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In 2008, 4-year-old Joey was diagnosed with autism. His mom Jacqueline was very pro-active and began a variety of therapies and counseling to help her son. Despite all the treatments, Jacqueline couldn’t help but think she could be doing more for him. She used to joke, saying, “If we could just look inside his head, we could figure out our Joey.” About 10 years after his initial diagnosis, she took Joey for a brain scan using a technology called SPECT, which helped doctors target his treatment more effectively. As Jacqueline knows, having a child with autism can be frustrating. You want to help but may not be sure what you can do. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered the fastest-growing developmental disability, with an estimated 1 in 59 births affected. The condition is characterized by communication problems, abnormal social skills, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems—all ranging from mild to severe.

Here are 5 things that can help minimize autism symptoms:

1. Get an accurate diagnosis.

Brain imaging studies called SPECT show that autism is not one thing, it’s probably 8 to 10 things. In brain scans of people with autism, the front part of the brain often works too hard (but not always). Conversely, the cerebellum in the back of the brain, as well as the right side of the brain, often don’t work hard enough. Knowing the underlying biology of your child’s brain is critical to finding the most effective treatment. Joey’s mom Jacqueline said, “It gives you the medical facts, it gives you the medical science that you lack when you’re just trying different therapies.” Joey’s brain scans showed that not only did he have autism, but he also had an infection that was affecting his moods and behavior. With this new information, Jacqueline was able to get a clearer blueprint to treatments that are now helping Joey and the whole family.

2. Consider going gluten-free.

Gluten is the name given to proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Research shows there is a connection between autism and an increased risk for gluten sensitivity. Some parents of children with autism have reported that when they feed their child a gluten-free diet, they see significant improvements in behavior and speech symptoms. A blood test called the celiac panel can offer insights into gluten-related health problems.

3. Supplement with vitamin D3.

Did you know that low levels of vitamin D (and particularly, vitamin D3) have been linked to autism? Vitamin D plays an essential role in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and is important for brain development. Research in the journal Pediatrics showed that core symptoms of autism improved significantly in a 32-month-old boy after vitamin D3 supplementation. Other supplements may help too. Click to see 10 supplements to improve autism symptoms.

4. Avoid dairy.

Dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese contain a protein called casein. During the digestion process, casein contributes to the production of exorphins that bind to opiate receptors in the brain and can lead to problems with concentration, feelings of spaciness, and fuzzy thinking. For some people with ASD, eliminating dairy leads to more talking and reduced hyperactivity.

5. Seek help early.

The sooner a child with autism gets help, the more effective treatment will be. Early intervention can help with your child’s overall development and decrease symptoms as they grow up. At Amen Clinics, we have seen more than 1,000 people with ASD (including Joey) and have used brain imaging in combination with lab work as part of a comprehensive evaluation to get an accurate diagnosis and provide targeted treatments that minimize symptoms. If your child is struggling with autism, schedule a visit or call 888-288-9834. Mental health problems are often challenging to diagnose. Depression is a very common mental illness that can be related to many brain disorders. Treatment for depression depends on the root cause of the patient’s diagnoses and calls for a thorough examination. At Amen Clinics, we strive to identify the root cause of depression. Treatment for depression begins with a four-pronged method designed to give you the best possible individualized care. We are unique in using brain SPECT imaging to diagnose all types of depression.

Diagnosis & Treatment for Depression: Find the Root Cause

Most psychiatrists do not look at the organ they treat. This is why Amen Clinics has developed a system of looking at all aspects of a patient’s mental health, revealing many specific brain health problems. Brain SPECT imaging allows health experts to see where abnormalities are occurring in the brain. Our clinic’s approach includes an advanced four-step assessment: • We will begin by taking the time to explore your specific biological, psychological, social and spiritual influences. • Next, we will perform neuropsychological tests to measure various aspects of your brain function. • Then, we will perform two brain SPECT scans: one at rest and one during concentration. • Finally, we will order lab tests to rule out nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, toxicity, etc.— if deemed necessary. Not only does SPECT help identify proper treatment for depression with imaging, it also allows patients to overcome the emotional burden of seeking help for a problem they may not believe is physical.

