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Change Your Brain, Change Your Life (Revised and Expanded): The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Lack of Focus, Anger, and Memory Problems
In this completely revised and updated edition of the breakthrough bestseller, you'll see scientific evidence that your anxiety, depression, anger, obsessiveness, or impulsiveness could be related to how specific structures in your brain work. You're not stuck with the brain you're born with. Renowned neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen includes cutting-edge reseach and the latest surprising, effective "brain prescriptions" that can help heal your brain and change your
To quell anxiety and
Use simple breathing techniques to immediately calm inner turmoil
To fight
Learn how to kill ANTs (automatic negative thoughts)
To curb
Follow the Amen anti-anger diet and learn the nutrients that calm rage
To conquer impulsiveness and learn to
Develop total focus with the One-Page Miracle
To stop obsessive
Follow the "get unstuck" writing exercise and learn other problem-solving exercises
To quell anxiety and
Use simple breathing techniques to immediately calm inner turmoil
To fight
Learn how to kill ANTs (automatic negative thoughts)
To curb
Follow the Amen anti-anger diet and learn the nutrients that calm rage
To conquer impulsiveness and learn to
Develop total focus with the One-Page Miracle
To stop obsessive
Follow the "get unstuck" writing exercise and learn other problem-solving exercises
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 1998
2801 people are currently reading
24941 people want to read
About the author
Daniel G. Amen
193 books1,441 followersThe Washington Post called Dr. Daniel Amen the most popular psychiatrist in America and Sharecare.com named him the web's most influential expert and advocate on mental health.
Daniel Amen is a life-long Christian and graduate of Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. He is a double board-certified psychiatrist and multiple NY Times bestselling author, with such blockbuster books as Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, and The Daniel Plan, co-authored by Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman. In November 2016, he and his wife Tana published The Brain Warrior's Way.
Dr. Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics, which has 6 locations across the United States. Amen Clinics has the world's largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 125,000 SPECT scans on patients from 111 countries.
Dr. Amen's research team has published more than 70 scientific articles on a wide variety of topics related to brain health. He is the lead researcher on the largest brain imaging study on active and retired NFL players and was a consultant on the movie Concussion starring Will Smith. In 2016, Discover Magazine named his brain imaging work for psychiatric diagnoses as one of the top 100 stories in all of science.
Dr. Amen has also hosted 11 national public television shows about the brain, which have aired more than 80,000 times across North America and raised more than 75 million dollars for stations.
You can connect with Dr. Amen on Facebook and Twitter
Daniel Amen is a life-long Christian and graduate of Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. He is a double board-certified psychiatrist and multiple NY Times bestselling author, with such blockbuster books as Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, and The Daniel Plan, co-authored by Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman. In November 2016, he and his wife Tana published The Brain Warrior's Way.
Dr. Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics, which has 6 locations across the United States. Amen Clinics has the world's largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 125,000 SPECT scans on patients from 111 countries.
Dr. Amen's research team has published more than 70 scientific articles on a wide variety of topics related to brain health. He is the lead researcher on the largest brain imaging study on active and retired NFL players and was a consultant on the movie Concussion starring Will Smith. In 2016, Discover Magazine named his brain imaging work for psychiatric diagnoses as one of the top 100 stories in all of science.
Dr. Amen has also hosted 11 national public television shows about the brain, which have aired more than 80,000 times across North America and raised more than 75 million dollars for stations.
You can connect with Dr. Amen on Facebook and Twitter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 800 reviews
January 23, 2010
While I enjoy learning about the different areas of the human brain, such as the deep limbic system, basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, among others, and the aspects of our behavior for which they are responsible, Daniel G. Amen focuses solely on case study after case study after case study as evidence for how effective various medications can be. We are never given a zoomed-out view on all of his patients; he only focuses on subjects that received "successful" treatments.
He does not balance his pro-drug argument with the consequences of misdiagnoses, negative side effects, and so forth. Every time he names the brand of a drug, it feels like a product placement, which distracts and undermines the sincerity of his recommendations.
Amen inserts his personal opinion alongside his professional neurological opinion, namely on music. He praises church choirs and ridicules rock music for influencing violent behavior, yet he fails to back up this statement with any studies, data, or research. The correlation is unfounded.
