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Amen Clinics attracts some very successful people—superstar musicians, athletes, actors, and CEOs—who want to get their brain scanned. Their hope is that seeing what’s happening inside their head will help them find a path to decreasing symptoms, whether they’re experiencing depression, anxiety, obsessiveness, trouble with focus and attention, PTSD, addictions, eating disorders, or other issues. They all want to feel happier, but many of them have a common concern. If they enhance their brain health, will it take away the unique or quirky part of their personality that makes them special and that helped them achieve so much success in the first place? Will it dull their creativity? Will it make them less likely to take the necessary risks to reach greatness? Will it make them boring? That’s what stand-up comedian and host of the Sharp Tongue and Highlarious podcasts, Jessimae Peluso, wanted to know when she came to Amen Clinics for a brain scan and evaluation as part of an influencer series called “Scan My Brain.” She asked psychiatrist and neuroscientist Daniel G. Amen, MD, the founder of Amen Clinics: “What if my broken brain is the thing that makes me funny?” Comedian Jessimae Peluso asked psychiatrist and neuroscientist Daniel G. Amen, MD, the founder of Amen Clinics: “What if my broken brain is the thing that makes me funny?”
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Mental Health Is No Laughing Matter

Peluso has spent a lifetime struggling with attention issues. In school, she was smart, but she caused problems. “I had a permanent desk in the hallway,” she admitted, “because I drove the teacher so nuts because I was more focused on entertaining and just saying whatever came to my brain.” As an adult, she wants to be able to follow through on projects without a million interruptions. “Without first Swiffering the kitchen, eating half a sandwich, going back and checking my text messages, walking out to the front to rake the yard,” she said. In her everyday life, it’s like “I’ve done 1000 things, but I never finished the thing that I set off to do.” The comedian had never really thought much about the health of her brain until her dad developed Alzheimer’s disease and died from it in 2018. That prompted her to invite Dr. Amen as a guest on her Sharpe Tongue podcast. The conversation about brain health and its relationship to psychiatric issues piqued her curiosity, and she decided to visit Amen Clinics for a brain SPECT scan. SPECT is a sophisticated brain mapping tool that measures blood flow and activity in the brain. It shows 3 things: Peluso was hoping she could learn more about her brain so she could improve her attention and focus and help prevent dementia, which has a genetic component. When one or both parents have Alzheimer’s disease it increases the likelihood that their offspring will develop it someday. “I would not like that house guest up here whatsoever,” Peluso said with a laugh.

What Jessimae Peluso Saw in Her Brain Scan

When Dr. Amen revealed Peluso’s brain scan to her, she asked “Why does it look like a smiley face?” She was referring to what looked like two big holes near the top of the scan. As Dr. Amen explained, the holes aren’t really holes, rather they indicate areas of low blood flow. Here’s a closer look at two areas of concern in Peluso’s brain. “It looks like an aerial view of Arizona,” Peluso quipped. Dr. Amen explained that scalloping is often a sign of toxicity, such as alcohol or drug use. It can also be associated with environmental toxins, chemotherapy, carbon monoxide poisoning, infections, hypothyroidism, severe anemia, or anoxia (a lack of oxygen to the brain, such as from a near-drowning incident or a heart attack). As the host of the “Highlarious” podcast, Peluso is admittedly an avid pot smoker. She didn’t like learning that an Amen Clinics study with 65,424 brain SPECT scans found that marijuana use prematurely ages the brain.

A Better Brain and a Better, Funnier Life

Peluso’s brain, according to Dr. Amen, was not on a healthy path. He showed her a progression of what her brain could look like 10 years from now if she didn’t make any changes to her lifestyle. It wasn’t pretty. “That looks like a horror movie set,” said Peluso, cringing. When Dr. Amen showed her a SPECT scan of the brain of someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it really hit home for the comedian. “That gives me so much anxiety,” she said of the scan that looked like it was full of giant holes indicating a lack of activity. Seeing a different progression of how much healthier and younger her brain could look in 10 years if she adopted better brain habits and eliminated toxins from her life sparked hope. But it also made her wonder, “How will this affect me as a comedian?” Dr. Amen assured her that having a healthier brain will make her better—a more consistent performer, more adept with the business side of things, and happier overall. “You’ll still be able to look at things in an unusual way. Right? That’s what makes you funny,” he said. “But you’ll be able to follow through.” ADD/ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Are you chronically late for meetings, have difficulty getting your projects completed, or have a hard time sitting at a desk for any length of time? If so, ADD may be the driving force. While most often diagnosed during childhood due to school and behavior issues, ADD/ADHD doesn’t just disappear in adulthood. Thus, having untreated ADD can cause some problems in the workplace for many people. ADD brains work differently in certain respects, and while there are several potential challenges, there are also some amazing gifts. On the bright side, people with ADD can be: ADD brains work differently in certain respects, and while they have several challenges, there are also some amazing gifts, such as spontaneity, enthusiasm, creativity, and the ability to generate new ideas.
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8 CHALLENGES FOR ADD AT WORK

If people with ADD are able to surround themselves with support staff who manage the details of their projects and help keep them organized, they can be very successful. However, not everyone has that luxury. Research has found that it is not unusual for many with ADD to struggle with a number of challenges at work, particularly the following ones:

1. The Harder You Try, the Harder it Gets

And it isn’t exactly your fault because it’s actually how your brain works. When people with ADD concentrate, blood flow decreases in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the part of the brain that is vital for staying focused. This makes it harder to stay on task. Helpful hint:  Set a timer for every 60 or 90 minutes and take a quick break to move around a little and get your blood flowing again. Then get right back to the project you were working on.

2. Procrastination

Do you wait right up until the deadline to get started on a project? Sometimes projects can seem really overwhelming, so people may put them off as long as possible. On one hand, that shortened timeline gets the adrenaline flowing to help motivate you, but on the other hand, waiting until the last minute can cause problems for yourself and others. You’re more likely to make mistakes when rushed and if you’re working on a team project it can interfere with the productivity of others. Helpful hint: Break up your project into smaller tasks and focus on one at a time, rather than feeling like it’s a giant ball of twine you have to untangle all at once.