Natural Treatments for Depression vs Antidepressants

It is our goal to focus on natural treatments for depression. In some cases, antidepressants might be prescribed, but only when deemed necessary. Many people suffering from depression do not find SSRIs to be effective, and Amen Clinics is committed to finding treatments that work for you. Many of our recommendations include healthy changes to diet, exercise, supplementation, and positive strategies for coping with stress. Treatment options will depend on your unique assessment and include the following options: • Coaching • Hormone Replacement Therapy • Talk Therapy / Psychotherapy • Neurofeedback • IV Nutrient Therapy • Hypnotherapy • Nutrition Counseling • Supplements and Medication Brain reserve is a concept we often talk about when a person has run out of the capacity to cope with stress. When lifestyle changes are not enough, we do not stop to help patients on their path to become better and have many treatment options available.

Depression Symptoms & Causes

Depression is not the same as situational sadness, however, grief can send a person into a deep depression as well. Losing a loved one, suffering a chronic illness, enduring a sudden injury, and taking on immense emotional burdens all cause stress to the body and can cause depression. Treatment for depression depends on the cause. Anxiety and depression are closely related. Amen Clinics often views these two mental health issues as two sides to the same problem, categorizing them together into 7 types. These are some of the most common symptoms: • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness or pessimism • Decreased appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain • Decreased energy, fatigue or feeling “slowed down” • Disruption in sleep patterns • Persistent sad or negative mood • Loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities • Restlessness, irritability or excessive crying • Frequent feelings of nervousness or anxiety • Excessive fear of being judged or scrutinized by others • Being easily startled or tendency to freeze in anxiety provoking or intense situation • Shyness, timidity and getting easily embarrassed • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts Identifying your symptoms of depression and anxiety are the start to finding the root cause. Amen clinics is experienced with a diverse range of causes to depression and prepared to meet you individual needs.

Depression Treatment with Suicidal Depression

Suicidal depression requires immediate help. If you or a loved one suffers from suicidal depression, there are steps to take today to find treatment. Learn to recognize suicidal depression and prevent a tragedy for yourself and a loved one. Some suffering from suicidal depression choose to hide their pain while others show it and must be taken seriously. The most important aspect to overcoming suicidal depression is to offer help or seek help. Talking about depression is the first step to finding treatment for depression.

Depression Treatment with Mood Disorders

Bipolar disorder treatment is not straightforward. Around 4% of Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, but at Amen Clinics we often find patients have been underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Many bipolar disorder patients suffer from ADD/ADHD, brain injury, or other problems which mimic and exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Depression is very common with mood disorders as people experience manic and depressive states. These are serious brain disorders which must be properly diagnosed in order to identify treatment for the root cause of their depression. Following through on treatment for depression in mood disorders is challenging as patients often feel they are cured or never needed treatment once the treatment is effective. Finding professional help and a support network to aid with following through is essential.

Depression Treatment with Brain Injury

One common symptom of a brain injury is depression. When we are young, we sometimes take a tumble during an important phase of development. When we grow older, we partake in activities such as football and driving, which can lead to a head injury. You might have memories of a head injury prior to a dramatic shift in your personality. Symptoms might be accompanied by: • Confusion • Difficulty with concentrating • Memory problems • Difficulty with word choice • Mental or physical fatigue • Sleep problems • Moodiness • Anger outbursts • Anxiety • Vision problems • Balance problems

Depression Treatment with Postpartum Depression

During pregnancy and after childbirth, women are at serious risk of developing postpartum depression. It’s important to view depression as an illness and not as a lack of will to be a good mother. Symptoms include: • Sadness or hopelessness • Sudden anger or rage • Anxiety or difficulty with decision-making • Feelings of failing to adopt “motherly instincts” • Self-isolation from friends and family • Sleeping too little or too much, and out of sync with the baby • Eating too little or too much • Difficulty forming an attachment to the baby • Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby Fluctuations in hormones, major life changes, and biological triggers all come into play when diagnosing depression for mothers. Postpartum depression treatment is offered by Amen Clinics to help mothers feel pride in their lives again.

Find Treatment for Your Depression

Those with depression experience similar symptoms to each other, but depression has many root causes. To find the right treatment for depression, it is essential to diagnose the problem. Amen Clinics is prepared to help you on your unique journey. Make an appointment by calling 888-288-9834 today or scheduling online, and review our locations to find the nearest clinic to your home. As a leader in the field of mental health, Amen Clinics has treated an array of psychiatric conditions over the past 30 years and has amassed the world’s largest database of brain scans at 150,000 and growing. Though many people have come to know about us due to the remarkable results we’ve seen with brain SPECT imaging, we also offer a wide range of therapy options at the nationwide Amen Clinics locations. One of the brain health and wellness services we are excited to recommend is IV Nutrient Therapy.

