 rose dramatically. And it was particularly evident among boys.
These findings are troubling and should be a wake-up call for parents.
Young Brains Still Under Construction
Young people’s brains are still developing until their mid-20s, with girls’ brains typically developing faster than boys’ brains. In particular, the prefrontal cortex is the last area of the brain to mature at about age 25.
This brain region is involved in judgment, planning, forethought, and impulse control. So, you can understand why teens—and especially male teens—are more likely to make rash decisions. Even car insurance companies know this. It’s why they charge more until a driver reaches their mid-20s.
Troubled Teen Brains
Sadly, suicide is a growing problem in our society. The overall rate of suicide has increased 33 percent since 1999. It is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 34. And teens today are more likely to have suicidal thoughts or to suffer from depression compared with Millennials when they were the same age.
Reducing the Teen Suicide Risk
There are many things parents can do to help protect their kids from falling victim to suicide.
1. Monitor their media consumption.
Parents need to understand that what your kids and teens watch on television, online, and on social media can play a role in the development of their brain. Set limits, use parental controls, and talk to your kids about what they’re watching.
2. Don’t let adolescents smoke marijuana.
Research shows that using cannabis as an adolescent raises the risk of depression and increases suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts when they become young adults.
3. Encourage healthy sleep habits.
Did you know that teenagers who average just one hour less of sleep at night are 38 percent more likely to feel sad and hopeless, 42 percent more likely to consider suicide, and 58 percent more likely to attempt suicide?
4. Protect their brain.
Head injuries and concussions—even mild ones that are never diagnosed—increase the risk for suicide. Make sure young people always wear a helmet when riding a bike and don’t let your kids hit soccer balls with their heads.
5. Seek help for mental health issues.
If your child is experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or ADD/ADHD, it’s critical to seek help for those issues. Be aware that medications don’t always work, and in some cases, they can make a teen worse. Getting a comprehensive evaluation is key to finding solutions that work.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
At Amen Clinics, we have helped thousands of teens and tweens overcome feelings of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, as well as to gain control over impulse control issues. We believe in using the least toxic, most effective treatments based on comprehensive evaluations that include brain imaging, lab work, and cognitive testing. If you have concerns about your teen, reach out today by calling 888-288-9834 or schedule a visit online.
In 2008, 4-year-old Joey was diagnosed with autism. His mom Jacqueline was very pro-active and began a variety of therapies and counseling to help her son. Despite all the treatments, Jacqueline couldn’t help but think she could be doing more for him. She used to joke, saying, “If we could just look inside his head, we could figure out our Joey.” About 10 years after his initial diagnosis, she took Joey for a brain scan using a technology called SPECT, which helped doctors target his treatment more effectively. As Jacqueline knows, having a child with autism can be frustrating. You want to help but may not be sure what you can do. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered the fastest-growing developmental disability, with an estimated 1 in 59 births affected. The condition is characterized by communication problems, abnormal social skills, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems—all ranging from mild to severe.
Here are 5 things that can help minimize autism symptoms:
1. Get an accurate diagnosis.
Brain imaging studies called SPECT show that autism is not one thing, it’s probably 8 to 10 things. In brain scans of people with autism, the front part of the brain often works too hard (but not always). Conversely, the cerebellum in the back of the brain, as well as the right side of the brain, often don’t work hard enough. Knowing the underlying biology of your child’s brain is critical to finding the most effective treatment. Joey’s mom Jacqueline said, “It gives you the medical facts, it gives you the medical science that you lack when you’re just trying different therapies.” Joey’s brain scans showed that not only did he have autism, but he also had an infection that was affecting his moods and behavior. With this new information, Jacqueline was able to get a clearer blueprint to treatments that are now helping Joey and the whole family.2. Consider going gluten-free.
Gluten is the name given to proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Research shows there is a connection between autism and an increased risk for gluten sensitivity. Some parents of children with autism have reported that when they feed their child a gluten-free diet, they see significant improvements in behavior and speech symptoms. A blood test called the celiac panel can offer insights into gluten-related health problems.3. Supplement with vitamin D3.