3. Distractibility

It can be very challenging for ADD brains to filter out voices, noise, and other things going on around them—including what’s happening on their smartphone. They also have a tendency to daydream and get caught up in their own busy mind. These distractions interfere with the ability to pay attention and follow directions, which of course are detrimental to productivity. Helpful hint: Try using a white noise machine or earbuds to minimize distractions from the sound around you. Also, turn off the notification beep for your email and set a timer to check and respond to your inbox once per hour instead.

4. Impulsivity

The PFC is supposed to function as the brakes of the brain, but with ADD, this part of the brain tends to be underactive, and your brakes don’t work as well as they should. Often, this lends itself to interrupting others or speaking before thinking—and in the workplace that can be problematic. Blurting out something without taking a moment to process the thought can offend or irritate coworkers, customers, or even the boss. Helpful hint: Start paying attention to how your body feels when you have the urge to respond instantaneously to something and practice counting to 10 before responding. This can help you get control of your mouth, so you don’t put your foot in it.

5. Forgetfulness

When you have a busy and spontaneous brain, memory can be an issue. Missed deadlines, forgotten reports, and steps not completed because you didn’t remember how to do them or even that you were supposed to do them, all can adversely impact your success at work. Helpful hint: When you’ve been assigned a new task or project, write out all the necessary steps and use your computer or phone reminder functions to help you stay on track.

6. Disorganization

This is one of the hallmarks of ADD. Does your office have piles of stuff that make others wonder how you can find anything at all? This can be very challenging for your work because of how easy it is to lose track of important papers you need and the excessive time it takes to find things—both of which can lead to being inefficient at your job. In addition, a messy workspace is very distracting and can make it even harder to focus. Helpful hint: Shred or recycle papers you don’t need—as soon as you are finished with them—so they don’t end up in a pile. For all others, scan and file documents electronically, or if appropriate, put them in clearly labeled file folders in your desk drawer.

7. Chronic lateness

Losing track of time can cause big problems at work. Not making deadlines, regularly showing up late to meetings, and not getting to work on time are red flags for many supervisors. Whether it’s due to disorganization, overscheduling yourself, or not getting up early enough, a lack of timeliness can lead to job loss. Helpful hint: Set meeting reminders to beep 10 minutes and 5 minutes prior to when you need to depart for each meeting and give yourself adequate time to get there. Even if it’s an online meeting, use the same reminders to get logged in before the start time. Also, set your alarm clock so that you have plenty of time to get ready for work and prepare any lunch food the night before, so you don’t waste time in the morning.

8. Restlessness

Many (but not all) people with ADD are naturally restless or hyperactive. It can be very hard to sit still and do desk work or stay in one place for any length of time. This urge to move around can be difficult to harness, so if you can’t switch careers to one that offers more movement and novelty, try building more motion into your day. Helpful hint: To avoid being fidgety during meetings, take notes to keep your mind focused and your hand busy. Also, schedule short intermittent breaks throughout the day to get some quick exercise, such as a power walk around the block or a few laps up and down the stairs to help burn off some of that excess energy. Job problems are quite common in people with untreated ADD; however, with some natural solutions, you really can improve the behaviors and habits that keep getting in your way at work. Depending on which of the 7 Types of ADD a person has, the proper diet, adequate exercise, simple supplements, and other lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in getting control of your brain, so you can be successful in your career and the goals that lay ahead! ADD and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Everyone in Jessica’s family has repeatedly been the target of her unbounded rage, yet she takes no responsibility for her behavior. Ironically, she feels like people hate her, and doesn’t seem to understand why. Jessica has had anger problems all of her life, and now at age 18, she continues to destroy relationships and other things in her path. Without question, she is a very difficult and challenging teen. She has undergone numerous psychiatric evaluations, been admitted twice for 72-hour involuntary stays at mental health facilities, was sent to 3 different residential treatment schools, and was arrested for assaulting her mother. No treatment has successfully changed Jessica’s behavior. Not only does she continue to lash out at others—without provocation, but she also lies, has zero empathy or apology for her behavior, and acts entitled. Yet, she blames everyone else for the problems she invokes. Is it Jessica’s fault? Or is there something happening in her brain that is driving her behavior?

Dr. Phil’s Insight: Jessica Needs a Brain Scan

Jessica, her mother, Victoria, and other family members were on the Dr. Phil show to see if he could help them.  After learning more about her, Dr. Phil said he believed that Jessica has not yet been properly diagnosed and that for her to make changes to her behavior, she will need to get her brain assessed and treated. He recommended that she undergo an evaluation that includes brain SPECT imaging with Dr. Daniel Amen, world-renowned neuropsychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics. By using SPECT scans, the doctors at Amen Clinics can identify areas of the brain that aren’t working well and are likely causing problems for a patient. By using SPECT scans, the doctors at Amen Clinics can identify areas of the brain that aren’t working well and are likely causing problems for a patient.
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Dr. Amen appeared on the show to talk with Jessica and her family about the results from her brain scans, which showed she has severe temporal lobe ADD. This condition is caused by lower-than-normal activity in her prefrontal cortex (PFC) and temporal lobes and is one of the 7 Types of ADD discovered through the brain imaging work at Amen Clinics.

Temper Problems and Other Temporal Lobe Symptoms

The temporal lobes, which are on either side of the brain, play a critical role in mood stability, temper control, and learning. This finding likely accounts for Jessica’s aggression and emotional instability, as well as the learning disorder and reading difficulties she was diagnosed with in childhood. It was not her fault that she struggled academically—this part of her brain does not work as well as it should. Temporal lobes are also involved with other important functions; thus, deficits in this part of the brain can also be related to problems with:

Prefrontal Cortex Symptoms

Jessica’s scans also revealed low activity in her prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is a consistent finding in all types of ADD. When the PFC works well, it helps us stay focused and on task. It also helps us control our emotions and behavior. But when the activity in the PFC is low, it can lead to many issues, including problems with: The PFC is also like the command center for behavior and functions as its “brakes.” This may explain why Jessica uninhibitedly attacks people: The decreased blood flow in her temporal lobes contributes to her rage, while the low blood flow in her PFC makes it difficult to stop herself.