Whatever useful scientific information a reader could have gleaned from Amen, it is overshadowed by the author's personal, biased opinion. I do not recommend this book.
He does not balance his pro-drug argument with the consequences of misdiagnoses, negative side effects, and so forth. Every time he names the brand of a drug, it feels like a product placement, which distracts and undermines the sincerity of his recommendations.
Amen inserts his personal opinion alongside his professional neurological opinion, namely on music. He praises church choirs and ridicules rock music for influencing violent behavior, yet he fails to back up this statement with any studies, data, or research. The correlation is unfounded.
Whatever useful scientific information a reader could have gleaned from Amen, it is overshadowed by the author's personal, biased opinion. I do not recommend this book.
March 14, 2023
This review is for the audiobook edition, which was read by the author himself. He has a moderately annoying voice, but not so bad I couldn't have gotten through the book. I stopped this book because it was bad, not because his voice was bad.
I was going to give this book 2 stars (or MAYBE 2.5) but eventually I had to call it at 1. Let me explain.
I think the science that is introduced in this book has potential.
For those who aren't familiar, the science behind this book explains what parts of the brain contribute to what things, and how (when these parts are damaged by head injuries, trauma, or what have you) personalities change/are formed. The author outlines a method of study, diagnosis, and treatment where a doctor scans parts of the brain while they are in use to determine whether they are "functioning normally" or not. Based on the findings of the scan, the author then prescribes activities or medication to address the part of the brain that is malfunctioning, rather than the behavioural symptoms. Essentially, the author claims that a lot of what we think of as “psychological problems” actually are physiological problems, and unless we recognize them as such we'll never get anywhere. I again state that this idea has the potential to help a lot of people. But not the way this author writes or thinks about it.
There is a LOT of specious science in this book. The author draws a *lot* of conclusions that are clearly based on his view of the world, not on "real science". Put a different way, a lot of what he refers to as "normal brain functioning" has more to do with his worldview than any objective or even commonly held assumptions about normative or appropriate behaviour. This, by the way, is true of most/many scientists. They aren't even aware of how their bias plays out in the experiments they conduct. That's why I was originally going to give this book 2 stars. It had potential, and I was originally willing to overlook the fact that there is some bias in the studies. However, I couldn't overlook the fact that the author is just kind of an old-fashioned, close-minded douchebag. For example, he spends a lot of time talking about women and how we're pretty crazy--especially when we are on our period. This is not only offensive, but he also subtly couches his perceptions as "real science". Certainly, mood disorder due to hormonal imbalances are factually real, and problematic for many women. Yet the way this author discusses these issues doesn't feel balanced or fair and seemed to show that this author is a sexist jerk. PLUS he believes in (and supports) stupid fake diagnosis's such as Oppositional Defiance Disorder, which are completely bullshit (or at least, incredibly problematic. Here is an article in Psychology Today talking about this diagnosis, and why some doctors don’t believe in it: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...)
Clearly, I found all the issues frustrating, but I was originally willing to keep on reading. Yet, all (bad) things must come to an end, and the straw that broke this (bitchy) camels back came when he began talking about heavy metal. This author claims that it's "no coincidence" that "most teenagers" who come to psychologists seeking help for mental health conditions listen to heavy metal. He explicitly states that "Some music is bad for your child, and can HARM them." (Emphasis his.) He goes on and on about how parents need to "protect" their children from the "harmful influence" that is heavy metal. He claims that "negative words" are causing mental illness in your children. These are all direct quotes from the author, by the way. I was overcome with half hatred and half amusement. Part of me was like "ARE YOU SERIOUS" and the other part of me was half gleeful, wondering, "OH MAN IS THE NEXT CHAPTER GOING TO BE ABOUT SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE????"
All joking aside, I am genuinely alarmed by a "doctor" who, in this day an age, would feel comfortable and confident claiming that a musical genre causes mental illness and trauma. I feel this particular part is the best evidence to support my claim that the author is both old fashioned, and strangely biased. I think we all pretty much agree Ozzy Osbourne is just a mumbling old man and Metallica are just money hungry guys, and none of the music any of these people wrote did any meaningful or lasting damage to the generation of people who grew up listening to them. Put a different way, how can I take this author’s notions of what is “normative" and "healthy" seriously, when they are so obviously at least partially disconnected from reality?
