Important Reasons Not To Ignore PTSD

Brain Changes from PTSD can be Permanent…But they don’t have to be!
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people around the world. In fact, it is estimated that each year 1 out of 30 U.S. adults suffers with PTSD as a result of emotional trauma.
This very real and potentially debilitating disorder develops after a traumatic event, such as military combat, rape or assault, or exposure to violence, and is characterized by:

• Re-experiencing the traumatic event (through memories, nightmares, and disturbing, intrusive thoughts)
• Vulnerable to triggers that remind the sufferer of the traumatic event
• Hypervigilance and hyperarousal—the person is “on the watch” and ready to defend him or herself from similar traumatic events, whether or not they are likely to occur

In recent years, the media has raised our social awareness about PTSD because it has affected so many soldiers returning from combat. But did you know that studies show that violent homes have the same effect on a child’s brain as combat does on soldiers?
It’s true!
Growing up in a chaotic, aggressive environment causes the same brain changes in children as what soldiers experience in war. It can actually change your brain, perhaps for the rest of your life. While emotional trauma in childhood can follow you into adulthood, it doesn’t have to.
It all starts with looking at your brain to determine its health. On brain SPECT scans, the pattern of PTSD typically reveals over-activity in multiple areas of the brain—often referred to as the “diamond plus pattern.” This high activity tends to keep the brain on overdrive, increasing anxiety, irritability and interfering with sleep.
In this week’s short video, Dr. Daniel Amen and his wife Tana Amen talk about PTSD – the effects it can have and what to do about it!
Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights:

• What is neuron kindling and what does it have to do with PTSD?
• How brain SPECT imaging can help to differentiate between PTSD and other disorders.
• Learn how EMDR helped disabled police officers return to work.
• Hear the story of how an LAPD SWAT officer, who is a personal friend of the Amens, uses meditation combined with exercise and clean, healthy eating to lessen the effects of PTSD.

For more life-changing tips and brain-health information, subscribe to the Daniel G. Amen, MD YouTube Channel for weekly talks on how to live a healthier, happier and longer life.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has PTSD, come to an Amen Clinic for a comprehensive full evaluation using the Amen Clinics Method.
The Amen Clinics Method—developed through 25 years of clinical practice—uses a detailed clinical history, SPECT Brain Scan Imaging to understand brain function, neuropsychological testing and laboratory studies to target treatment specifically to your brain, using the least toxic, most effective means possible.
85% of patients treated with the Amen Clinics Method experience improved quality of life after just 6 months of treatment.