What is IV Nutrient Therapy?

Intravenous (IV) nutrient infusions can help replenish your body’s essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids, and help to restore balanced brain functioning. IV nutrient therapy is ideal for those seeking to detoxify their body, increase immune function, reduce symptoms and improve overall health.

How Does It Work?

At the beginning of a session, a patient will enter the treatment room and sit in a comfortable chair. An IV solution (fluid of vitamins and nutrients) is then administered directly into a vein. The patient will remain seated until the IV bag has been depleted.

Who Does It Treat?

IV therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions and is ideal for individuals who are tired, dehydrated, stressed or struggling with a chronic illness. Treatments are customized based on a patient’s needs. Below are just a few of the conditions IV therapy has been used to treat: • Autoimmune and Neurological Conditions • Memory Problems/Dementia • Anxiety/Depression • Infections • Mold Exposure • Migraines • Fibromyalgia • Heavy Metal Toxicity • Parkinson’s Disease • Lyme Disease • Chronic Fatigue

What Are the Benefits?

IV nutrient therapy is a fast, effective, and natural option for improving your health and wellness. IV treatments infuse nutrients directly into the bloodstream, which allows large doses to be administered without upsetting the stomach, creating absorption issues or losing potency.

Types of IV Nutrient Therapy

Amen Clinics offers IV therapies for a variety of needs and conditions. Here are our specially formulated IVs:

CALM

Also called the Myers Cocktail, the CALM IV is a well-known and highly effective IV formulation for anxiety and relaxation that consists of high doses of B vitamins, magnesium, and other nutrients.

ANTIOX

The mother of all antioxidants, ANTIOX IV can consist of glutathione, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), or both (depending on what’s best for the patient), and can help the brain, liver, intestines and kidneys.

IMMUNE

The IMMUNE IV contains powerful doses of buffered vitamin C and is especially helpful for anyone suffering from an immune disorder or who needs a physical and mental boost.

BOOST

The BOOST IV contains high dose vitamin C and a multivitamin/mineral combination that’s great for those who are worn down by stress or illness, or just seeking to stay healthy and energized. Great for cold and flu season.

CLEANSE COMBO (CHELATION THERAPY)

The CLEANSE COMBO uses specific chelators like ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) to remove toxic metals – including aluminum, cadmium and lead – from the body.

PHOSPHOLIPID EXCHANGE THERAPY (PXT)

PXT can help a range of disorders and is an effective means of detoxifying cell membranes by replacing the bad fats and oils in a person’s membranes with good essential fatty acids, creating younger, healthier membranes.

NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) is primarily used to generate energy within your cells. NAD has been used to help improve concentration, focus, memory, mood, addiction, age-related diseases and chronic fatigue.

How Many Sessions Are Recommended?

The type of IV therapy and the number of sessions will be determined by an Amen Clinics medical professional trained in IV therapy. Sessions generally last between 30 to 60 minutes.

Is it Safe?

IV therapy isn’t safe for everyone. People with some allergies, on specific medications, or with certain conditions (such as congestive heart failure) may not be good candidates. It’s critical to have a thorough medical consultation before starting IV therapy. Choosing your own concoction, without a physician’s supervision, can be dangerous. The Amen Clinics medical staff are highly trained experts in IV nutrient therapy. These administrators are licensed medical providers. Our infusions are made with 100% certified and sterile ingredients that are FDA registered. Not all services are offered at each Amen Clinics location. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or inquire on our website for availability at a clinic near you. Did you know that six percent of the population will have a significant mood disorder sometime in their life? Only 20 to 25 percent of these people ever seek help. This is unfortunate, because mood disorders are treatable. And treatment can be further enhanced by supplementing with omega-3 fish oils. Let’s dive in!

The History of Inherited Omega-3 Deficiency

Multiple findings directly correlate with the rise in ADHD and other mood disorders since the 1990s. Many parents of today’s teens were born in the 1960s and 1970s, a time period in which farming methods and dietary values shifted significantly for the worse.

