Dr. Daniel Amen is a well-known psychiatrist and neuroscientist who has written numerous books on the topic of brain and mental health. He has been featured in Newsweek, Parade Magazine, New York Times Magazine, Time, Washington Post, Men's Health, and Cosmopolitan. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common questions about Dr. Amen, his life, and his work.
Dr. Amen's Early life and education
Dr. Daniel Amen is a renowned American psychiatrist and brain expert. He is best known for his work on using brain SPECT scans to improve the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions.
Daniel Gregory Amen was born in Encino, California, in 1954. His father was an electrical engineer and his mother was a homemaker. Dr. Amen attended the Oral Roberts University School of Medicine in 1982, where he received a medical degree. He then completed his psychiatric residency training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1985.
Later he served as the Chief Resident of Clinical Services at Walter Reed from 1986-1987. After completing his residency, Dr. Amen worked for the Department of Defense and the VA Central Office as a staff psychiatrist and clinical neuroscience researcher before opening his clinical practice in 1989.
Dr. Amen is currently married to Tana Amen.
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Dr. Amen's Work
Daniel Amen is a psychiatrist and brain researcher who has spent his career exploring the connection between brain health and overall wellness. His work has helped to increase our understanding of how the brain functions and how it can be impacted by stress, anxiety, trauma, brain injuries, and other factors.
Dr. Amen's research has also shown that certain brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, are linked to specific changes in brain activity. Through his work, Dr. Daniel Amen has helped to improve the lives of countless people suffering from mental illness. In addition to his clinical work, Amen is also a bestselling author and founder of the Amen Clinics, which offers cutting-edge treatment for a variety of mental health conditions.
Dr. Amen has used SPECT imaging to study the brains of people with a variety of psychiatric conditions or mental disorders, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction. He has also conducted brain imaging research on healthy individuals, such as Olympic athletes and military personnel. This work has led to a greater understanding of how the brain works and how it can be impacted by different factors. In addition, Dr. Amen's work has helped to develop new treatments for mental illness that are more effective and tailored to the individual.
Dr. Amen has worked with athletes such as NFL player Anthony Davis who was listed as the number one offensive tackle prospect in the nation in 2007. The SPECT scan below shows Anthony Davis's brain before and after treatment. From the images, it is clear that his brain was able to regenerate.
Anthony Davis SPECT scan
NFL Anthony Davis
Dr. Daniel Amen has also imaged the brains of military personnel, including those who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This work has helped to improve our understanding of how the brain is impacted by trauma and to develop new treatments that are more effective for those suffering from PTSD.
Larry King and Dr. Daniel Amen
Larry King interviewed Dr. Amen on his show Communication U. In the interview, they discussed a variety of topics related to mental health, and how our ability to communicate declines as we get older. Enjoy!
What kind of doctor is Daniel Amen?
Dr. Daniel Amen is a board-certified psychiatrist, and brain disorder specialist. He is the CEO of Amen Clinics, which he founded in 1989. Dr. Amen is also a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APH) and a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Amen has written more than 30 books on mental health, including the best-selling “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” and “The Daniel Plan.” He has also produced several popular DVDs and CDs, including “Healing ADD” and “Healing Anxiety and Depression.” Dr. Amen has appeared on numerous TV shows, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “20/20,” and “60 Minutes.” He has also been featured in Time magazine, USA Today, the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and other major publications.
Is Dr. Daniel Amen a neurologist?
Dr. Daniel Amen is a board-certified neurologist. He is widely recognized as a leading expert on brain health and has published several best-selling books on the topic, including "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life" and "The Brain Warrior's Way." In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Amen is also a highly sought-after speaker and media commentator.
Who owns Amen Clinics?
Dr Daniel Amen founded Amen Clinics in 1989. The first location opened in California. The Amen Clinic program uses brain SPECT imaging to diagnose and treat conditions ranging from attention deficit disorder (ADD) to Alzheimer's disease or other mental illnesses. There are currently 10 Amen's Clinics locations in the United States.
