Dr. Daniel Amen on the #1 Foundation to Raising Mentally Strong Kids

Summary

The video emphasizes the importance of brain health in raising mentally strong children, including those with ADHD, anxiety, depression, or autism. It highlights the use of SPECT scans to diagnose and treat brain health issues, rather than attributing them to mental health. The speaker shares a personal story of a child misdiagnosed with ADHD, whose behavior improved significantly after brain mapping and targeted treatments. The video advocates for a healthy brain lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and avoiding toxins, to foster mental strength and resilience in children.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Mental Strength Begins with Brain Health: The foundation for raising mentally strong kids is a healthy brain, which impacts overall functioning.
• 📈 Brain Imaging Study Insights: Over 33 years, 250,000 brain scans from 155 countries revealed that most psychiatric illnesses are actually brain health issues.
• 🌍 Global Perspective on Mental Health: The importance of understanding that mental health issues are often rooted in brain health, not just psychological factors.
• 💊 Rethinking Medication: The script suggests that traditional psychiatric medications may not always be the best solution and could sometimes exacerbate symptoms.
• 🏥 Challenging the Blame on Parents: Society and therapists often blame parents for a child's issues, but the script proposes considering brain health as a more foundational factor.
• 🧩 Brain Mapping for Diagnosis: The use of brain imaging to understand the root cause of behavioral issues, as illustrated by the story of Chris, who improved after his brain was mapped and treated.
• 🥗 Prioritizing Brain-Healthy Diet: Emphasizing the importance of a diet rich in protein and healthy fats for brain health, as part of the 'love your brain' philosophy.
• 🚫 Avoiding Brain Toxins: The dangers of substances like drugs, nicotine, and alcohol, and the need to educate about their impact on brain development.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Exercise for Brain Development: The benefits of physical activity, especially coordination exercises, in promoting cerebellum development and overall brain health.
• 🛌 Sleep as a Brain Health Habit: The necessity of regular, quality sleep for maintaining brain health and supporting mental strength.
• 📚 Education on Brain Health: The importance of educating children about what is good and bad for their brains, using simple and engaging methods like 'Khloe's game'.

Q & A

What are the seven core conversations mentioned in the script for raising mentally strong kids?

The script does not explicitly list all seven core conversations, but it focuses on the first one, which is about brain health being foundational to mental strength.

What is the importance of brain health in relation to mental strength according to the script?

Brain health is considered foundational to mental strength because when the brain functions properly, it influences overall functioning and well-being.

What is SPECT imaging, and how is it used in Aman clinics?

SPECT is a brain imaging study that assesses blood flow and activity. At Aman clinics, it has been used for 33 years to evaluate and treat patients, including kids and teenagers, by looking at over 250,000 scans from 155 countries.

What did the SPECT scans reveal about psychiatric illnesses?

The SPECT scans taught that most psychiatric illnesses are not mental health issues but rather brain health issues that affect the way people think and behave.

Can you explain the case of Chris mentioned in the script?

Chris was diagnosed with ADHD at six and was prescribed medication that made him more aggressive and led to hallucinations. After an incident at school, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital where he was misdiagnosed with depression and given anti-depressants that worsened his condition. He had been in therapy weekly for two years without improvement.

How did the doctor's approach change after Chris was admitted to the hospital?

Instead of focusing on therapy or blaming the parents, the doctor decided to scan Chris's brain to understand the underlying issues causing his behavior.

What brain abnormalities were found in Chris's SPECT scan?

Chris's scan showed low activity in his left temporal lobe, associated with violence, and low activity in his prefrontal cortex, which affects impulse control.

What treatment plan was implemented for Chris based on his SPECT scan results?

Chris was given a combination of supplements to boost GABA for stabilizing the temporal lobes and to boost dopamine for stimulating the prefrontal cortex, helping with focus and impulse control.

What is the 'Brain Thrive by 25' program, and what are its benefits?

The 'Brain Thrive by 25' program teaches teens and young adults to love and care for their brains. Independent research shows it decreases drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, reduces depression, and improves self-esteem.