In summary, the science might have potential, but this book does not.
Update in 2023:
Youtube randomly recommended this video to me. It's a video all about why Metalheads are actually happier--and it's backed up with scientific studies to prove that they are actually happier. It *includes* a study that tested whether metalheads were more or less sensitive to violent imagery than other groups. The study found there was no difference between people who listen to "violent" music and people who do not.
This literally *proves* that the author of this book has woven his own strange worldview into this book and then pretends its "science". Heavy metal is not bad for you. It is not bad for your children. It does not cause mental illness and it is not a sign of mental illness.
This book is garbage and never should have gotten published, let alone pedaled and pushed by famous people.
Check out this video for proof:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhD0s...
I was going to give this book 2 stars (or MAYBE 2.5) but eventually I had to call it at 1. Let me explain.
I think the science that is introduced in this book has potential.
For those who aren't familiar, the science behind this book explains what parts of the brain contribute to what things, and how (when these parts are damaged by head injuries, trauma, or what have you) personalities change/are formed. The author outlines a method of study, diagnosis, and treatment where a doctor scans parts of the brain while they are in use to determine whether they are "functioning normally" or not. Based on the findings of the scan, the author then prescribes activities or medication to address the part of the brain that is malfunctioning, rather than the behavioural symptoms. Essentially, the author claims that a lot of what we think of as “psychological problems” actually are physiological problems, and unless we recognize them as such we'll never get anywhere. I again state that this idea has the potential to help a lot of people. But not the way this author writes or thinks about it.
There is a LOT of specious science in this book. The author draws a *lot* of conclusions that are clearly based on his view of the world, not on "real science". Put a different way, a lot of what he refers to as "normal brain functioning" has more to do with his worldview than any objective or even commonly held assumptions about normative or appropriate behaviour. This, by the way, is true of most/many scientists. They aren't even aware of how their bias plays out in the experiments they conduct. That's why I was originally going to give this book 2 stars. It had potential, and I was originally willing to overlook the fact that there is some bias in the studies. However, I couldn't overlook the fact that the author is just kind of an old-fashioned, close-minded douchebag. For example, he spends a lot of time talking about women and how we're pretty crazy--especially when we are on our period. This is not only offensive, but he also subtly couches his perceptions as "real science". Certainly, mood disorder due to hormonal imbalances are factually real, and problematic for many women. Yet the way this author discusses these issues doesn't feel balanced or fair and seemed to show that this author is a sexist jerk. PLUS he believes in (and supports) stupid fake diagnosis's such as Oppositional Defiance Disorder, which are completely bullshit (or at least, incredibly problematic. Here is an article in Psychology Today talking about this diagnosis, and why some doctors don’t believe in it: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/...)
Clearly, I found all the issues frustrating, but I was originally willing to keep on reading. Yet, all (bad) things must come to an end, and the straw that broke this (bitchy) camels back came when he began talking about heavy metal. This author claims that it's "no coincidence" that "most teenagers" who come to psychologists seeking help for mental health conditions listen to heavy metal. He explicitly states that "Some music is bad for your child, and can HARM them." (Emphasis his.) He goes on and on about how parents need to "protect" their children from the "harmful influence" that is heavy metal. He claims that "negative words" are causing mental illness in your children. These are all direct quotes from the author, by the way. I was overcome with half hatred and half amusement. Part of me was like "ARE YOU SERIOUS" and the other part of me was half gleeful, wondering, "OH MAN IS THE NEXT CHAPTER GOING TO BE ABOUT SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE????"
All joking aside, I am genuinely alarmed by a "doctor" who, in this day an age, would feel comfortable and confident claiming that a musical genre causes mental illness and trauma. I feel this particular part is the best evidence to support my claim that the author is both old fashioned, and strangely biased. I think we all pretty much agree Ozzy Osbourne is just a mumbling old man and Metallica are just money hungry guys, and none of the music any of these people wrote did any meaningful or lasting damage to the generation of people who grew up listening to them. Put a different way, how can I take this author’s notions of what is “normative" and "healthy" seriously, when they are so obviously at least partially disconnected from reality?
In summary, the science might have potential, but this book does not.