Did you know that low levels of vitamin D (and particularly, vitamin D3) have been linked to autism? Vitamin D plays an essential role in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and is important for brain development. Research in the journal Pediatrics showed that core symptoms of autism improved significantly in a 32-month-old boy after vitamin D3 supplementation. Other supplements may help too. Click to see 10 supplements to improve autism symptoms.4. Avoid dairy.
Dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese contain a protein called casein. During the digestion process, casein contributes to the production of exorphins that bind to opiate receptors in the brain and can lead to problems with concentration, feelings of spaciness, and fuzzy thinking. For some people with ASD, eliminating dairy leads to more talking and reduced hyperactivity.5. Seek help early.
The sooner a child with autism gets help, the more effective treatment will be. Early intervention can help with your child’s overall development and decrease symptoms as they grow up. At Amen Clinics, we have seen more than 1,000 people with ASD (including Joey) and have used brain imaging in combination with lab work as part of a comprehensive evaluation to get an accurate diagnosis and provide targeted treatments that minimize symptoms. If your child is struggling with autism, schedule a visit or call 888-288-9834. Most of us think of our teens and 20s as the years when life is full of parties and good times. But it isn’t always fun and games for every 14- to 27-year-old who make up “Generation Z”. Disturbing research shows that teens and young adults are more likely to feel stressed, depressed, or even suicidal compared with millennials when they were the same age. The researchers noted a 71 percent increase in young adults reporting psychological distress and a 63 percent jump in those with symptoms of depression. Among adolescents, the incidence of depressive symptoms jumped by 52 percent. And nearly twice as many in the GenZ population have thought about suicide. And that was before the pandemic! The stress, fear, worry, boredom, and frustration since the arrival of COVID-19 is hitting adolescents and young adults harder than any other age group. According to a survey by the CDC, young adults ages 18-24 are experiencing the highest levels of depression and anxiety, and 25% of them have had serious thoughts about suicide. Aside from the obvious effects of the pandemic, what’s behind the rise in mental illness in young adults? Researchers point to two likely culprits.2 Biggest Drivers of Mental Health Issues in Young Adults
1. Excessive Tech Use
Being tethered to our smartphones isn’t helping our mental health. Several studies have found that heavy social media use is associated with a greater risk for anxiety and depression, loneliness, feelings of isolation, self-esteem issues, and suicidal thoughts. In a study of over 1 million teens, researchers found that those who had less time screen time and more face-to-face time with friends were happier than those who spent more time on the internet, playing computer games, doing social media, texting, using video chat, or watching TV. Another study from 2018 found that when college students limited social media time to no more than 30 minutes a day for three weeks, they reported significant reductions in depression and loneliness, as well as less anxiety and FOMO (or “fear of missing out”). Tech addiction is real, and teens are particularly vulnerable to it. With the pandemic, tech usage has skyrocketed even higher. One study showed that internet providers have seen increases in usage of 40% to 100% compared to pre-pandemic statistics.2. Lack of Sleep
Sleep is vital for mental health, and teens need more of it than adults. For optimal cognitive function, teens require about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night, but less than 9% are getting adequate shut-eye. Research has found a link between a lack of adequate sleep and mental illness in teens. One study that looked at nearly 28,000 high school students found a 38% increase in symptoms of depression and a 58% rise in suicide attempts for every hour of sleep lost. This same study also found that sleep deprivation was also tied to a 23% increased risk for substance abuse. Addiction is often associated with co-existing mental health issues. An online survey from Harvard Medical School about how the pandemic is affecting the mental health of young people found that sleep disruption is the most common symptom. In May 2020, over 75% of young adults experience trouble sleeping. By October, that percentage had dipped slightly to about 72%. Addiction to technology and lack of sleep not only increases the risk of mental illness but can also disrupt the important processes that are taking place in the developing brain. The brain continues developing until a person’s mid-20s, so it’s critical to address issues that could interfere with healthy development. Mental health issues in young people can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we use brain SPECT imaging as part of a comprehensive evaluation to identify any underlying brain health issues. 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. YouTube superstar, Logan Paul is no stranger to controversy. Logan Paul has claimed he lacks empathy and feels motivated by his fans to only increase risk taking behavior. Logan Paul made headlines last year for posting on his channel a dead body found in Japan’s sacred suicide forest. He has also insulted the LBGTQ community by offering to “go gay” for a month, and he is constantly pulling stunts and making bad choices that are filmed for his millions of fans. But why does he constantly opt for the wrong options? Why was he considered the most hated celebrity of 2018? To help find answers, Logan Paul visited Amen Clinics, which is among the world leaders in applying brain imaging science to help people who struggle with emotional issues, behavioral challenges, cognitive problems and learning challenges such as ADD.SPECT Imaging Reveals Brain Damage