What are the three primary strategies for brain health mentioned in the script?

The three primary strategies are: 1) Love your brain, as it defines who you are, 2) Avoid anything that hurts it, and 3) Engage in regular brain-healthy habits.

How can parents initiate a conversation about brain health with their children?

Parents can make a game of it, asking their children if certain activities or foods are good or bad for the brain, and discussing why.

What are some obvious and not-so-obvious things that can be bad for brain health according to the script?

Obvious things include head injuries, poor sleep, poor quality food, and toxins like drugs, nicotine, and alcohol. Not-so-obvious things include digital addictions, excessive screen time, and the negative effects of social media on mental health.

What is the impact of social media on young people's mental health as described in the script?

Young people who use social media almost constantly have a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Social media platforms can manipulate kids by changing their thought processes and spending habits.

What are some brain-healthy habits and foods recommended in the script?

The script recommends a higher protein, healthy fat diet, regular exercise, especially coordination exercises, targeted supplements like multiple vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and saffron for mood, memory, and focus.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Brain Health as the Foundation of Mental Strength

The first core conversation emphasizes the importance of brain health for mental strength across all ages, including those with ADHD, anxiety, depression, or autism. Aman Clinics' 33-year study of over 250,000 brain scans from 155 countries revealed that most psychiatric illnesses are actually brain health issues. The narrative illustrates this point with the case of Chris, a 12-year-old with ADHD, whose aggressive behavior was traced back to a brain health issue rather than a parenting problem. The solution involved a brain imaging study called SPECT, which helped identify and treat the specific areas of Chris's brain that were causing his behavior. The paragraph concludes with the idea that a healthy brain leads to a healthy mind, and that parents should focus on brain health to foster responsible, confident, happy, kind, and resilient children.

05:02

💊 Balancing the Brain for Behavioral Change

This paragraph details the treatment plan for Chris, which included a combination of supplements to address the low activity in his left temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex. The approach was to stabilize the temporal lobes with GABA-boosting supplements and then stimulate the prefrontal cortex with dopamine-boosting supplements to improve focus and impulse control. The importance of the correct order of treatment is highlighted, as is the role of a 'brain-healthy' diet and lifestyle. The narrative also introduces the 'Brain Thrive by 25' program, which aims to reduce substance abuse and improve mental health in teens and young adults. The story of Chris's transformation after the treatment is shared, illustrating the potential impact of brain health optimization on a child's life trajectory.

10:06

🚫 Avoiding Toxins and Cultivating Healthy Habits for Brain Health

The third paragraph discusses the importance of avoiding toxins and engaging in brain-healthy habits to support mental strength. It cautions against the use of substances like alcohol and marijuana, which can damage the developing brain, and highlights the risks of digital addiction and excessive screen time. The paragraph also addresses the manipulative strategies of social media platforms and their potential to increase self-absorption and mental health issues in young people. Recommendations for promoting brain health include delaying the introduction of cell phones and social media, encouraging physical exercise, and providing a diet rich in brain-healthy foods. The benefits of supplements like multiple vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and saffron are also mentioned, emphasizing their role in supporting mood, memory, and focus.

Keywords

💡Mental Strength

Mental strength refers to the psychological resilience and ability to cope with challenges, adversity, and stress without being overwhelmed. In the video, mental strength is linked to brain health, emphasizing that a healthy brain is foundational for developing mentally strong individuals. The speaker illustrates this by discussing the importance of brain imaging studies and how they have been used to assess and treat patients, including children and teenagers, to improve mental strength.

💡Brain Health

Brain health is the overall well-being of the brain, including its function and structure. The video script highlights that most psychiatric illnesses are actually brain health issues, which implies that nurturing brain health is crucial for mental well-being. The concept is used to explain the importance of proper brain function for behaviors, emotions, and decision-making, as well as the role of brain imaging studies in identifying and addressing brain health issues.