During the 1960s and 70s:

• Omega-3-deficient oils like corn and soy oil became prevalent. • Farm animals moved from eating grass to grain. Since omega-3s are present in grass and algae, much of today’s grain-fed cattle contain less of these essential fatty acids. • Processed convenience foods (which are high in omega-6s) gained popularity.

The Future of Omega-3 Deficiency

Although many infant formulas are now fortified with DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid for brain development, many American children eat a consistent diet of processed convenience foods that are completely void of omega-3 fatty acids and extremely high in poor-quality omega-6 fatty acids. Diets lacking omega-3 fatty acids can have worsened effects over consecutive generations. This means that we may very well see a continued, and even elevated trend of cognitive impairment conditions in both the young and old over time. In general, Americans eat 11 to 30 times the amount of omega-6s as compared to omega-3s. When this ratio is out of balance, omega-6s promote inflammation within the brain and other tissues in the body. Foods such as: • Vegetable oils • Baked goods • Crackers • Cereals are high in omega-6 fatty acids. Furthermore, high heat and processing de-stabilizes these oils, making them even more pro-inflammatory. Do your best to limit omega-6s – the brain health of your grandchildren may depend on it. But the good news keeps coming. Unlike psychiatric drugs, the side-effects of Omega-3 fatty acids tend to be positive. Omega-3s are good for multiple areas of the brain and body, such as: • Heart • Skin • Hair • Nails • Overall health Our experienced staff will help you learn more about your brain. If you’re ready to take control over your future, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by communication challenges, abnormal social skills, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Since ASD are “spectrum disorders,” they affect each person in different ways and can range from very mild to severe.

Your Vitamin Levels & Autism

For some time, autism has been correlated with low levels of serotonin and vitamin D. One study shows that vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, activates a genetic sequence that converts the essential amino acid tryptophan into serotonin in the brain. These findings confirm the importance of adequate vitamin D for serotonin production in the brain, where it acts as a neurotransmitter, affecting brain development, mood stabilization, cognitive flexibility, social behavior, and sleep patterns. Another study found that pregnant women with low vitamin D levels increase their chances of having a child with autistic traits. This reiterates the importance of regularly measuring vitamin D and maintaining optimal levels in pregnant women and people of all ages, which is easy and affordable through dietary supplementation.

Supplements to Help Improve Autism Symptoms

In addition to vitamin D3, here are ten supplements that are known to improve the symptoms associated with autism: Due to the variability of the underlying brain function problems in ASD, SPECT brain imaging is extremely useful for revealing otherwise hidden information, which helps us select the best course of treatment for each person with the disorder. Along with SPECT scans, a detailed clinical history, neuropsychological testing and laboratory studies may be used to target treatment specifically to the brain using the least toxic, most effective means. Autism is a multi-faceted and misunderstood condition. Amen Clinics can help decipher the right treatments and protocols. If you would like to learn more, please visit us online or call 1-888-288-9834. Social anxiety is the fear of social situations and the interaction with other people that can automatically bring on feelings of self-consciousness, judgment, and inferiority. Social anxiety is more than just being shy or having occasional nervousness. It involves intense fear of social situations. It is more common among introverts, and because each person has a unique chemical make-up, the intensity and frequency of the symptoms vary greatly from person to person. However, you don’t have to live a life of fear that ultimately neglects you of daily activities and your ability to grow your relationships. Here are some tips for overcoming the social anxiety hurdle:

Challenge Your Negative Thoughts

Social anxiety sufferers have negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their anxiety. Dr. Daniel Amen has created a powerful and effective exercise, “Kill the ANTs.” Killing your automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) will help reverse your negative thought process.
  1. Write it down. When those automatic negative thoughts start tumbling around in your mind, write them down to clearly identify them.
  1. Ask yourself, are these thoughts even true? Uninvestigated thoughts can lead us to act in harmful ways.
  1. Talkback. If you discover that these negative thoughts are false, talk back to them! Tell these thoughts you know they aren’t true!

What Are You Grateful For?

Another way to boost your mood and reduce anxiety is to write down five things you are grateful for every day. Research suggests that focusing on gratitude helps to calm the deep limbic or emotional areas of the brain and enhances the judgment centers of the brain. When you focus on what you love, your brain works better, and you’ll feel better. You will notice a significant positive difference in your level of happiness.