Logan Paul went to visit double board certified psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen, MD to find out why he acts inappropriately and seemingly without empathy. Dr. Amen scanned Logan’s brain with a study called single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), which maps blood flow in the brain. They discovered he has low blood flow and abnormal activity in key areas of his prefrontal cortex that rule the “human” part of being human. Dr. Amen knows that Logan’s history of repetitive head trauma from football combined with a trampoline accident where he fractured his skull is the main reason behind his bad decisions. Logan’s very significant injury shows trouble with empathy among other problems. Dr. Amen explained to Logan the long-term problems he faces if he does not follow treatment for healing this brain injury. “You hurt [the prefrontal cortex], which means you’re gonna have trouble with focus and forethought, and follow through, and organization, planning, and empathy, so for relationships, and learning from the mistakes you’ve made… If we don’t fix this, no matter how successful you are, you’re not going to make the decisions you need to move your life in the direction you want… Living the rest of your life with this brain is not going to be a lot of fun, for you for the people who love you. Because you’re gonna have trouble connecting. ”Logan Paul’s Treatment for Prefrontal Cortex Brain Damage
But, luckily for Logan, his brain can be helped with the treatment plan laid out. Dr. Amen determined his treatment should include targeted supplements for supporting brain health and 80 1-hour sessions in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Logan Paul and Dr. Amen just might be the reason young men and women will start seeking help for their difficult behaviors that damage their work, relationships, and overall happiness. Watch here: For more information on how SPECT imaging can help provide a customized treatment plan to help heal your brain, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health – 51 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from a mental health issue at some point in their lives. Regrettably, the matter of mental health remains shrouded by misconceptions and harmful stereotypes. Many people with mental health problems feel that the stigma and discrimination they experience from their family, friends, employer, and society itself, makes their symptoms worse and delays the recovery process. Frequently overlooked in the ongoing mental health conversation are pregnant women. How can these women get help for their mental or emotional challenges? The field of perinatal psychiatry is attempting to answer that question.What is Perinatal Psychiatry?
A relatively new specialty, perinatal psychiatry focuses on the mental health of pregnant women rather than on women who have already delivered their baby. Since mental illness can present differently in pregnancy, it needs to be handled in a specialized manner. The needs of mother and baby must be considered when a mental illness is present. Perinatal treatment methods vary and aren’t always clear-cut. What is clear is the overwhelming need to support expectant mothers with mental health concerns. Sadly, suicide from untreated mental illness is the leading indirect cause of maternal mortality. The field of perinatal psychiatry has provided hope to many struggling mothers who have found relief from their symptoms with the proper treatment. One such success story comes from Dr. Neha Kansara, a psychiatrist at Amen Clinics in Washington D.C., who shares an inspiring story of how she was able to help one of her patients: Sweet, lovely Jane, who normally arrived just in time for her appointment, showed up an hour early. I sensed something wasn’t right. Typically, Jane would be giggling and entertaining my staff, but today she appeared sad. I recognized nervousness the moment our eyes met. “I’m pregnant,” Jane said. She started crying inconsolably. I sat beside her, calm and composed with my hands on her shoulders, providing her with a sense of comfort. “Dr. Neha, you know this is the end and my baby will die again.” Jane suffered from chronic PTSD for repeated childhood sexual and emotional trauma. She was raped by her mother’s boyfriend and was pregnant at the tender age of 13. Facing the ugly complications that came with getting an abortion created fear towards pregnancy. Jane had begun to believe that she could never give birth to a healthy baby. I asked what I could do to help. Jane said, “I want this baby alive. Do you think you can help me?” Having knowledge of the field of Perinatal Psychiatry, I began researching different avenues that would assist a pregnant woman who has suffered through extensive years of trauma. One therapy option that looked promising was EMDR. After a few sessions of EMDR, Jane’s outlook began to improve, and she eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy.What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an extensively researched therapy technique that’s been very successful in bringing quick and lasting relief for a variety of symptoms and issues. The focus of EMDR is to resolve or eliminate emotional discomfort by shifting how a memory is triggered in the brain and to help a patient see things in new and less distressing ways. EMDR may aid in reducing stress from painful memories and is particularly useful for people with a history of abuse. Also, EMDR can support people seeking to overcome symptoms of anxiety brought on by alarming or life-threatening experiences. One of the ways EMDR accomplishes this is by helping to remove the emotional charges of traumatic memories.What Are the Benefits?