💡ADHD

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The script uses the case of a child named Chris diagnosed with ADHD to illustrate the complexities of brain health issues and the importance of not solely blaming parents or environmental factors. It shows how brain health can be foundational to understanding and treating ADHD.

💡SPECT Scan

A SPECT scan is a type of brain imaging study that assesses blood flow and activity in the brain. In the video, SPECT is mentioned as a tool that has been used for over 33 years to assess and treat patients, including children and teenagers, by looking at over 250,000 scans from 155 countries. It is used to identify brain health issues that may be contributing to psychiatric symptoms.

💡Psychiatric Illnesses

Psychiatric illnesses are mental health disorders that affect a person's mood, thinking, and behavior. The video script challenges the traditional view by suggesting that most psychiatric illnesses are actually brain health issues, which can be identified and treated through brain imaging and other interventions.

💡Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that facilitate communication between nerve cells. The script discusses the importance of balancing neurotransmitters like GABA and dopamine for improving brain function and addressing issues like aggression and impulse control. This is a key aspect of brain health and mental strength.

💡Supplements

Supplements are substances that are added to the diet to enhance health. The video mentions the use of supplements to boost GABA and dopamine levels in the brain as part of a treatment plan for brain health issues. The speaker also recommends specific supplements like saffron for mood, memory, and focus.

💡Digital Addiction

Digital addiction refers to an unhealthy dependence on digital devices or online activities, such as social media, gaming, or internet browsing. The script warns about the negative impact of digital addiction on brain health, particularly in young people, and how it can lead to increased risk of depression and ADHD.

💡Social Media

Social media is a term used to describe websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or participate in social networking. The video discusses the potential harm of excessive social media use on young people's mental health, including increased risk of anxiety and depression, and the manipulative strategies used by tech companies to keep users engaged.

💡Brain Development

Brain development refers to the growth and maturation of the brain from birth through adolescence into adulthood. The script uses the analogy of a vibrant city under construction to describe the dynamic process of brain development, emphasizing the importance of avoiding toxins and maintaining healthy habits to support optimal brain growth.

💡Brain-Healthy Habits

Brain-healthy habits are lifestyle practices that promote optimal brain function and health. The video script outlines several such habits, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and the use of targeted supplements. These habits are presented as essential for building a strong brain and, by extension, mental strength.

Highlights

Raising mentally strong kids involves seven core conversations applicable to all children, including those with ADHD, anxiety, depression, or autism.

Brain health is foundational to mental strength; a healthy brain leads to a healthy mind.

SPECT brain imaging studies have been used for 33 years to assess and treat patients, revealing most psychiatric illnesses as brain health issues.

A healthy brain scan compared to those affected by trauma, infections, and substance abuse highlights the importance of brain health.

The brain is an organ that, if healthy, contributes to mental strength, responsibility, confidence, happiness, and resilience.

Society often blames parents for a child's struggles, but the focus should be on brain health.

Chris's story illustrates the misdiagnosis and mistreatment due to overlooking brain health issues.

Mapping and balancing the brain through SPECT scans can lead to significant behavioral improvements.

Brain health is based on three primary strategies: love your brain, avoid things that hurt it, and engage in regular brain-healthy habits.

Starting the brain health conversation with kids can be as simple as playing a game to determine what's good or bad for the brain.

Obvious brain toxins include head injuries, poor sleep, poor quality food, and substances like drugs, nicotine, and alcohol.

Less obvious brain toxins are digital addictions and excessive screen time, which can lead to depression and ADHD.

Social media use is linked to increased risk of anxiety and depression in young people.

To raise mentally strong kids, delay giving them cell phones, social media, and video games, and supervise their use.

Brain-healthy habits include a diet rich in brain-healthy foods, exercise, targeted supplements, and proper sleep.

Coordination exercises like tennis, table tennis, pickleball, or dancing are beneficial for brain development.

Supplements like multiple vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and saffron can support brain health.

The Brain Thrive by 25 program teaches teens and young adults to care for their brains, reducing substance use and improving self-esteem.