Moodiness, Anger, and More in Temporal Lobe ADD

Sudden bursts of unbridled anger are common with temporal lobe ADD, along with these behaviors and symptoms: Dr. Amen also noted that according to her scans, the emotional center in Jessica’s brain was overactive, which can cause a person to be prone to depression or color the world with negativity.

There is Hope for Temporal Lobe ADD and Anger Issues

The good news for Jessica is that her brain problems are treatable, especially because her brain is still developing—and will continue to until she’s in her mid-twenties. There’s an opportunity for significant improvement if she chooses to comply with the treatment plan Dr. Amen created for her. Aside from any medication or supplements to support brain function, there are some specific lifestyle changes necessary to help Jessica optimize her brain function. These include: Dr. Amen told Jessica that if she does the right things now to rehabilitate her brain, she’ll be able to achieve her potential—and not have to live with the regret that she didn’t take those steps. Getting her family involved in supporting her in adopting brain healthy habits is another strategy that is important for anyone trying to overcome mental health challenges. ADD, depression, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. By Daniel G. Amen, MD I had to wait 3 hours and I feel like I got punched in the arm, but I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine! As a healthcare provider, I felt it was my duty to my patients and to everyone in our clinics to do it. What about you? If you’re like many of our patients at Amen Clinics, you may be struggling with anxiety about the COVID-19 vaccine. Our patients have expressed a wide range of emotions about immunization. Some are worried about potentially scary side effects. Some are concerned they won’t be able to receive the vaccination. Others are angry that the shots aren’t available to all Americans yet. Still, others see the vaccine as a political move that doesn’t fit in their belief system. Whatever is making you nervous, know that there are ways to cope with your anxious or stressful thoughts about the vaccine. Here are a few strategies I share with my patients that may help you too. If you’re like many of our patients at Amen Clinics, you may be struggling with anxiety about the COVID-19 vaccine. There are ways to cope with your anxious or stressful thoughts about the vaccine.
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6 Ways to Cope With Your Anxious or Stressful Thoughts About the COVID Vaccine

1. Do your research and be aware of possible side effects.

Look to reliable sources for up-to-date information on the vaccines. On the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccines page, you can find details on how and when you can get the vaccine, possible side effects and allergic reactions, vaccine safety, and more. Being well-informed on these issues can help soothe the nervousness surrounding immunization and can answer many of the questions you may have.

2. Focus on what you can control.

Even if you’re able to receive the vaccine, you still need to take care of the #1 strategy to fight off infection by shoring up your immune system. Some important ways to do this include lowering your stress; checking and optimizing your vitamin D levels (only 25% of the U.S. population has healthy levels of vitamin D); and taking a multivitamin/mineral, omega-3 fatty acids, and therapeutic mushrooms (found to have immune-enhancing effects).

3. Practice empathy.

If you’re upset that others are getting the vaccine and you aren’t, work on empathy, which is the awareness of other people’s needs and concerns. Empathy stems from what researchers call the “mirror neuron” system in the brain. These neurons “allow us to grasp the minds of others,” according to researchers, which is why we open our own mouths when we feed a baby or yawn when others start to yawn first. We “play” their minds in our brains. Developing empathy involves a number of important skills, including mirroring, being able to get outside of yourself, and treating others in a way you would like to be treated.

4. Be patient.

Whether you’re waiting for your turn to be eligible for the vaccine, or you need to wait in a mile-long line to actually get the shot, you need patience. The brain’s prefrontal cortex (PFC) is involved in the ability to be patient. If your PFC is weak, you tend to be more impulsive and less capable of exercising patience. Boosting dopamine levels is one of the best ways to strengthen the PFC. Higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate diets tend to help, as does physical exercise, and certain stimulating supplements, such as rhodiola, green tea extract, l-theanine, and ashwagandha.

5. Kill the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts).

If the vaccine fills you with frightening thoughts, such as, “If I get the vaccine, it will give me COVID” or “I’m going to have terrible side effects from the vaccine,” recognize that these are signs of an ANT infestation. You need to challenge these thoughts. Whenever you feel sad, mad, nervous, or out of control, write down your negative thoughts. Next, ask yourself if they are really true, or if they are a bit distorted to make you feel worse. Focusing your mind on rational thoughts will help you feel much better.

6. Calm panicky feelings.

If the vaccine causes you so much stress that it makes you have a panic attack, follow these 4 steps to break an anxiety attack. Anxiety, panic attacks, overwhelming stress, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. What happens when you pop a couple of pain relievers for that headache? According to a new study, it could induce risky behavior. Yes, that everyday over-the-counter acetaminophen (aka Tylenol and Panadol) could make you act uncharacteristically risky. That’s concerning considering this analgesic is used in over 600 medications and is one of the most commonly consumed substances in the U.S. In this 2020 study, which appeared in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, over 500 participants engaged in an experiment that involved pumping up a balloon on a computer screen. With each and every pump, they earned imaginary money. The overall goal? Earn as much money as possible without popping the balloon, which would cause them to lose all the money. One group of the participants took a single 1,000 mg dose of acetaminophen, while the other group took a placebo. The group that took the pain reliever took more risks, giving their balloons more pumps and ultimately popping their balloons more often. The group that didn’t take acetaminophen was more conservative in the number of pumps, opting to cash out earlier rather than risk losing the money. This task, known as the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) is commonly used in scientific studies, and performance on it is predictive of alcohol and drug use, risky sexual behavior, and other types of delinquent behavior. The two groups were also asked to rate how risky they viewed a variety of hypothetical activities on a scale from 1-7 (1 being not at all risky, 7 being extremely risky), such as passing off somebody else’s work as your own, bungee jumping off a tall bridge, driving a car without a seat belt, or betting a day’s wages on a high-stakes poker game. The results on this appeared to be mixed, but the research team concluded that there’s a significant association between taking acetaminophen and taking greater risks. They suggest that the common drug reduces negative emotions associated with taking risks, ultimately making people feel less scared. These findings build on a body of research that shows acetaminophen also reduces hurt feelings and decreases empathy, among other psychological factors. It’s unclear how acetaminophen works in the brain, but brain SPECT imaging offers clues to risky behavior.