EMDR can help people by: • Reducing the frequency and severity of nightmares • Managing the debilitating effects of panic attacks • Improving the quality of sleep • Developing coping mechanisms for stressful situations • Minimizing anger outbursts during elevated incidents • Processing negative beliefs and self-talk • Healing emotional trauma from past experiences • Restoring a positive outlook for the future EMDR is non-invasive, has no side effects and is appropriate for people of all ages. It’s ideal for those who have been unsuccessful in managing their symptoms with medications or therapy and who seek a more natural approach to treatment. EMDR was selected by the armed services as the primary treatment modality for returning veterans suffering from PTSD and other traumas. Additionally, the World Health Organization recommends EMDR for treating patients with PTSD. Individuals considering EMDR don’t need to consult with a medical professional before beginning treatment. Not all services are offered at each Amen Clinics location. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit our website to schedule a visit. When you hear the word “addiction,” the first thing that pops into your head is probably drugs or alcohol. Gambling or sex addictions might also register as types of negative habits. Or perhaps even the digital obsession many have with their devices. But video game addiction? Is there really such a thing?Is It Really an Addiction?
Most people would agree that video game binges or all-night marathons aren’t beneficial to your health, either physically or mentally. But is there a time limit that should be observed by gamers? Is there a way to know for sure when video game playing becomes excessive…or even addictive? The World Health Organization recently evaluated the harmful effects of spending too much time playing video games. Based on scientific evidence, the WHO has classified “gaming disorder” as a serious addiction. However, the agency claims that the condition only affects 3% of gamers. Although the American Psychiatric Association hasn’t labeled excessive gaming as a mental health condition, the organization does admit that the disorder warrants further clinical research.Addiction Begins in the Brain
The brain is the supercomputer that runs everything in your life. It plays a central role in your vulnerability to addiction and your ability to recover and maintain sobriety. Understanding the brain’s role in addiction, prevention, and treatment is the key to helping people break free from their addictions. Until then, they will continue to fuel their addictions with daily habits and actions that pollute the brain and make it even harder for them to break free from those addictions. One way to help identify addiction in the brain is with SPECT imaging. Overloaded work schedules, not getting enough sleep, and living with strained relationships all can lower brain function, and make it more difficult to fight addiction. Eating a fast food diet, guzzling sugary sodas, and gobbling unhealthy snacks deprives the brain of proper nutrients, which decreases your ability to think clearly and make good decisions. Isolating yourself from family and friends to hide your addiction also has a negative effect on your brain that can further intensify your addictive behaviors.The Brain’s Reward System
Your motivation to either commit or quit harmful acts is tied to the biological makeup of your brain and your brain’s reward system. This system is an intricate network of neurotransmitters that are critical to human survival. Your self-control circuit is comprised of: 1. the brain systems that drive you to seek out things that bring you pleasure and, 2. the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which applies the brakes when you’re about to engage in risky behavior. In the addicted brain, the underactive PFC can create an imbalance in the reward system and cause you to lose control over your behavior. When this happens, you’re more likely to fall victim to your cravings. Having low activity in the PFC often results in impulse control problems and poor internal supervision.ADHD and Video Game Addiction
Many individuals with ADHD, who can barely spend ten minutes doing mundane tasks such as paying bills or preparing their taxes, can easily lose themselves for hours on end playing video games. The stimulation, novelty, and excitement grabs and maintains their interest. Without these stimuli, they can be apathetic, fatigued, or spacey. A recent study found that gamers with ADHD symptoms may be at a greater risk for developing video game addiction. Up to 23 percent of people who play video games report symptoms of addictive behavior. If you know someone who can’t put down the controller, here are some practical strategies that can help them overcome Video Game Brain:Healthy Pleasure Centers