Update in 2023:
Youtube randomly recommended this video to me. It's a video all about why Metalheads are actually happier--and it's backed up with scientific studies to prove that they are actually happier. It *includes* a study that tested whether metalheads were more or less sensitive to violent imagery than other groups. The study found there was no difference between people who listen to "violent" music and people who do not.
This literally *proves* that the author of this book has woven his own strange worldview into this book and then pretends its "science". Heavy metal is not bad for you. It is not bad for your children. It does not cause mental illness and it is not a sign of mental illness.
This book is garbage and never should have gotten published, let alone pedaled and pushed by famous people.
Check out this video for proof:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhD0s...
April 20, 2010
Wow. I picked up this piece thinking it would be some Dr Phil level 'common sense' (read unresearched, brow-bashing) advice piece.
Instead I found it a detailed well-balanced academic/practical book about the relationship between brain patterns and problem-behaviour. In reference to the title, I found the chapter on the Cingulate part of the brain to be absolutely enlightening. Individuals with over actice cingulate's tend to hold grudges and automatically respond in the negative.
It was refreshing to find an popular author who wasn't automatically against psycho active drugs. Too many 'experts' preach anti-medication philosophies without any expertise in the area. Dr Amen is not drug pusher however, at the end of the chapters on specific disorders he provides great advice for both sufferers and those close to sufferers that is both non-judgmental but also realistic and honest.
Personally I find neurobiology heavy going, but this book provided plenty of straightford information about behaviour and while one might not remember the function of every brain area the basic ideas and information are absolutely vital for anyone concerned with their own or other's behaviour.
Instead I found it a detailed well-balanced academic/practical book about the relationship between brain patterns and problem-behaviour. In reference to the title, I found the chapter on the Cingulate part of the brain to be absolutely enlightening. Individuals with over actice cingulate's tend to hold grudges and automatically respond in the negative.
It was refreshing to find an popular author who wasn't automatically against psycho active drugs. Too many 'experts' preach anti-medication philosophies without any expertise in the area. Dr Amen is not drug pusher however, at the end of the chapters on specific disorders he provides great advice for both sufferers and those close to sufferers that is both non-judgmental but also realistic and honest.
Personally I find neurobiology heavy going, but this book provided plenty of straightford information about behaviour and while one might not remember the function of every brain area the basic ideas and information are absolutely vital for anyone concerned with their own or other's behaviour.
February 25, 2012
It always amuses me to read reviews of non-fiction books. Every book I've ever read in this category has one of every two or three reviews that complains about the book giving them information they already knew. It seems there are a lot of uber-intelligent people out there that have never heard the term "positive reinforcement." If it's good info, it doesn't have to be new.
That rant on other reviewers aside, this is a good book. Dr. Amen does a great job of talking about SPECT scans, and describing the main sections of the brain. He then describes what the parts of the brain do, what kind of symptoms an overactive or underactive portion would cause, and a checklist for determining what your brain might look like. He offers remedies from brain exercises, to diet suggestions, to calming techniques that can help normalize the brain.
Besides a self-help book, it's very interesting as a means of profiling people. If you're someone who tends to be judgmental, this book might help you understand how important the brain affects behavior. If the brain is not working properly, the person won't be working properly. Someone may appear hostile and ugly, or have OCD, or appear to be lazy...and these actually are biological conditions, correctable but part of the brain. Dr. Amen does a great job of illustrating this in several examples.
Two minor complaints: Like so many book of this type, so much pre-time is devoted to the topic of "why you should read this book", when a preface or dust jacket review should suffice. Also, Dr. Amen is a brain specialist and an active psychiatrist who prescribes medicines. Likewise, he mentions drugs he prescribes numerous times throughout the book. Having read counter-points on this, I am leery of the use of brain medications, in spite of Dr. Amen's eloquent defense of them. To his credit, the author never recommends them as a first resort but only as a last resort or in extreme cases.
Whether you're already a self-proclaimed expert in this topic or not, I think this is an enlightening and helpful book.
That rant on other reviewers aside, this is a good book. Dr. Amen does a great job of talking about SPECT scans, and describing the main sections of the brain. He then describes what the parts of the brain do, what kind of symptoms an overactive or underactive portion would cause, and a checklist for determining what your brain might look like. He offers remedies from brain exercises, to diet suggestions, to calming techniques that can help normalize the brain.