Transcripts

[Applause]

raising mentally strong kids requires

seven core

conversations which apply to all kids

including young adults and those

struggling with ADHD anxiety depression

or even autism let's start with core

conversation number one brain health is

foundational to mental strength when

your brain works right you work right

this supplies to kids and adults of all

ages at Aman clinics we've been using a

brain Imaging study called Spa that

looks at blood flow and activity for the

last 33 years to assess and treat our

patients including kids and teenagers

we've looked at over

250,000 scans on patients from 155

countries the scans taught us that most

psychiatric illnesses

are not mental health issues at all but

rather they are brain health issues that

steal people's minds and this one idea

changes everything get your brain

healthy and your mind will follow here

is a healthy spec scan compared to scans

of young people affected by head trauma

infections marijuana and alcohol

the brain is an organ just like your

heart is an organ if you want your

children to be mentally strong if you

want them to be responsible confident

happy kind and resilient if you want

them to make good decisions and be

focused and motivated and have great

relationships it starts by talking to

them about having a healthy brain when

kids struggle too often we blame the

parents or parents blame themselves take

Chris I met him when he was 12 he was

diagnosed with ADHD when he was six he

was hyperactive rless impulsive conflict

seeking and aggressive his doctor

prescribed Ridin but unfortunately it

made him more aggressive and he started

to hallucinate on it which is a very

rare side effect when he was eight Chris

attacked a boy at school and he was

placed in a psychiatric hospital the

doctor there thought Chris was depressed

and started him on an anti-depressant

but it also made him worse since he was

six he had been in therapy nearly every

week when I first saw him he had been

seeing the same therapist for two years

every week he would go and every week

the therapist told Chris's mother that

if only she would get into therapy and

deal with her own childhood issues Chris

would not have a problem if a child has

a problem our society and even many

therapists blame the parents but what if

they're wrong what if they are missing

something much more foundational what if

they are missing a brain that is in

trouble blame the brain I was on call

the night Chris was admitted to the

hospital after he again became

aggressive at school one of the things I

used to do with my young patients was to

get them all together and play

basketball with them that was a way for

all of us to talk in a casual way to get

to know each other and have some fun and

that's what I did with Chris the day

after he was admitted what I remember so

distinctly about that particular day was

that Chris was on my team and he cheated

on every play I mean every play I felt

like he was testing me trying to get me

to yell at him like his mother did of

course I wasn't going to yell at him but

what I was going to do what I had

already decided to do because he had

failed many treatments was scan his

little brain to find out why he acted

the way he did he his scan showed a

dangerous combination of low activity in

his left temporal lobe an area often

associated with violence and low

activity in his prefrontal cortex

decreasing his impulse control you've

heard it said a picture is worth a

thousand words but a map is worth a

thousand pictures a map tells you where

you are and gives you Direction on how

to get to where you want to go without a

map you're Lost based on the scan I put

them on a combination of supplements

that boost Gaba to stabilize the

temporal loes then something to boost

dopamine to stimulate his prefrontal

cortex to help with focus and impulse

control in that order if you get the

order wrong many people become worse in

addition I had this core conversation

with Chris and his family and taught

them to love their brains which included

a higher Protein healthy fat diet and

within weeks Chris was a different child

he was happier did better in school and

the aggressive out stopped his mother no

longer looked like she was the problem

six years later I gave a lecture at

Chris's High School on our program brain

Thrive by 25 which teaches teens and

young adults to love and care for their

brains independent research shows this

program decreases drug alcohol and

tobacco use decreases depression and

improves

self-esteem when Chris saw me on the

campus he ran up to me gave me a big hug

and introduced me to five of his friends

what do you think would have happened to

Chris if I hadn't mapped and balanced

his brain it's likely that he would have

been in jail multiple psychiatric

facilities or dead his mother would have

continued to feel shame as if she was

the cause of his problems you cannot

parent your way out of a child's

troubled brain but there is advanced

techn techology now to understand and

help their brains brain first whenever

you are struggling or your children are