Deep inside the brain, your pleasure centers respond to several neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. When dopamine is depleted, depression and low motivation are much more likely to occur – it can be harder to find your sense of joy and lift yourself out of a funk. Boost dopamine naturally by engaging in meaningful and pleasurable activities on a regular basis. Do work that you love, get consistent exercise and take time to have fun with your loved ones.Boost Your PFC
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is responsible for helping you be goal-oriented, socially responsible, and productive in every area of your life. Decreased activity in the PFC has been associated with lack of forethought and poor judgment. Exercising self-control is one of the best ways to strengthen your PFC. To develop your PFC, you can practice saying no to the things that aren’t good for you and, over time, you’ll find it easier to do the right thing. Also, supplements, green tea, and Rhodiola can increase blood flow to the PFC which can help you make better decisions.“Then What?”
Addictions are made worse when we literally “wear out” the brain’s pleasure centers from constant exposure to highly stimulating activities, such as drugs, video games, and internet pornography. Take inventory of the adrenaline-producing habits in your life. Eliminate unhealthy ones and take breaks from activities (even good ones) that are becoming compulsive. When fighting an addiction, always keep these two words in mind: “Then what?” Whenever you think about doing or saying something that may have a negative impact on your life, consider the consequences of your behavior. This question can serve as a stop sign to impulses that are about to take you down the wrong path. Brain dysfunction is the #1 reason why people fall victim to addiction. If a loved one is struggling with any form of addiction, our method of integrative psychiatric support can help. Our Full Evaluation of your biological/psychological/social/spiritual history, coupled with two brain SPECT imaging scans (in concentrating and resting states), cognitive testing, and clinical assessment is designed to address unique needs and offer targeted treatment options. If you or someone you know is struggling with a video game addiction, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition in which children fail to establish healthy bonds with their primary caregivers. It affects children who have received inadequate care from their parents or primary caregivers—typically their mothers before the age of 5. A child might have RAD if there’s nothing neurologically or medically wrong with them, but they still can’t properly form attachments. The child may have difficulties regulating distressing emotions and may have a flat affect (no smiles) during interactions with caregivers. When emotional care and nurturing is withheld from a child during their first few years, it can have a negative impact on the rest of their life. Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition in which children fail to establish healthy bonds with their primary caregivers, and it can have a negative impact on the rest of their life. Left untreated, RAD can have a negative effect on a child’s behavioral, emotional, physical, and social development. Children with RAD are typically at a higher risk for depression, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, learning difficulties, and oppositional behavior. And 2016 research in Scientific World Journal found that children who aren’t treated for RAD may develop personality disorders when they reach adulthood. Despite the serious effects on a child’s life, many families are either unaware of the problem or never seek help. This makes it difficult to accurately estimate the prevalence of RAD. However, a 2013 study in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that 1.4% of children in a deprived population experienced RAD.WHAT CAUSES REACTIVE ATTACHMENT DISORDER?
Research shows that RAD can be caused by several factors, including:- Disregard of a child’s basic physical needs: For example, a baby cries, and no one responds or comforts the child. Or an infant is hungry or wet and they aren’t attended to for hours.