Risk-Taking in the Brain

What makes some people want to engage in high-risk activities, such as drug and alcohol use, gambling, extramarital affairs, free climbing (mountain climbing without any safety ropes), and skydiving? SPECT scans of people who are daredevils typically show reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC is considered the executive part of the brain. It is the most evolved part of the human brain and is involved with focus, forethought, judgment, organization, planning, impulse control, empathy, and learning from mistakes. The PFC helps you think about what you say or do before you say or do it. For example, if you’re having a disagreement with your spouse and you have good PFC function, you’re more likely to give a thoughtful response that helps the situation. If you have poor PFC function, you’re more likely to blurt out something that will make the situation worse. The PFC helps you problem-solve, see ahead of a situation, and through experience, choose among the most helpful alternatives. This is also the part of the brain that helps you learn from your mistakes. Good PFC function doesn’t mean that you won’t make mistakes. Rather, it generally means that you won’t make the same mistake over and over. You’re able to learn from the past and apply its lessons. Impulse control is also heavily influenced by the PFC. The ability to think through the consequences of your behavior and put the brakes on things that are too high risk is essential for effective living. Without proper PFC function, it’s difficult to rein in your impulses, and you’re more likely to give in to unhealthy urges.

Problems with Low PFC Activity

At Amen Clinics, underactivity in the PFC is often seen in people with:

Strategies to Strengthen the PFC

You can strengthen your PFC if it is underactive. Engage in the following strategies to enhance activity in the PFC. Unhealthy risk-taking that negatively impacts your relationships, job or finances, or health 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. Wine, cigarettes, caffeine, painkillers, carbs, gambling, shopping, online pornography—these are all bad habits that can slip into substance use disorders or behavioral addictions. Most people think that everyone who becomes addicted to bad habits is alike or have the same character flaws or lack of willpower. Not true! Based on over 160,000 functional brain scans related to behavior, Amen Clinics has found that underlying brain dysfunction is the #1 reason why people get addicted to bad habits. And brain SPECT imaging, which measures blood flow and activity in the brain, shows that there are 6 different brain types associated with bad habits and addictions. The key to overcoming your unhealthy behaviors is to know your brain type and to use interventions targeted for your brain. With a healthier brain, you’ll finally be able to unchain your brain from your bad habits or addictions. Brain SPECT imaging shows that there are 6 different brain types associated with bad habits and addictions. The key to overcoming your unhealthy behaviors is to know your brain type and use interventions targeted for your brain.
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6 BAD HABITS/ADDICTIONS BRAIN TYPES

Type 1: Compulsive Bad Habits/Addictions

If you have trouble shifting your attention from one thought to the next or from one course of action to the next, you may have the Compulsive Brain Type. These people tend to get stuck on thoughts of smoking, drinking, overeating, gambling or other substances or behaviors. Underneath these bad habits or addictions are obsessive thought patterns that get you locked into a single course of action. It’s hard for you to see options so you keep engaging in unhealthy behavior. Brain scan findings: The most common brain SPECT finding in the Compulsive Brain Type is too much activity in an area of the brain called the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG). This is often associated with low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. The ACG is known as the brain’s gear shifter and it’s what helps you go from thought to thought or action to action. Too much activity here can keep you stuck in bad behaviors even though they are harmful to you and cause consequences in your life. Common conditions: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Help for Compulsive Bad Habits/Addictions: Interventions that boost serotonin to calm activity in the ACG include the following.

Type 2: Impulsive Bad Habits/Addictions

If you’re the type who wants to eliminate bad habits or addictions, but you can’t control your urges, you may have the Impulsive Brain Type. For example, if you want to stop smoking, but whenever you’re around someone else who lights up, you give in to your desire for a cigarette. If you want to quit drinking and no longer keep alcohol in your home, but you can’t say no if someone offers you a drink. Or if you want to cut sugar out of your diet, but if you drive by the bakery, you can’t resist going in and buying cookies. If you have this type, you may have trouble with impulse control even though you have good intentions to change your behaviors. Brain scan findings: This type is associated with low activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is likely due to low levels of dopamine. The PFC acts as the brain’s supervisor and is involved in impulse control, judgment, planning, follow-through, decision-making, and attention. When the PFC is underactive, people can be easily distracted, bored, inattentive, and impulsive. Common conditions: ADD/ADHD Help for Impulsive Bad Habits/Addictions: Interventions that boost dopamine to stimulate activity in the PFC include the following.

Type 3: Impulsive-Compulsive Bad Habits/Addictions

If you give in to your urges impulsively as well as feel compulsively driven to engage in bad habits or addictions, you may have this combination brain type. Brain scan findings: Typical SPECT findings for this type show low activity in the PFC (associated with impulsivity, likely due to low dopamine levels) and too much activity in the ACG (associated with compulsivity and low serotonin levels). This pattern is common in the children and grandchildren of alcoholics. Common conditions: ADD/ADHD, OCD, eating disorders (especially bulimia) Help for Impulsive-Compulsive Bad Habits/Addictions: Interventions that boost both dopamine (to stimulate activity in the PFC) and serotonin (to calm the ACG) include the following.

Type 4: Sad Or Emotional Bad Habits/Addictions

If you have underlying feelings of depression, hopelessness, or negativity and you use alcohol, marijuana, painkillers, food (especially carbs), or other substances or activities to make yourself temporarily feel better, you may have the Sad or Emotional Brain Type. This type is more commonly seen in women. For some people, these feelings may come and go with the seasons and tend to worsen in winter. Others experience mild feelings of chronic sadness, which is called dysthymia. Still, others suffer from more serious depression. Brain scan findings: The typical SPECT findings seen in this type are overactivity in the deep limbic system (the brain’s emotional centers) and underactivity in the PFC. Common conditions: Depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), self-esteem issues Help for Sad or Emotional Bad Habits/Addictions: Interventions that calm the deep limbic system include the following.

