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Do mass shooters brains look different than non-violent brains? The answer is yes. Our founder, Dr. Daniel Amen, spoke with ABC reporter, Frank Elaridi on the epidemic that we are facing today.How Do Mass Shooters Brains’ Look Different on a SPECT Scan?
(See images described in video here) First, what appears to be holes in the brain are not actually holes, rather they are areas of low metabolic activity, low blood flow. A SPECT scan is a map of brain metabolism. It shows how well the blood is flowing through arteries and veins in the brain. This is important because the brain must have oxygen and glucose to function (oxygen and glucose are carried to the brain through blood). Thus the holes that appear on a SPECT are not areas of lost brain matter, these are areas of low blood flow therefore impaired brain activity. In each shooter exhibited in the video’s SPECT scans, one had lower blood flow to the pre-frontal cortex which controls forethought, impulse control and focus. One had significant damage to the cerebellum.Could SPECT Diagnose These Types of People?
Neuroscientists actually know quite a lot about the human brain and the mind it generates. Through 150,000 brain scans over nearly 30 years at Amen Clinics, we have used SPECT scans as maps to make neural connections in thousands of patients. The future of psychiatry will be paved through imaging. Currently, psychiatrists are the only medical specialists who rarely look at the organ they treat. Most continue to make diagnoses the same way they did years ago, based on symptom clusters and clinical observations. There is a better way. SPECT imaging is a clinically valuable tool for looking at brain function to help target treatment.We Can Help
SPECT helps provide new answers to mental health issues and helps clinicians ask better, more targeted questions; such as about brain trauma, infections, ADD symptoms, seizure issues, or past emotional traumas. If you, or someone you love, could benefit from an evaluation at Amen Clinics, call our brain health advisors today at 888-288-9834 or tell us more online. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been increasing at an alarming rate over the past 20 years. As the fastest growing developmental disability, it is estimated that 1 in every 88 births will now be affected – this equates to around 50,000 children every year. Parents, psychologists, and neurologists have been scrambling to come up with strategies to help these children.What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can best be described as a grouping of developmental disorders that present a range of symptoms such as: social and communication difficulties; restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities; and in some cases, cognitive delays. The autism spectrum includes: • Autism • Asperger syndrome • Rett syndrome • Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) • Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)Can Going Gluten-Free Help?
Transitioning to a gluten-free diet is one strategy that has been gaining popularity in the United States, as significant improvements in symptoms such as speech and behavior have been noticed in some children when gluten is removed. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in children with autism and until recently, little research has been done to evaluate if there is a true connection between autism, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease.Autistic Children Are More Gluten Sensitive Than Their Siblings
A study evaluated: • Children with autism (with and without GI distress symptoms) • Their siblings without autism, and age-matched, unaffected healthy children as controls The researchers tested for antibodies to gliadin, a class of proteins present in the gluten of wheat and several other grains known for producing immune response in sensitive individuals. The results of the study point to a connection between autism and increased gluten sensitivity. The children with autism showed significantly higher levels of the IgG gliadin antibody as compared to their siblings and unrelated healthy controls.Gluten Sensitivity & The Brain-Gut Connection
Scientists have hypothesized that autistic children may be more sensitive and allergic to foods containing gluten and casein (milk protein), given the strong correlation between GI disturbances and the severity of autism. Biochemical testing has confirmed that people with autism tend to have higher levels of peptides (gluten proteins) in their urine. It is believed that the incomplete breakdown and excessive absorption of gluten peptides may react with opiate receptors in the brain, leading to neurological changes that dramatically exacerbate the symptoms of autism. Even outside of the autistic community, awareness of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease is becoming more common as people start to investigate why they do not feel well. It is said that anywhere from 6-50% of people may unknowingly experience gluten sensitivity while 1% suffer from true celiac disease. Gluten is poorly digested by the human intestines; this can lead to: • Inflammation • Gut damage • Malnutrition • Neurological disturbances10 Common Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity & Celiac Disease
1. Brain fog 2. Fatigue 3. Headaches/migraines 4. GI distress such as: abdominal pain and bloating, gas, queasiness, acid reflux, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea 5. Weight loss or weight gain 6. Depression, irritability, listlessness, and emotional instability 7. Joint pain, tingling, or numbness in the legs, arms, and hands 8. Acne, eczema and other skin rashes 9. Hair loss 10. Hashimoto’s disease and other autoimmune disordersWhat Can You Do Now?