- Persistent neglect of a child’s emotional needs: withheld affection and care: RAD can occur when infants and toddlers don’t get the nurturing they need. For example, if caregivers don’t look at, talk to, sing to, or play with a child, it can lead to attachment problems.
- Frequent shifting of primary caregivers: For example, if a child bounces around with parents, grandparents, guardians, institutional care, or foster care, it may increase problems developing healthy emotional attachments.
- Preterm birth or low birth weight: A 2020 study in Acta Paediatrica shows that preterm infants are at increased risk of developing RAD. Babies born at less than 32 weeks of gestation have 3 times the risk of being diagnosed with the condition, and babies that are less than 2.5 kilos at birth have twice the risk as normal-weight babies.
SYMPTOMS OF RAD
Children suffering from RAD may exhibit an array of emotional and behavioral symptoms, including one or more of the following signs and symptoms:- Detached, withdrawn, or unresponsive
- Resists attempts to soothe or comfort
- Holds back or bottles up emotions
- Exhibits avoidant behaviors
- Sudden, unexplained outburst or irritability, fear, or sadness
- Moodiness
- Lack of smiling
- Inappropriately familiar with others
- Selective with attachment figures
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotion
- Trouble accepting physical or emotional closeness
- Reacting violently when held or comforted
- Unpredictable behavior
- Difficult to discipline
RAD, THE BRAIN, AND OTHER PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Healthy emotional attachments are necessary for the brain to develop properly, and children with RAD may have abnormalities in the brain. A 2015 study in NeuroImage: Clinical found that children with RAD have 20% less gray matter volume in the visual cortex. The researchers suggest such abnormalities may be associated with the visual emotion regulation impairments seen in RAD. Additional evidence in The Scientific World Journal shows that children with RAD are more likely to have multiple comorbidities. In fact, 85% of those with RAD in this study had another diagnosis. Mental health conditions that may be seen with RAD include:- ADD/ADHD
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Conduct disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Specific phobia
- Tic disorder
HOW IS REACTIVE ATTACHMENT DISORDER TREATED?
With proper treatment, it’s possible for RAD children to learn to trust others and have a healthy and fulfilling life. There are two main goals of treating RAD:- Ensure that the child is in a safe environment.
- Help the child develop a healthy relationship with the primary caregiver.
6 TIPS TO HELP RAD KIDS (AND THEIR PARENTS)
If you’ve noticed attachment difficulties in any children who are in your care, seek help right away. The best way to prevent the long-term symptoms of RAD is with early treatment. Typically, the sooner parents or other caregivers get help for their RAD children, the better their chances are for living healthy lives as adults. If you’re struggling with how to handle a family member with RAD, here are some practical strategies that can help.- Get help for your child. The best way you can assist your child with RAD is to recognize that you can’t do everything on your own. Consider getting help from an integrative psychiatrist who takes a whole-person approach to diagnosis and treatment. This can be a huge first step in supporting your child as love alone cannot fix trauma or attachment issues.
- Seek help for yourself. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. If your child is struggling, or you’re having difficulty providing care, seek professional assistance to help you better understand your child’s unique challenges and learn how to help manage their symptoms. Getting guidance on how to handle your child during difficult moments can provide tremendous stress relief.
- Provide a stable home. An effective way to help children with RAD is to provide a safe and secure home environment. Additionally, at least for the short-term, it might be a good idea to reduce the number of caregivers. Have the most stable, reliable, loving caregiver provide the child with the stability, consistency, and attention they need.
- Create a safe environment. Make sure your child is in a place where they won’t be physically, mentally, or emotionally harmed. This includes removing sharp objects, or anything else that could lead to self-harm or harm to others in the family.
- Get clued in. One way to respond to your RAD child’s needs is to observe their habits and reactions. Pay close attention to their behaviors for clues to possible triggers. Try to anticipate difficult situations before they happen.
- Heal the brain. Having undiagnosed or untreated brain health issues can contribute to more severe symptoms of RAD. Adopting a brain healthy lifestyle can help heal the brain and minimize symptoms associated with RAD.