Type 5: Anxious Bad Habits/Addictions

If you try to calm your feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or tension, with wine, weed, or watching Internet pornography, you may have the Anxious Brain Type. More commonly seen in women, people with this type often struggle with physical symptoms, such as muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, nail biting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. You may feel you need substances to help you relax or “wind down.” If you have this type, you are likely to predict the worst, be extra sensitive to rejection or judgment, or may feel like you’re waiting for something bad to happen. Brain scan findings: On SPECT scans, this type is associated with too much activity in the basal ganglia, likely due to low levels of GABA. Common conditions: Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional trauma, panic disorder, chronic stress Help for Anxious Bad Habits/Addictions: Interventions that calm the basal ganglia include the following.

Type 6: Temporal Lobe Bad Habits/Addictions

Do you have bad habits combined with a short temper, mood swings, or problems with your memory or learning? You may have the Temporal Lobe Brain Type. Trouble with the temporal lobes may be due to a number of things. Investigating what’s causing any abnormal activity is critical. Brain scan findings: SPECT scans typically show decreased activity in the temporal lobes, although in some cases, increased activity may be present. Common conditions: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries, exposure to toxins (such as toxic mold), infections (such as Lyme disease) Help for Temporal Lobe Bad Habits/Addictions: Interventions that stabilize activity in the temporal lobes include the following. Addictions—as well as PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, OCD, and other co-occurring issues—can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever, and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk. When superstar influencer Laura Clery got a brain scan as part of an evaluation at Amen Clinics, she received a diagnosis she never expected—ADD. “Even though I really struggled to focus growing up… and I struggled to take tests, and I never felt very smart,” she says in the Instagram TV post she shared with her 10 million social media followers, “I never really thought about [ADD].” The comedian says she thought she was just lazy and easily distracted as if it was a character flaw. When she was younger, Clery had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but that diagnosis didn’t fit. Clery isn’t alone. At Amen Clinics, the global leader in brain health, thousands of women who had been previously misdiagnosed have learned they actually have ADD (also known as ADHD). There are potentially hundreds of thousands or even millions of women across the U.S. who are struggling with undetected ADD. You may be one of them. And it could be impacting your self-esteem, career, relationships, and personal health and fitness. In the worst-case scenario, it could be ruining your life. Why do so many women with this common condition remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed? Because ADD looks different in females than in males. Why do so many women with this common condition remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed? Because ADD looks different in females than in males.
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ADD SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN

Most people think of ADD as a condition that is primarily seen in males who are hyperactive and impulsive. In fact, women are just as likely as men to have ADD, according to a 2016 paper in The ADHD Report. Even more surprising is the fact that women experience more severe ADD symptoms than their male counterparts, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. However, women tend to have a different type of the condition that comes with its own set of symptoms. The brain imaging work at Amen Clinics, which has the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to behavior, has helped identify 7 types of ADD. The type that is most common in females is called Inattentive ADD. Although it’s the second most common type of the condition, its symptoms often go unrecognized by many medical professionals. Unfortunately, many women with Inattentive ADD never get diagnosed. Instead, they’re labeled as slow, lazy, spacey, or unmotivated. Unfortunately, many women with Inattentive ADD never get diagnosed. Instead, they’re labeled as slow, lazy, spacey, or unmotivated.
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While people with Classic ADD, the most common type of the condition, bring negative attention to themselves with their hyperactivity, constant chatter, and conflict-driven behavior, women with Inattentive ADD tend to be quiet and distracted. Rather than cause problems, they’re more likely to daydream or look out the window. They’re not as likely to be impulsive or to blurt out inappropriate or hurtful things. They’re frequently thought of as couch potatoes who have trouble finding interest or motivation in their lives.

Core symptoms of all types of ADD include:

Unique symptoms of Inattentive ADD include:

Women with ADD are also more likely than men to have co-existing anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. This can make it more difficult to detect ADD in women and is another reason why brain imaging can be so helpful in getting an accurate diagnosis. Many of the women who come to Amen Clinics with undetected ADD had previously been diagnosed with mood disorders or other issues.

CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED OR MISDIAGNOSED ADD IN WOMEN

Having undiagnosed or untreated ADD comes with a very high cost. And it increases the risk of many other issues, including: This often leads many women with undetected or misdiagnosed ADD to engage in unhealthy strategies to deal with their symptoms. In other cases, they may turn to antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, and other medications to cope with their discomfort. Not only are these medications ineffective in treating the underlying ADD, they can also be loaded with unwanted side effects. Ultimately, it can create a downward spiral that leaves you frustrated and feeling like a failure.

INATTENTIVE ADD IN THE FEMALE BRAIN

On her IGTV post, Clery shared her brain SPECT imaging studies, which showed low activity levels in the front part of her brain, especially when she tried to concentrate. In people who don’t have ADD, concentration typically activates an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is involved with focus, time management, planning, organization, and critical thinking. In people with ADD, however, concentrating actually reduces activity here, making it difficult to pay attention. This is why simply telling someone with ADD to “try harder” or blaming them for not having enough willpower doesn’t help. Brain imaging shows that the harder they try, the worse it gets. Telling someone with ADD to “try harder” or blaming them for not having enough willpower doesn’t help. Brain imaging shows that the harder they try, the worse it gets.
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The PFC is also involved with sustaining attention span. It trains your mind to focus on important information while filtering out less significant thoughts and sensations. Attention span is required for short-term memory and learning. The PFC, through its many connections within the brain, keeps you on task and allows you to stay with a project until it is finished. The PFC accomplishes this by sending quieting signals to other parts of the brain. In the face of a need to focus, the PFC decreases the distracting input from other brain areas, inhibiting rivals for our attention. However, when the PFC is underactive, less of a filtering mechanism is available and distractibility becomes common. Problems in the PFC often lead to decreased attention span, distractibility, impaired short-term memory, decreased mental speed, apathy, and decreased verbal expression. Underactivity or damage in the PFC can also lead to a decreased ability to express thoughts and feelings. These are things women may experience when they have Inattentive ADD. But they often chalk it up to being lazy, ditzy, or unmotivated. In too many cases, these are unkind labels they have been given by their parents, teachers, or coaches. A large number of the female patients at Amen Clinics who learn they have ADD say that they spent their whole lives thinking they were stupid. If you have undiagnosed ADD, you may feel this way too.