A blood test referred to as the celiac panel can help diagnose gluten-related health problems. The test measures your body’s response to gluten by detecting 4 antibodies that your body produces against it. Speak with your primary care physician to arrange for gluten testing. The inexpensive gluten test is simply an elimination diet. If you cut ALL gluten from your diet and your symptoms go away, it’s a good indicator that you have a gluten sensitivity. Some people experience improvements very quickly (such as reduction of pain in the gut), yet for some with extreme sensitivities or celiac disease, it can take 6 months to a year for the lining of the small intestine to heal completely.We Can Help
If you need help getting started with an elimination diet or getting your children on-board with a gluten-free lifestyle, Amen Clinics can help. Connect with us online or call us at 888-288-9834 today. Ever walk into a room where everyone was intently focused on their handheld devices? Have you ever had a romantic dinner ruined by a date who made it more of a priority to answer text messages rather than engage in a live conversation? Or, have you ever seen people attempting to drive while staring at their smartphone? Of course, you have… Even though technology has improved our lives in profound ways, it has also presented a number of unique challenges. It’s clear that we’re becoming increasingly dependent on technology. But is dependency turning into obsession? And does digital obsession come with a price? Leading cognitive neuroscientists have identified new brain disorders linked to society’s overdependence on technology. These disorders range from separation anxiety over misplacing a device to hearing a phantom ring when no one is calling. Many of the disorders are accompanied by psychiatric issues, including ADD, anxiety, OCD and various types of psychoses. Also, the compulsive need to stay connected to the internet at all times has become a type of addiction to many people. To prevent the negative effects associated with technology-induced disorders, try these six simple steps:Take a Tech Timeout
It’s not unusual for parents to limit their kids’ TV or tablet time, so why shouldn’t that same rule apply to adults? Establish a time when all devices will be turned off for the remainder of the evening. Not only will this provide a break from calling, texting, browsing the internet and posting content on social media, it will also afford you the opportunity to spend more quality time with friends and family as well as give you a reason to pick up that book you’ve been meaning to finish. Note: When setting aside time for a tech timeout, be mindful of your particular situation and if you should be available to receive emergency calls.Schedule Weekly Internet Fasts
A great way to curb the adverse effects of digital obsession is to reserve one day of the week (for maximum effect, choose a day you have off from work) for an internet fast. Rather than sitting around staring at a screen all day, spend some time working on a hobby, engaging in physical activity or enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. You might be surprised at how many things you can do, and how much fun you can have while taking a break from the internet.Create a Technology Free Bedroom
One of the best ways to avoid the dangers of digital dependence is to remove TVs, computers and other electronic devices from your bedroom. Creating a relaxing environment, free from the distractions of the outside world, may facilitate better sleep, increase intimacy with your partner, and reduce the amount of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) your body absorbs. EMF radiation damages healthy cells and is known to increase the risk of cancer.One Screen at a Time
It’s common for people to use more than one form of technology at the same time. For example, a person may browse the internet or make online purchases on a desktop computer, laptop or iPad while talking, texting or tweeting on a smartphone all while watching TV. To prevent your attention from being divided by multiple devices, follow the “one screen at a time” rule. This should aid your ability to focus while also giving your overstimulated brain some much-needed downtime.Use Your Brain, Not Your Computer
Our reliance on our brains to remember facts and to problem solve has significantly diminished in recent decades. With the advent of Google and Siri, it has become convenient to search the internet for help even before accessing our brains for the answers. Don’t allow the internet to become a cognitive crutch.Never Talk and Text
Technology can link people from different parts of the world in seconds. While this has opened new avenues of human connection, it frequently places a strain on our relationships with each other when used inappropriately. “Technoference” is now a word that means the interference of technology in couple relationships. One study demonstrated that Technoference lead to lower relationship and life satisfaction. Don’t sacrifice your relationship with people physically close to you. Keep phone and text conversations to a minimum when you are with other people. Use these six tips to reduce your chances of developing a technology based brain disorder and to live in harmony with technology rather than being controlled by it. At Amen Clinics we have spent decades helping people treat their brain and can help you, too. Call us today at (888) 288-9834 or visit our website to schedule a visit. “Real men don’t cry.” That unhealthy stereotype can be particularly detrimental to men with a psychiatric condition. Since men learn from a young age to bottle up their emotions, they are far less likely than women to seek treatment for a mental illness. This is especially true of depression since women are diagnosed with the complaint more frequently than men. Major depressive disorder affects six million men each year in America and many millions more will choose to tough it out rather than admitting they need help. Sadly, those who suffer from depression may never know how their ailment influences other people in their life. A recent study shows that depression in fathers has a direct effect on the behavioral problems of their adolescent children. This should come as a wake-up call to the multitude of men who are attempting to manage their symptoms by white-knuckling their way through the pain. Since depression can have a negative influence on the entire family, it is time for men to step up and get help. Delaying treatment for depression can have significant personal, interpersonal, occupational and social consequences.If you are struggling with symptoms of depression, here are nine proven strategies that can help you:
1. Know Your Type
Did you know that there are different types of depression? Knowing your type can help reduce stigma, provide hope and guide treatment.2. Stress Less
It is easy to become overwhelmed in our fast-paced society. To reduce stress, try meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques.3. Quality Sleep
Insufficient and inconsistent sleep can increase irritability, moodiness and poor judgment. To remain at the top of your game, it is recommended that you get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.4. Step into the Light
Daily exposure to appropriate levels of sunlight can boost serotonin and vitamin D3 levels which can improve your mood.5. Get Moving
Exercise is the most important thing you can do when feeling depressed. Exercising releases “feel good” chemicals in your brain that can promote a sense of well-being.6. Eat Good Mood Food
Good mood foods like lean protein, raw spinach and walnuts contain bliss-enhancing nutrients which can elevate your mood.7. Kill Your ANTs
ANTs are the Automatic Negative Thoughts that pop into your head, causing you to get upset or depressed. Once you identify an ANT, jot it down, identify it and then kill it by writing a more realistic version of the same thought.8. Talk it Out
Most men aren’t comfortable talking about their feelings. However, opening up about personal struggles can have big benefits for those who deal with depression. Whether in a support group or with a therapist, talking it out can reduce your sense of isolation and provide relief from your symptoms.9. Get a Brain Image
Depression is not the consequence of a character flaw or personal weakness, it is the result of biological problems in the brain that can be balanced. By looking at our patient’s brain function through brain SPECT imaging, we can identify the underlying brain biology of a person’s depressive systems, allowing us to tailor a treatment plan to begin the healing process. At Amen Clinics, we understand that depression is not a simple disorder with a one-size-fits-all solution. We have helped tens of thousands of people with depression from all over the world and can help you, too. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Before becoming parents, did you ever witness an exasperated and overwhelmed parent lose it in Aisle 7 and find yourself thinking smugly, “I’m never going to yell at my kids”? If you have a child with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which is also called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is almost guaranteed that at some point during your parenting, you have felt so frustrated that you wanted to yell at your child. Maybe you have done so. A lot.Trying not to Lose Your Temper can be Difficult
When your child does not listen, behave, comply, or openly defies, it can understandably send even the most patient of parents over the proverbial edge. However, the reality is that yelling is not an effective behavior management strategy and usually backfires. Many people with ADD have low activity in the front part of their brains, due to lower levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Additionally, researchers have found that people with ADD have low levels of the stress hormone adrenaline. As a way to feel more alert ADD children often find themselves conflict seeking; it stimulates them on an unconscious level. Kids and teens with ADD can be masterful at making other people mad or angry at them. But it is imperative that you not lose your temper with them because it often makes things worse. If they get you to explode, their low energy frontal cortex turns on, they feel better, and they unconsciously come to crave it. You do not want to let your anger be their medication. They can get addicted to it! That’s right, we’ve actually seen ADD kids get addicted to their parents’ anger. And if you end up giving them the adrenaline and dopamine rush that they are looking for by engaging in conflict and yelling at them, they will figure out how to make you do it again…and again…and again. Sound familiar? Then read on for some suggestions on what to do instead of yelling. It is important to note that once parents learn how to become less reactive, to not feed the need for adrenaline and dopamine with anger, the ADD child may initially get worse. It appears the child with ADD goes through withdrawal when others become calm and regulated, at least initially. When they can no longer get the adrenaline anger rush, they go after it full force. Unconsciously, they seem to say to themselves, “I have been able to get my adrenaline fix from you for a long time, I know I can make you yell at me.” They escalate the outrageous behavior. But if you can remain nonreactive for a long enough period of time, the conflict driven behavior usually significantly diminishes. And be prepared that, like a drug addict (think adrenaline junky), they will periodically test the “nonreactive skill” of the people in their environment by seeking intense emotional reactions.What to do Instead of Yelling
- Take responsibility for your mood and work to keep it regulated when dealing with your child.