Besides a self-help book, it's very interesting as a means of profiling people. If you're someone who tends to be judgmental, this book might help you understand how important the brain affects behavior. If the brain is not working properly, the person won't be working properly. Someone may appear hostile and ugly, or have OCD, or appear to be lazy...and these actually are biological conditions, correctable but part of the brain. Dr. Amen does a great job of illustrating this in several examples.
Two minor complaints: Like so many book of this type, so much pre-time is devoted to the topic of "why you should read this book", when a preface or dust jacket review should suffice. Also, Dr. Amen is a brain specialist and an active psychiatrist who prescribes medicines. Likewise, he mentions drugs he prescribes numerous times throughout the book. Having read counter-points on this, I am leery of the use of brain medications, in spite of Dr. Amen's eloquent defense of them. To his credit, the author never recommends them as a first resort but only as a last resort or in extreme cases.
Whether you're already a self-proclaimed expert in this topic or not, I think this is an enlightening and helpful book.
August 13, 2016
If there were negative numbers I would rate this book in the negative category primarily for the destruction it has caused to many along the way. Dr. Amen and his machine is a HUGE fraud. We (our family) spent thousands of dollars traveling to one of his clinics only to be greeted with more propaganda, more opportunities to buy more and absolutely NO answers. I wrote to Dr. Amen directly and received no response. The scans he suggested as diagnostic in this book are not at all diagnostic, they are a sorry cover for much deeper problems. Dr. Amen's claims are not unsimilar to treating a broken bone with a Band-Aid. In the evidence-based world of real science, Dr. Amen is a joke. He is selling snake-oil. DO NOT buy into this. Find real answers from reputable psychiatrists, neurologists, psychologists and neurosurgeons.
March 24, 2009
I have bipolar disorder, and this book helped give me more direction in treating and controlling it. I found myself described very well in Dr. Ahmen's case studies, self-tests, and medical studies. He dispenses more than just medication (which, by the way, I take and fully support) - he offers direction in psychotherapy and behavioral therapy as well. I found the book encouraging and helpful as did my husband. He's not bipolar; he was able to relate more to me and help me determining things about myself that I didn't realize.
Read
July 28, 2009Your brain is the hardware of your soul.
--Dr. Daniel Amen
After reading about half the book, I grew weary of the repetitive pattern of naming a part of the brain, describing its function in terms of behavior, and then offering advice about how to improve its performance. Dr. Amen's recommendations range from common sense (good nutrition) to unproven and New Age techniques (such as EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) to invasive and controversial treatments (including the SPECT scans done at the author's private clinics).
While selective readers might benefit from some of his suggestions, it may not be easy to sort facts from opinions and objectivity from salesmanship. That said, I believe it may be healthy for the English-speaking public just to have a book in the book stores entitled Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. Serious brain science has only been around for a couple of decades, and most people still aren't aware of the biological basis of behavior--much less the fact that we can have a great deal of control over our thoughts, feelings, and even physical structure of our brains.
--Dr. Daniel Amen
After reading about half the book, I grew weary of the repetitive pattern of naming a part of the brain, describing its function in terms of behavior, and then offering advice about how to improve its performance. Dr. Amen's recommendations range from common sense (good nutrition) to unproven and New Age techniques (such as EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) to invasive and controversial treatments (including the SPECT scans done at the author's private clinics).
While selective readers might benefit from some of his suggestions, it may not be easy to sort facts from opinions and objectivity from salesmanship. That said, I believe it may be healthy for the English-speaking public just to have a book in the book stores entitled Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. Serious brain science has only been around for a couple of decades, and most people still aren't aware of the biological basis of behavior--much less the fact that we can have a great deal of control over our thoughts, feelings, and even physical structure of our brains.
July 16, 2009
This book is an excellent resource. I highly recommend it. It explains behavior in a whole new way. If you have ever struggled with anxiety, depression, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or other garden-variety psychological problems, this book is extremely helpful. The author, Daniel Amen, is a neuropsychiatrist who specializes in a type of brain imaging called SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography), which measures cerebral blood flow and metabolic activity patterns. Which is a fancy way of saying, how your brain operates. Each psychological problem listed above is characterized by a particular pattern in the brain. People suffering from depression, for example, demonstrate heightened activity in the limbic system. There is a physical basis for the problem, not just "how you're feeling."