ENHANCING BRAIN FUNCTION IN INATTENTIVE ADD

The brain imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that even if your PFC is underactive and you’ve had undetected ADD for decades, you have the opportunity to optimize your brain function and enhance your life. With the right treatment, you can be more focused, more organized, and more motivated to reach your goals. This has positive implications for every area of your life—career, health and fitness, relationships, and self-esteem. Many women assume that medication is the only treatment option for ADD. And some, like Clery, hate the idea of taking stimulant medication. “When I think of ADD I think of Adderall, and Adderall is like legal speed,” says the influencer who openly talks about being a former addict (she’s been sober now for several years). “I think it’s extremely addictive, and I think it can destroy people’s lives if they have that addictive personality like I do.” Neuropsychiatrist Daniel G. Amen, MD, the founder of Amen Clinics and 12-time bestselling author who evaluated Clery, has a different view. He says medication should never be the first or only thing you do for ADD. However, he adds, “Withholding appropriate stimulation from somebody who has sleepy frontal lobes is like withholding glasses from somebody who can’t see.” Dr. Amen is quick to point out that medication is not the only option for treating Inattentive ADD or other types of the condition. At Amen Clinics, the ADD brain enhancement program includes medications (when necessary) but also focuses on natural alternatives to ADD medication, including diet, exercise, supplements, neurofeedback, behavioral interventions, psychological strategies, and more. The good news is Inattentive ADD in women is usually very responsive to the right treatment. With an accurate diagnosis and the proper treatment program, you can change your brain, stop feeling bad about yourself, and start living the life you want. ADD/ADHD—as well as anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions—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. During the pandemic, divorce rates have soared by 34%, according to a recent survey. Newlyweds married less than 5 months have been the hardest hit, with twice as many seeking a divorce compared to 2019. And with the pandemic, job losses, and stay-at-home orders, it took only 3 weeks for marriages to fall apart. How’s your relationship holding up with the stacked stresses we’re all facing these days? Have your marital issues become more glaring? Have you tried marriage counseling but haven’t achieved the changes you were hoping for? There are many experienced therapists and counselors who offer solid strategies to improve relationships. With some couples, however, one or both parties can’t seem to follow their recommendations even though they love their partner and want to save the marriage. What’s the problem? It may be due to brain dysfunction. Therapists and counselors don’t look at the brain, so it’s impossible to know if underlying problems in the brain are contributing to marital discord and preventing one or both parties from following their advice. Amen Clinics partners with thousands of therapists and counselors, performing brain SPECT imaging on couples who aren’t making progress in counseling. The scans often reveal areas of the brain that are either overactive or underactive, contributing to problems. Based on the Amen Clinics database of over 160,000 brain scans, here are the 5 most common brain regions where abnormal activity levels can sabotage a relationship. Here are the 5 most common brain regions where abnormal activity levels can sabotage a relationship: Prefrontal cortex, Anterior cingulate gyrus, Deep limbic system, Basal ganglia, Temporal lobes.
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The 5 Most Common Brain Regions Where Abnormal Activity Levels Can Sabotage A Relationship

1. Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) Problems in Relationships

Located behind the forehead, involved in impulse control, judgment, forethought When the PFC is underactive, people tend to be impulsive in what they say or do, often causing serious problems in relationships. People with a “sleepy” PFC are the type who blurt out hurtful comments without thinking (“You look like you’ve gained weight.”). In some cases, they may impulsively have extramarital affairs without thinking about the consequences of their actions. They may also have trouble paying attention to their partner. Expressing thoughts and feelings can be difficult, causing their partners to complain about a lack of meaningful conversation in the relationship. Sleepy PFC types may have trouble staying on task and finishing projects, following through on commitments, or completing chores, which irritates partners. Being late is also common as is an unconscious tendency to be conflict seeking or to look for problems when none exists. At Amen Clinics, this is called the “let’s have a problem game,” and it can destroy relationships. What their partners say: “She never pays attention to me.” “He says such mean things, it really hurts my feelings.” Optimize it: The nutritional supplement rhodiola, green tea, a higher protein diet, and physical exercise can boost activity in the PFC. When the PFC is optimized, people are able to think before they say or do things and they learn from their mistakes. And they are less likely to seek out conflict, tension, or turmoil. This makes for a more peaceful relationship.

2. Anterior Cingulate Gyrus (ACG) Problems in Relationships

Runs lengthwise through the deep parts of the frontal lobes, acts as the brain’s gear shifter Where there is too much activity in the ACG, people tend to be rigid, inflexible, and unbending—“It’s my way or the highway.” They may have obsessive or compulsive tendencies and when things don’t go their way, they may get very upset. Partners of people with an overactive ACG often describe them as uncooperative, difficult, or argumentative. That can be challenging for any relationship. These people don’t like change or trying new things, so spouses can feel like they’re stuck in the same old routine. They also worry a lot, hold onto grudges, can’t let go of past hurts, and are unforgiving of perceived wrongdoings. This means their partners are constantly being reminded about something they did long ago. What their partners say: “She brings up issues from years and years ago.” “He can never say he’s sorry.” Optimize it: The nutraceuticals 5-HTP and saffron and a diet higher in complex carbohydrates can help calm an overactive ACG. When the ACG is optimized, people tend to be more flexible and adaptable, even with the normal ups and downs of relationships. They’re more able to forgive the mistakes of others and can let go of past hurts.