- Commit that you won’t open your mouth until you’re calm enough to speak at normal volume and in a kind tone.
- Learn, practice, and then teach to others simple deep breathing techniques to use in calming a volatile situation.
- Use family time outs where everyone in the family goes to a quiet part of the house for a designated period of time (10 -15 minutes), whenever voices are raised or someone is losing control.
- Make sure to follow through with clear consequences for broken rules, enforced in a “matter of fact” and unemotional way.
- Sing a song or hum a tune in your head to distract yourself.
- Redirect the child’s attention to shift the situation.
- Learn to pick your battles.
- If you still feel like yelling, whisper (the difference in your behavior will shock them).
Here are some natural tips to start helping ADD/ADHD today:
1. Take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement every day.
Research shows that people with ADD/ADHD often have nutritional deficiencies, including low levels of vitamin D, zinc, ferritin, and magnesium. Taking a supplement helps replenish levels of these important nutrients. Studies have reported that daily multivitamins/minerals help people with learning and help prevent chronic illness.2. Take omega-3 fatty acids.
Multiple studies, including a 2020 trial in Translational Psychiatry and a 2017 study in the Journal of Lipids, show that taking omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for symptoms related to ADD/ADHD, such as attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. There are 2 active compounds in omega-3 fatty acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Research suggests that fish oil higher in the EPA form of omega-3s may be the most helpful, but it depends on your type of ADD/ADHD. Dose suggestions for adults are 2,000 to 6,000 mg of high-quality fish oil a day (1,000-2,000 mg for children.)3. Eliminate everyday stimulants.
Avoid consuming caffeine or using nicotine products. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics—over 160,000 functional brain scans and growing—shows that caffeine and nicotine decrease brain activity over time, sometimes, significantly. In addition, both interfere with sleep, and people with ADD/ADHD often have difficulty sleeping.4. Exercise daily for 30-45 minutes.
The neuropsychiatrists at Amen Clinics have seen a direct relationship between the level of exercise a patient gets and the severity of their symptoms (more exercise = less severe symptoms). Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain. In addition, when ADD patients are playing sports, such as basketball, where there is intense aerobic exercise, they tend to do better in school or at work. For kids, if you can’t find a safe exercise (no brain injuries please from football, hockey, or soccer headers), take them on long, fast walks.5. Limit screen time.
Keep television, video games, and device time to no more than 30 minutes a day. This may be hard for kids and teens, but it can make a huge difference. In a 2019 study on preschoolers in Plos One, when screen time exceeded 2 hours a day, there were “clinically significant” increases in attentional problems and other symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD.6. Think of food as a drug.
Most people with ADD/ADHD do best with a higher-protein, lower-simple carbohydrate diet. This isn’t true for all types of ADD. People with Type 3: Over-Focused ADD tend to respond better to a more balanced diet with more complex carbohydrates.7. In dealing with kids, employees, and spouses with ADD – NO YELLING!
Many people with ADD have low activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) due to lower levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. To feel more alert, they often find themselves seeking conflict or excitement. They can be masterful at making other people mad or angry at them. Don’t lose your temper with them, because it often makes things worse. If they get you to explode, their unconscious, low-energy PFC activates and unconsciously, they come to crave it. Never let your anger be their medication. They can get addicted to it.8. Get screened for other issues.
Up to 60% of people with ADD/ADHD also have learning disabilities, and they are particularly common in Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD. People with ADD/ADHD should also be screened for Irlen Syndrome, a visual processing problem that is commonly seen with the condition.9. Never give up seeking help.