What makes the book especially valuable is that Amen gives "prescriptions" based on his extensive practice for each disorder, a set of steps that can help you strengthen the brain that isn't working quite
What makes the book especially valuable is that Amen gives "prescriptions" based on his extensive practice for each disorder, a set of steps that can help you strengthen the brain that isn't working quite
July 4, 2021
An advertisement book for the author's business, the arrogant tone is super huge, the material itself contains a mix of science, pseudoscience, and a huge amount of mixing correlation with causation. The book is overrated, doesn't provide a practical solution, and the author strangely injects a photo of a brain scan between every 4 pages for no clear reason except giving the impression that it is scientific research! The practical pieces of advice that you can collect from the book are all common sense, for instance, exercise, eat well, sleep well, meditate, and have healthy relationships! Does this really need a book?!
May 15, 2024
There is some interesting information in this book about the brain but so much of this book is anecdotal evidence from the author. He also seems to be quick to prescribes drugs as the answer to almost any issue. The whole book seemed like an infomercial to me.
October 14, 2008
My hubby and I saw Daniel Amen give a presentation on PBS on the nutrition-brain-wellness connection and were intrigued. I think I accidentally bought the wrong book on Amazon. Anyhoo, we *are* trying to incorporate the brain foods that Amen recommended in his PBS presentation into our weekly diet:
1. Fish--salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring
2. Poultry--chicken and turkey
3. Meat--lean beef and pork
4. Eggs
5. Tofu and soy products
6. Dairy products--low-fat cheeses and cottage cheese, low-fat sugar-free yogurt and low-fat or skim milk
7. Beans, especially garbanzo beans and lentils
8. Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts
9. Berries--especially blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries
10. Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit
11. Cherries
12. Peaches, plums
13. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
14. Oats, whole wheat, wheat germ
15. Red or yellow bell peppers
16. Pumpkin squash
17. Spinach
18. Tomatoes
19. Yams
20. Avocados
21. Extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oil
22. Olives
23. Water
24. Green or black tea
1. Fish--salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring
2. Poultry--chicken and turkey
3. Meat--lean beef and pork
4. Eggs
5. Tofu and soy products
6. Dairy products--low-fat cheeses and cottage cheese, low-fat sugar-free yogurt and low-fat or skim milk
7. Beans, especially garbanzo beans and lentils
8. Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts
9. Berries--especially blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries
10. Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit
11. Cherries
12. Peaches, plums
13. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
14. Oats, whole wheat, wheat germ
15. Red or yellow bell peppers
16. Pumpkin squash
17. Spinach
18. Tomatoes
19. Yams
20. Avocados
21. Extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oil
22. Olives
23. Water
24. Green or black tea
January 31, 2025
Am ajuns la cartea doctorului Amen datorită Niculinei Gheorghiță care a vorbit mult despre metodele lui și pe care eu o urmăresc și apreciez pentru munca ei în domeniul sănătății mintale. Deși cartea face multă reclamă la clinică și protocolul lui de diagnostic și tratament, oferă și multe informații despre cum funcționează creierul și militează pentru o perspectivă holistică de diagnostic, ce ia in calcul și relațiile din viața individului, gradul lui de spiritualitate, obiceiurile, alimentația, sănătatea emoțională și fizică. La ce omitem să ne uităm mereu e însă și sănătatea creierului nostru și buna lui funcționare, care poate să ne influențeze personalitatea, relațiile și viața. A fost o lectură interesantă.
January 7, 2009
The New Year brings the season of fresh starts, resolutions, the air of possibility and the impulse to make changes. This book came across my radar a few weeks ago when I was channel-surfing and caught the PBS program "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life" presented by Dr. Daniel Amen. After watching a few hours of his lectures, I was hooked...and decided to review what I learned in the presentations by reading his book.