Amen Clinics has the world’s largest database of functional brain scans relating to behavior, totaling more than 200,000 SPECT scans on patients from 155 countries. Also known as the brain spect atlas. SPECT scanning is a type of brain imaging that can be used to assess blood flow and activity patterns.
The Amen Clinics offers a variety of services, including neuropsychological testing, psychiatric evaluations, and nutritional counseling.
Amen Clinics cost
A Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography or normally called SPECT scan, typically costs between $3,900 and $7,500, depending on the number of scans, lab work, and coaching sessions.
In order to provide the highest quality care, they only accept a limited number of patients each day. This allows them to spend more time with each patient and ensure that they receive the individualized attention they deserve to find the best solutions. This allows the team to create a targeted treatment.
Is the Amen Clinic worth it?
As a mental health and wellness center, it offers a variety of services not typically found in a traditional medical practice. The organization is based on the belief that a healthy brain is essential to overall wellness and success in life.
When patients live near the area or can travel to an Amen Clinic location, a brain SPECT scan can show very clearly how the brain is functioning. Otherwise, patients can also take a comprehensive assessment which is highly accurate. In addition, they offer a variety of nutritional and lifestyle counseling services to help their patients optimize their brains. While the focus on mental health sets Amen Clinics apart from most traditional medical practices, the organization also believes in a holistic approach to wellness.
This means that they consider how all aspects of a person's life - including their physical, mental, and emotional health - contribute to a healthy life. As a result, patients receive a truly comprehensive approach to healthcare that is unique among medical practices.
Are SPECT scans legitimate?
There are a number of clinics that offer SPECT scans to individuals and Amen Clinics is the most popular one. While some people believe that SPECT scans are a legitimate way to diagnose disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, others are skeptical. This is understandable when people are introduced to new ways of diagnosis, and treatment which could cause them to be hesitant.
However, it is important to remember that functional brain scans have been used for decades in research and clinical settings. They are a well-validated tool that can help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. In addition, The clinic uses the latest technology and equipment to ensure the highest quality images and results.
But when it comes to knowing if something works or not, it is important to see what other people's experiences have been. And when it comes to Amen Clinics, they have a long list of satisfied patients who have been helped by the organization.
BrainMD Supplements
BrainMD Health was founded by Dr. Daniel Amen. His mission to end mental illness by creating a revolution in mental health started thirty years ago when he took on a Nuclear Brain Imaging Fellowship Study. This has allowed Dr. Amen to take hundreds of thousands of brain images (SPECT scans) which has helped him to understand better how the brain functions.
However, Dr. Amen has always been conscious to help people in the most effective and safest way. This notion sparked him to look for different answers that might be of benefit to others. Equipped with knowledge and the ability to perform functional brain scans relating to supplements, Dr. Amen started to run clinical trials to test different supplements and the benefit these have on the brain. His findings, backed by extensive research, revealed evidence of the positive impact supplements have on the brain.
Taking any kind of supplement alone is not enough. What's most important is the way the supplements are combined, the amount, and the quality. BrainMD has been able to formulate its products with the perfect combination of supplements, so you can be sure that you're taking the right amount of each one. This way, you know what to take to improve memory, relieve stress, control cravings, sleep better, and much more.
BrainMD supplement line is not only designed to support specific areas of cognitive function but also to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to have a better brain.
Does Dr. Amen supplements work?
Some people question whether nutritional supplements are needed when eating healthful food. According to recent research, a large proportion of foods contain fewer nutrients than previously believed. Similarly, many individuals suffer from compromised gut health, resulting in reduced absorption of nutrients. The fact that a supplement is highly beneficial for the health and wellness of an individual can greatly improve their overall health.
Supplements can offer health benefits beyond the basic nutrients it contains and can come in many different forms, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and even some food items like olive oil and blueberries.