If you aren’t getting the results you want from your treatment plan, keep investigating. Other issues, such as head trauma, co-occurring conditions like depression, or hormonal imbalances may play a role in the severity of your symptoms. Brain SPECT imaging and lab testing may be helpful in determining if other issues are at work.10. Know your (or your child’s) ADD Type.
The brain imaging work at Amen Clinics has shown that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD. Knowing your type is critical to getting the right treatment plan. You can begin with our ADD Type Test to discover your (or your loved one’s) ADD Type and get a personalized overview on what to do about it. ADD/ADHD—as well as anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions—can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk. Parenting a child is one of the most important responsibilities any of us ever undertake. Yet, it does not require any special training or prior experience. It has been said that parents make most of their mistakes with their first child, overcompensate with the second child, and finally get it right with the third child. In this day and age, most families have 2 children or less, so there is no time to lose! Parents are generally the most important people in a child’s life. Unfortunately, parents often underestimate their own influence in raising children and teenagers. Parenting any child is a challenge and requires solid skills. Parenting children with brain-based issues requires “superior” parenting skills if you are going to be really helpful to them. Parenting is a skill we learn mostly from our parents. If you do it right, your children are more likely to do a good job with their own children, and on and on. Do it wrong and generational problems are likely to follow. Here are 5 critical steps in the parenting process which will lead to more peace and harmony in your home:1. Establish Total Focus As A Parent
The most important step in the parenting process is goal setting. It is critical as parents to know clearly what you are trying to accomplish. When you have clear goals, you are more likely to act proactively and positively, consistent with your goals. Without a clear vision of what you want for yourself or your child, you become reactive, ineffective, and easily frustrated. And you need to look at these goals every day.2. Teach Your Children To Set Goals
In order for children to be successful in the world, it is critical to teach them to set their own goals. As with adults, when children know what they want, they are more likely to match their behavior to get it. Being goal-directed helps keep our behavior on track. Teaching children to make short and long-term goals and focus on them daily will make a huge difference.3. Focus On Stabilizing Any Of Your Own Psychological Or Neurological Problems
As a parent, having an unrecognized, undiagnosed, untreated mental illness can be devastating to the emotional development of a child. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, it is imperative to have an evaluation by a competent professional. In order to effectively parent any child, let alone one having difficulties, parents must look at their own attitudes, behavior, and mental health.4. Think Clearly And Logically When Dealing With Your Child
Parenting requires clear thinking. It is especially important in raising difficult kids. When you have dealt with a difficult child year after year, your thoughts and expectations may become negative and you decrease your chances of being able to step back to take a realistic, calm look at situations that arise. Correcting your own negative thoughts will be very helpful with this. Doing this will not only help you with your ability to deal with your child in a more rational and effective way, it will also improve your mood and self-esteem.5. Remember The Two Critical Ingredients For A Great Relationship
The essential ingredients for building positive relationships with children are:Time: Studies indicate that parents spend less than 7 minutes a week talking with their children. It is not possible to have a good relationship in such little time. Children need actual, physical, quality time with their parents. Some parents complain that their children are too busy or are not interested in spending time with them. Force the issue with your kids and tell them that they are important to you. Try spending 20 minutes a day with your child doing something they like. During this time, avoid nagging or criticizing in any way and notice and point out positive behaviors.
Willingness To Listen: Good communication is essential to any relationship and absolutely essential to the parent-child relationship. In order to get your child to talk to you, you must first show that you are willing to accept and listen to what they have to say. You must also believe they have the capacity to solve many of their own problems if they are allowed to talk through them.