3. Deep Limbic System Problems in Relationships

Located near the center of the brain, involved in setting a person’s emotional tone When the limbic system is overactive, there is a tendency toward depression, negativity, and distance from others. They may have trouble bonding with their partner. These people are experts at noticing what’s wrong, including their partner’s flaws, which is usually not helpful. They aren’t playful, don’t feel sexy, and may shy away from sexual activity due to a lack of interest. Low energy levels and low motivation are common in these people, which can put a damper on a relationship. What their partners say: “He doesn’t want to be around other people.” “She’s so negative, it’s hard to be around her.” Optimize it: Physical exercise, aromatherapy, and natural supplements like saffron, DL-phenylalanine, SAMe, and L-tyrosine can be effective in balancing activity in the limbic system. When the limbic system is optimized, people tend to be more positive and better able to connect to their partner. They’re more likely to have better energy and are more playful and interested in sexual activity. Their positive attitude makes them more attractive to others.

4. Basal Ganglia Problems in Relationships

Located toward the center of the brain surrounding the limbic system, involved with integrating feelings, thoughts, and movement When the basal ganglia are overactive, there is a tendency toward anxiety, panic, fear, and tension. People often have decreased sexual interest because their bodies tend to be wrapped in tension, such as backaches, headaches, upset stomach, and other physical complaints. They often don’t have the physical or emotional energy to feel sexy or sexual. Most of their memories are filled with anxiety or fear. They can be conflict-avoidant, which can result in relationship problems building up until they seem insurmountable. They have a tendency to be people-pleasers, so they may take on too much responsibility in a partnership then develop feelings of resentment. And they tend to wear out their partners with the constant fear they project. What their partners say: “He predicts the worst possible outcomes to situations.” “She’s so uptight.” Optimize it: Hypnosis, meditation, relaxation training, and the nutritional supplement GABA can help calm overactivity in the basal ganglia. When this region is optimized, people tend to be calmer, more relaxed, and have a more hopeful outlook. Their bodies tend to feel good, making them freer to express their sexuality. And they’re able to deal with conflict in an effective way and speak up for themselves so there is more equal footing in the relationship.

5. Temporal Lobe Problems in Relationships

Located underneath the temples and behind the eyes, involved in mood stability, reading social cues, memory, and language When the temporal lobes aren’t functioning properly, people tend to have memory struggles—forgetting anniversaries, birthdays, and other important things that can make loved ones feel neglected and unloved. They often have emotional ups and downs, and it can be hard for a partner to deal with the mood swings. They tend to be temperamental and have problems with anger and can lash out over seemingly small things. This means significant others often feel like they have to walk on eggshells around them. They may take things the wrong way or misread the emotions of others, which can lead to conflict. What their partners say: “I feel like I’m always waiting for him to lose his temper.” “She’s so moody I never know who I’m going to wake up to.” Optimize it: A higher protein diet, anger management, and music therapy can help balance the temporal lobes. When the temporal lobes are optimized, people tend to be more stable emotionally, which helps foster stability in relationships. They tend to have accurate memories and are able to read emotional cues. And they have better control over their temper, which makes everyone around them less on edge. At Amen Clinics, it has been noted that when relationships are crumbling, it’s often because both individuals have brain health issues. When your partner’s brain health issues conflict with your own trouble spots, it can create big problems. Looking at the brains of both people is often beneficial and sometimes very surprising. Marital conflict and relationship issues, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your relationships and mental well-being are more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your situation worse. 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 couples, families, and individuals. 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. It’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon and all of a sudden, you get hit hard with a craving. You want—no, you need—a sugar fix (chocolate, cookies, cake, you name it, you’ve got to have it! You don’t want to give in to the craving, but the memories of the sweet taste try to hijack your brain, and dopamine, the pleasure and motivation brain chemical, pushes on an area of your brain that drives you to the kitchen cabinet where your sugar stash is stored. The cravings win again. If you have a sweet tooth and haven’t been able to conquer your cravings, you’re not alone. One patient at Amen Clinics, the global leader in brain health, said she would rather get Alzheimer’s disease than give up sugar! Why are sugar cravings so powerful? The neuropsychiatrists at Amen Clinics say the answer lies in the brain. Why are sugar cravings so powerful? The neuropsychiatrists at Amen Clinics say the answer lies in the brain.
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THE NEURAL CRAVINGS CIRCUIT

A wealth of research, including a 2018 review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, shows that sugar is addictive. Researchers now say that sugar 8 times more addictive than cocaine and inside the brain, it works in the same areas that react to morphine. Sugar cravings involve multiple brain regions and neurotransmitters, including: When cravings hit, there’s a sort of tug of war that happens inside your brain. The pleasure centers, emotional centers, and the neurotransmitter dopamine compel you to head to the freezer for the ice cream. Meanwhile, the PFC tries to put on the brakes. Which part of your brain do you listen to? It depends. In a healthy brain, a strong PFC provides good judgment and emotional control so you can say no to the ice cream. When the PFC is underactive, however, the pleasure and emotional centers can hijack the brain and take control. When this happens, you cave to the sugar cravings again… and again… and again. Even if your brain’s pleasure centers and emotional centers have wrestled control from your prefrontal cortex, you can learn to strengthen your PFC and train your brain so you can overcome sugar cravings. Here’s how. Even if your brain’s pleasure centers and emotional centers have wrestled control from your prefrontal cortex, you can learn to strengthen your PFC and train your brain so you can overcome sugar cravings.
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11 STEPS TO CONQUER YOUR SUGAR CRAVINGS

1. Keep your blood sugar balanced.

Low blood sugar levels are associated with overall lower brain activity, including lower activity in the PFC, the brain’s brake. Low brain activity here means more cravings and more bad decisions. Research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that self-control failures are more likely to occur when blood sugar levels are low. What causes blood sugar levels to drop? Drinking alcohol, sugary snacks, sweetened beverages, and other high-glycemic foods (think rice, pasta, and cereal). Stabilizing blood sugar levels throughout the day improves self-control. Here are simple tips to help you do it.