struggling think about understanding and

optimizing the brain brain health is

based on three primary strategies they

are so simple even young kids can

understand them one love your brain it

makes you who you are two avoid anything

that hurts it and three engage in

regular brain healthy habits starting

the brain health conversation is easy

with kids make a game of it ever since

our daughter Khloe was two she and I

played a game we called Khloe's game I

would say something and ask her is this

good for your brain or bad for it for

example if I said avocados she'd say two

thumbs up God's butter if I said

blueberries she'd put her hands on her

hips and ask me if they were

organic non-organic blueberries hold

more pesticides than almost any other

fruit if I said of course they're

organic she'd say two thumbs up God's

candy if I say hitting a soccer ball

with your head she'd say thumbs down no

way or talking back to your redheaded

mother oh that's not good at all way too

much

stress none of this is hard when Chloe

was in second grade I went to her

classroom and wrote 20 things on the

board and asked the kids to separate

which ones were good for the brain or

bad for it the only only thing they

missed was fruit juice which they put in

the healthy category sorry way too much

sugar some things are obviously bad for

the brain such as head injuries poor

sleep poor quality food and toxins like

drugs nicotine and alcohol don't believe

the marketing hype vaping is not a

healthier form of smoking alcohol is not

a health food and marijuana is not

innocuous teens who use marijuana have a

higher incident of anxiety depression

psychosis and suicide in their 20s I

published a study with researchers from

UCLA USC and UC San Francisco on nearly

a thousand marijuana users showing every

area of the brain was lower in activity

from childhood all the way into your mid

20s the brain is undergoing wild

development think of brain development

is a vibrant city under construction the

roads are being laid down buildings

reach for the sky and the

infrastructures being connected using

substances like alcohol or marijuana is

like flooding the streets of this young

City with toxic chemicals or taking

Wrecking Balls to the New Roads and

buildings damaging development and

making it less likely young people will

ever reach their full potential know the

truth about toxins decrease your own use

and make sure to educate and supervise

your kids kids hate

supervision but they hate it more if you

don't do it because they think you don't

care about them some things that are bad

for the brain that might not be so

obvious include digital addictions and

excessive screen time because they wear

out the brain's pleasure centers and

increase the risk of depression and

ADHD young people are relying more on

social media as their primary source of

human connection and they rying last and

less on themselves and their families

95% of young people use at least one

social media platform and more than a

third of them use social media almost

constantly tech companies use the same

strategy that casinos use to addict

unsuspecting youngsters Who start to

crave more time on the free program

programs if you aren't paying for a

product then you are the product social

media companies manipulate kids by

subtly changing the way they think act

and spend money they make money by

having kids continually stay connected

to see what others are doing and have

others see what they're doing leading to

toxic levels of being self-absorbed

self-absorbed kids are unhappy kids

children who spend more than three hours

a day on social media have twice the

risk of anxiety and depression and on

average today kids are spending three

and a half hours a day on these

platforms if you want mentally strong

kids delay giving them cell phones

social media and video games for as long

as possible and it is critical to

supervise their use core conversation

number one if you want your kids and

grandkids to be mentally strong it

starts by building a healthy brain talk

to your kids about their brains love it

avoid things that hurt it and engage in

regular brain healthy habits especially

brain healthy food exercise targeted

supplements and sleep brain healthy food

in the program materials my wife Tana

has a new raising mentally strong kids

cookbook with many recipes kids can make

exercise is a critical brain health

habit especially coordination exercises

which stimulate the cerebellum in the

back bottom part of the brain the

cerebellum has more than half of the

brain's neurons and it is important

because it's connected to all other

parts of the brain exercises like tennis

table tennis pickle ball or dancing are

great for brain development of course if

you drink while you are dancing or play

beer Pond it completely ruins the

benefits I also recommend all of my

patients no matter what their age take

multiple vitamins omega-3 fatty acids

and probiotics for gut health my

favorite supplement the one I take every

day besides these and give to my kids is

saffron as it has been found to help

mood memory and focus