Amen Clinics has helped tens of thousands of people from all over the world better understand the unique ways their brains work over the past 25 years. If you feel that you or a loved one could benefit from an evaluation, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Are you tired of hearing people say that ADD/ADHD isn’t real, and that people with it just need to try harder? As you probably know, that’s just not true. ADD/ADHD is real—we can see it in the brain.Here are 5 facts about ADD/ADHD:
1. ADD has been described in the medical literature for over one hundred years. In 1902, pediatrician George Still described a group of children who were hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive. 2. ADD is found in every country and has been studied. We’ve seen patients from Ethiopia. One who had been expelled from his tribe for being easily distracted and impulsive. 3. Many people with ADD are never hyperactive. The non-hyperactive or inattentive ADD people are often ignored because they do not bring enough negative attention to themselves. Many of these children, teenagers, or adults earn unjust labels: “willful,” “lazy,” “unmotivated” or “not that smart.” Females, in our experience, tend to have Type 2, Inattentive ADD, and it can be devastating for their daily life. 4. The harder many people with ADD try, the worse things get for them. Brain imaging studies show that when people with ADD try to concentrate, the parts of their brains involved with concentration, focus and follow-through (prefrontal cortex and cerebellum) shut down—just when they need them to turn on. 5. Ineffective parents or teachers cannot cause a child’s ADD. However, ADD behaviors can make even the most skilled parents and teachers appear stressed and inept.Does Your Child Suffer from ADD?
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADD, don’t wait to get help. Effective treatment does not make those with ADD different people: It removes the barriers hindering them from being the people they already are and allows them to reach their potential. We like to think of effective treatment for ADD like glasses for people who have trouble seeing. The glasses do not change the person; they just make the person’s vision more effective.We Can Help
Imaging changes everything. At Amen Clinics, we can help you and your loved ones overcome the stigma and suffering associated with ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, brain injury, weight loss, addictions, memory issues, brain fog, and other emotional and cognitive issues. If you are ready to regain control over your life or help a loved one do the same, give us a call at 1-888-288-9834 or click here to ask a question. As marijuana continues to be legalized state after state, the use of marijuana during adolescence and early adulthood is continuing to rise. With decriminalization of marijuana occurring in U.S. states, the tide is turning on public opinion. Many people — particularly adolescents — falsely believe that marijuana is a harmless source of mood alteration.How do you stop your kids/teens from using marijuana?
By age 14, most young adults have started developing life goals, such as going to college or pursuing a particular career. The most important thing is to encourage your kids to begin thinking about how their brain health will affect their life and their ability to reach those goals, But how? If you tell your teen what to do, they won’t listen. If you ask the right questions and get your teen to critically think about what they want in their life, they’ll come up with their own solutions — and act on them.Here’s a place to start:
1. Wait for a time when he/she is open to talking. Be patient — it can take weeks. 2. Don’t lecture! Establish a strong connection by demonstrating an attitude of curiosity. 3. Have them talk about their values/goals, asking open-ended questions such as: What is most important to you? You’ve talked about wanting to do [fill in the blank] — How does your current behavior fit with that? 4. If he/she is engaging in behaviors that don’t compliment their goals (such as marijuana/alcohol), ask: How would things be different a year from now if you made a change? Suppose you keep engaging in [behavior]. How will things be a year from now? 5. Listen with the intent to understand, repeat what they’ve said and give NO advice. Using these methods, most teens will come around to their own solutions. We also show kids brain SPECT images of drug users and then asked them: “Which brain do you want?”We Can Help
At Amen Clinics, we can help you and your loved ones overcome the stigma and suffering associated with ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, brain injury, weight loss, addictions, memory issues, brain fog, and other emotional and cognitive issues. If you are ready to regain control over your life or help a loved one do the same, call our brain health advisors at 1-888-288-9834 or click here to ask a question. “It’s a natural plant! What’s the big deal?” —A common declaration among youth who believe that the effects of marijuana are harmless and that the substance shouldn’t be regulated. Regardless of public opinion, the science is clear: Regular recreational use of marijuana during adolescence is harmful to the brain, which isn’t fully developed until the age of 25.What Research Says
A review article further emphasized legitimate reasons for concern, suggesting that recreational use of marijuana increases an adolescent’s risk for anxiety and depression; addictions; disruptions in cognitive development; brain changes that can stretch well into adulthood, including impaired activity in the areas that govern alertness, awareness, learning, memory and inhibitory control; and overall lower IQ.Long-Term Risks of Marijuana
The long-term risks of using recreational marijuana are even greater for adolescents with ADD/ADHD because the cognitive issues are magnified in those with already-low prefrontal cortex (PFC) function. At Amen Clinics, we call the PFC the brain’s “executive center” because it regulates impulse control and keeps us focused on the outcome of our decisions.