Supplements are becoming more popular as a mainstream approach to maintaining general health and wellness. These holistic supplements provide a diverse range of advantages, including better cardiovascular and digestive health, enhanced mood, and enhanced energy levels.
What are the 13 hidden dragons?
In 2013, neuroscientist Daniel Amen published a book called "13 Hidden Dragons: Why You Feel Stuck and What You Can Do About It." In the book, Amen identifies 13 common "dragons" that can keep people from achieving their full potential. These dragons include negative thinking, perfectionism, procrastination, and fear of failure.
While some of these dragons may be more difficult to overcome than others, Dr. Amen provides actionable advice for overcoming each one. By identifying and addressing the hidden dragons in our lives, we can open up new opportunities for growth and success. Below is a list of the 13 Hidden Dragons:
- Inferior or Flawed Dragons
- Anxious Dragons
- Wounded Dragons
- Special, Spoiled or Entitled Dragons
- Responsible Dragons
- Angry Dragons
- Judgmental Dragons
- Death Dragons
- Hopeless or Helpless Dragons
- Ancestral Dragons
- Abandoned, Invisible or Insignificant Dragons
- Grief and Loss Dragons
- Should and Shaming Dragons
What are the 16 brain types from Dr. Amen?
Dr. Amen initial work focused on looking for patterns that could help him diagnose and treat mental health conditions, such as ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. But as he studied more scans, he also realized that certain brain patterns corresponded to personality types.
Based on his research, he identified 16 brain types (5 primary brain types and 11 combination brain types) that influence who you are, how you behave, and how you relate to others. Knowing your brain type helps you know more about how you interact with the world and what brain health risks you may face. Even more importantly, it can also help you understand how to optimize your brain with the right diet, the best supplements, and the most effective exercise for your brain type. Below is a list of the 16 brain types:
- Balanced
- Spontaneous
- Persistent
- Sensitive
- Cautious
- Spontaneous-Persistent
- Spontaneous-Persistent-Sensitive
- Spontaneous-Persistent-Sensitive-Cautious
- Persistent-Sensitive-Cautious
- Persistent-Sensitive
- Persistent-Cautious
- Spontaneous-Persistent-Cautious
- Spontaneous-Cautious
- Spontaneous-Sensitive
- Spontaneous-Sensitive-Cautious
- Sensitive-Cautious
Final notes
A brain healthy lifestyle is something that we should all strive for regardless of our age, gender, and profession. Success in life starts with a healthy brain. However, very few people know how to take care of their brain.
If knowledge is power, and knowledge about yourself is self-empowerment, then learning about brain health is the first step to understanding how you can optimize your brain to change your life.
As you walk this journey and raise your level of awareness, you might discover that some of your habits might be hurting your brain. Stress, lack of proper sleep, a bad diet, alcohol, and constant negative thoughts affect your brain. Even brain injuries have been shown to cause long-term damage to the brain.
If you are not sure where to start, there are many books and articles available on brain health. You can also reach out to one of our Amen Clinics Brain Health Certified professionals who can answer any questions you have and help you get started on your brain healthy journey.
Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our specialists. We offer a free 30-minute FREE consultation to discuss how we can help you heal and thrive. Schedule a call now!
I trust you found this information helpful. We are God's highest form of creation, we are spiritual beings living in a physical body. With the right mindset, tools, and proper support, you can TRULY change your brain to change your life.
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Thanks for reading!
Links to related resources
Dr. Daniel Amen featured in The Washington Post (TWP)
More information about the Brain Warrior's Way can be found HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the American Psychiatric Association?
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is a professional medical organization specializing in the field of psychiatry. The APA was founded in 1844 by a group of physicians who were concerned about the state of mental health care in America. Today, the APA is the largest psychiatric organization in the world, with over 37,000 members. The APA is dedicated to promoting mental health and improving the quality of care for psychiatric patients. The APA also provides continuing education and training for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. In addition, the APA conducts research on mental illness and its treatments.