Take Supplements Daily

Taking supplements every day can help support your mood and increase positivity. Furthermore, a few other suggestions for reducing social anxiety would be a balanced diet, meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, listening to relaxing music, daily exercise, and hypnosis. Anxiety and depression are not the results of character flaws or personal weakness; they are the result of biological problems in the brain that can be balanced. If you or a loved one is struggling, contact Amen Clinics today or call (888) 288-9834. Social anxiety is the fear of social situations and the interaction with other people that can automatically bring on feelings of self-consciousness, judgment and inferiority. Everyone has feelings of anxiety, nervousness and stress in their lives from time to time. Almost everyone has felt anxious in social situations at one time or another. Many people get nervous on occasion, like when having to speak in front of a group or when interviewing for a new job, while others are anxious and nervous in almost all social situations. But social anxiety is more than just being shy or having occasional nervousness. It involves intense fear of social situations.  It’s more common among introverts and because each person has a unique chemical make-up, the intensity and frequency of the symptoms vary greatly from person to person.  In the United States, studies have recently pegged social anxiety disorder as the third largest psychological disorder in the country, after depression and alcoholism. At the present time, it is estimated that 7-8% of the population suffers from some form of social anxiety. Many learn to cope and overcome social anxiety through self-help methods or seek counseling. However, those who are severely impaired due to high levels of anxiety should seek professional help.

Here are four strategies that you can start today to begin feeling calm and more positive:

1. Kill The ANTs

Social anxiety sufferers have negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their anxiety. Challenging your negative thoughts is one effective way of reducing the symptom. Dr. Amen has created a powerful and effective exercise, called Kill the ANTs, that takes no more than a few minutes to complete and will help reverse your negative thought process.  “ANTs” are Automatic Negative Thoughts that come into your mind automatically but are not true. Left unchecked, these ANTs can infest your mind and ruin your mood, relationships and life. Dr. Amen says, “You do not have to believe every stupid thought that goes through your head.”  Whenever you feel sad, mad, nervous, or out of control, write down the thoughts that are bothering you, reveal the facts about the situation and talk back to them.

2. Be Grateful

Another way to boost your mood and reduce anxiety is to write down five things you are grateful for every day. Research suggests that focusing on gratitude helps to calm the deep limbic or emotional areas of the brain and enhances the judgment centers. When you focus on what you love, your brain works better and you’ll feel better. You will notice a significant positive difference in your level of happiness in a short period of time!

3. Take Supplements

Taking supplements like fish oil will increase levels of omega-3 fatty acids that have been associated with anxiety and depression. GABA has shown to promote relaxation by increasing calming, focused brain waves, while also reducing other brain waves associated with worry. Magnesium is also a helpful, natural supplement that can ease the social anxiety.

4. Exercise

Exercise will not only make you feel better about yourself, but will flood your body with feel-good endorphins. Research shows that increasing your body heat, a natural result of exercise, may alter neural circuits controlling cognitive function and mood, including those that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin. Researchers believe this response can boost your mood, increase relaxation, and alleviate anxiety. Untreated anxiety can rob you of a great quality of life. At Amen Clinics, we take a multi-modal approach to treating anxiety disorders that includes brain SPECT imaging to identify which areas of your brain are working well and which areas are not functioning at optimal levels. We add detailed clinical assessments, cognitive testing, and labs if applicable to ensure we are capturing a 365-degree view of your overall condition. From the results, we construct a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to you and your individual needs. To get your anxiety under control, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. In the traditional medical and psychiatric communities, stimulant medications are considered first-line treatments for attention-deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). From 2006-2016, total stimulant usage doubled, according to a study in Plos One. Many people with ADD/ADHD think medication is the only solution, however, there are many proven natural strategies that can help.   Many people with ADD think medication is the only solution, however, there are many proven natural strategies that can help.
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Many alternatives to ADD medication have been found to reduce ADD symptoms, which include short attention span, distractibility, procrastination, disorganization, problems with follow-through, and poor impulse control. This is good news for the 6 million children and 4.4% of adults who are affected by this common condition. In some cases, natural solutions can complement prescription stimulants and allow for reduced dosages. For other people, taking a natural approach is enough to keep symptoms at bay. Talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications.

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.