2. Eliminate artificial sweeteners.

If you really want to decrease your cravings, you need to get rid of artificial sweeteners. You may think of these sweeteners as “free” because they have no calories, but they are up to 600 times sweeter than sugar, which may activate the appetite centers of the brain making you crave even more sugar. If you can learn to go without any sweeteners, your brain will stop craving the sweetness. If you must, replace the artificial stuff with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.

3. Manage your stress.

Anything stressful can trigger certain hormones that activate your cravings, making you believe that you need the ice cream, cake, or licorice. Meditation and hypnosis are powerful stress-management practices that can boost blood flow to the PFC to help rebalance your brain circuitry.

4. Outsmart sneaky cravings triggers.

Nearly everywhere you go, someone is trying to entice you to eat something sweet. Think of the candy displays near the checkout counter at the grocery store, which is intentionally designed to tempt you to make an impulse buy. To control your cravings, you have to control your triggers. Know the people, places, and things that fuel your cravings and plan ahead for your vulnerable times. For example, choose the grocery store aisle that has the display of razors and batteries instead of the candy.

5. Find out about hidden food allergies.

Hidden food allergies and food sensitivities can trigger cravings and make you fall back into old habits. For example, did you know that gluten and milk allergies can decrease blood flow to the brain and decrease your judgment? In addition, food allergies can cause concentration problems and anxiety, which can increase cravings. To find out if you have any food sensitivities, try an elimination diet. Stop eating corn, soy, dairy, gluten, artificial sweeteners, and food colorings for 3 weeks then introduce them back into your diet one at a time and see if you have any reactions.

6. Practice willpower.

Willpower is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. Practice saying no to the things that do not serve you and over time, you will find it easier to do.

7. Get moving.

Physical exercise can cut cravings. A 2012 study in the journal Appetite showed that taking a brisk 15-minute walk decreased cravings for chocolate. Not only that, it also fended off the cravings for an additional 10 minutes following the walk. Because cravings typically only last about 10 minutes, a brief bout of exercise may be all it takes to distract you from the sweets you crave.

8. Make sleep a priority.

Multiple studies, including a 2013 study in Nature Communications, show that lack of sleep increases cravings. “It’s important to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night to help battle cravings. Creating a healthy bedtime routine that promotes relaxation can help,” says Shane Creado, MD, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at Amen Clinics Chicago and the host of the Overcoming Insomnia online course.

9. Try nutritional supplements to curb cravings.

N-acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, dl-phenylalanine, and l-glutamine are 5 natural supplements with scientific evidence showing that they can help take the edge off cravings.

10. Avoid hidden sugars.

Even if you’re no longer adding sugar to the foods you eat and have kicked your cookie habit, you may still be consuming sugars without realizing it. Many so-called health foods contain hidden sugars. For example, many salad dressings, milk alternatives, and pre-made smoothies are loaded with sweeteners. You need to become a pro at reading food labels to root out sneaky sugars.

11. Treat underlying mental health conditions.

Craving sugar, sweets, and refined carbs have been associated with anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric issues. A number of studies, including a 2019 review in the journal Antioxidants, have found a link between high-sugar consumption and depression. And according to 2016 research in the journal Appetite, a diet containing more high-glycemic foods was associated with a higher incidence of depression and fatigue. In addition, when you’re feeling anxious or stressed, you’re more likely to crave sugar. ADD/ADHD has been associated with dopamine deficiency, which can cause people with this condition to seek out activities and foods—such as sugar—that stimulate dopamine. Addressing these conditions can help you conquer sugar cravings for good.   Anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health—issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.

Over 15,000 lives lost. Nearly half a million people infected. Millions of jobs lost. Nearly all of us forced into isolation. As a nation of over 327 million people, we are all feeling the effects and being traumatized. For some of us, it may develop into posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that affects approximately 3.5% of American adults.

PTSD has been making headlines in recent years as awareness about the condition grows, but there’s another side to trauma that few people know about. In some people, trauma can actually lead to something positive. And during these unprecedented times, it may spark post-pandemic growth.

What Trauma Does to the Brain

First, let’s look at the effects of trauma on brain activity. Brain imaging research has shown that PTSD is associated with hyperactivity in the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and other emotional parts of the brain. It also leads to decreased activity in parts of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is the region involved in impulse control, judgment, empathy, and forethought. This means that people who suffer from trauma can have heightened fear responses (high amygdala activity) and lower self-control (lower PFC activity).

The combination of heightened fear and lowered self-control is a prescription for trouble and often leads people to try to self-medicate. Common forms of self-medication, such as alcohol, opiates, marijuana, or a diet laden with sugar and foods that turn to sugar, can help to calm the amygdala and anxiety in the short run, but they also reduce the activity of the PFC even more, giving someone less control over these behaviors. It all adds up to further trouble, including addictions and obesity.

But it doesn’t have to.

Strive for the “Post-Pandemic Growth”

One of the most exciting areas of trauma research is in posttraumatic growth (PTG). The term was coined in the mid-1990s by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

They have found that whenever a group of people is traumatized—as we are all currently being traumatized—about 10% will develop PTSD. Considering our current population, this means that following the pandemic, about 30 million people could develop symptoms of PTSD, such as nightmares, flashbacks, or feeling numb. Approximately 80% of people will return to their normal baseline within a few months. Another 10% will actually be stronger than they were before the trauma happened—they will experience post-pandemic growth. 

Achieving this type of growth is based on 5 factors that can improve symptoms of distress. The mnemonic SPARK can help you remember them. Here’s a look at how some people are already planting the seeds for post-pandemic growth.

In this current time of coronavirus-fueled trauma, ask yourself what changes you can start making now to spark post-pandemic growth. According to Dr. Tedeschi, as many as 90% of trauma survivors report at least one aspect of posttraumatic growth. Which aspect of your life can you improve?

If you’re struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or other mental health issues, you aren’t alone—45% of Americans say the coronavirus pandemic has impacted their mental health. Just because you’re sheltering at home doesn’t mean you have to wait for the pandemic to be over before seeking help. In fact, during these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting to get treatment is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. 

At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples, as well as in-clinic brain scanning to help our patients. 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.