Dr. Amen is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist who has used new brain -imaging techniques to study brain activity. As he explains which parts of the brain control which behaviors and emotions, he is able to determine and diagnose problems in brain function which underlie a patient's behavior. But as he explains how the brain works he also gives prescriptions to follow to maintain a healthy brain. He talks about how medications are used and how they work on the damaged brain, and gives recommendations for exercise and nutrition that can optimize brain function. He illustrates how nicotine, alcohol, brain injury from concussion, and alzheimer's disease can weaken or damage certain areas of the brain and interfere with proper function.
I am not sure how I can use this information to change my life, but at least I will have gained some insight into how others behave. Maybe I'll be a little more patient, a little more accepting and less judgmental. Or at least I won't take everyone so seriously!
Dr. Amen is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist who has used new brain -imaging techniques to study brain activity. As he explains which parts of the brain control which behaviors and emotions, he is able to determine and diagnose problems in brain function which underlie a patient's behavior. But as he explains how the brain works he also gives prescriptions to follow to maintain a healthy brain. He talks about how medications are used and how they work on the damaged brain, and gives recommendations for exercise and nutrition that can optimize brain function. He illustrates how nicotine, alcohol, brain injury from concussion, and alzheimer's disease can weaken or damage certain areas of the brain and interfere with proper function.
I am not sure how I can use this information to change my life, but at least I will have gained some insight into how others behave. Maybe I'll be a little more patient, a little more accepting and less judgmental. Or at least I won't take everyone so seriously!
May 18, 2019
Mixed feelings about this book. All medical disciplines other than psychiatry have made fantastic progress over the past decades, using technology to refine diagnostics and find better suited treatments. All but psychiatry, who keeps on guessing. Dr. Amen's idea is that in all psychological issues, there is an underlying brain condition, and that it can be treated if it is diagnosed properly. Honestly, I find this hypothesis brilliant, and it could open up a brand new perspective on psychiatry and psychology! What I utterly dislike on the other hand, is that the author does not present this as a scientific hypothesis, but as a truth than nobody else understands. And the book is loaded with personal opinions and beliefs, which are also presented as truths... He seems like a nice guy enough, and fundamentally benevolent, I'm sure he has helped a lot of people. But still... Preventing divorces because of his catholic views, using the white straight male christian viewpoint by default in almost every sentence, mentionning succesful case studies only in the purest freudian tradition, cherrypicking studies that "prove" his points, and recommending supplements (like ashwagandha) and alternative treatments (such as acunpuncture) that have never been backed up by any scientific evidence, and worst of all, his opiniated views on music genres, are a bit of a turn-off for me...
October 12, 2017
A friend recommended this book to me. I wish I would have looked into the author before I delved in. I could have saved myself a lot of time.
This book was simply a long promotional advertisement for Dr. Amen's various business ventures. Unlike in other neuroscience books I've read, he almost exclusively cites his own research. His 'case studies' seem to have miraculous turn-arounds on just a few days or weeks. While I think seeing a SPECT scan of your own brain could be motivating to some, I think that is about the most value it provides. As many critics, much more learned than I, have pointed out, nearly all of his expensive diagnostics that aren't covered by insurance can be achieved through other methods.
If you want to read more credible sources I recommend Goleman, Siegel, Dweck, or any number of experts in this field.
This book was simply a long promotional advertisement for Dr. Amen's various business ventures. Unlike in other neuroscience books I've read, he almost exclusively cites his own research. His 'case studies' seem to have miraculous turn-arounds on just a few days or weeks. While I think seeing a SPECT scan of your own brain could be motivating to some, I think that is about the most value it provides. As many critics, much more learned than I, have pointed out, nearly all of his expensive diagnostics that aren't covered by insurance can be achieved through other methods.
If you want to read more credible sources I recommend Goleman, Siegel, Dweck, or any number of experts in this field.
October 18, 2011
«Ознакомившись с результатами пяти тысяч обследований SPECT, вкупе с историями болезней этих пациентов, я пришел к убеждению, что – это мы, когда наш мозг работает нормально. Когда он работает нормально, мы более внимательные, более целеустремленные, мы больше интересуемся другими людьми. Мы добрее, эмоционально стабильнее, терпимее».
Хочу сказать, что до этой книги я ничего подобного не читал. Не читал в смысле того, что не читал книги с медицинской тематикой. Я обладаю весьма посредственными медицинскими знаниями, но книги написана очень понятно и у меня не возникло трудностей с пониманием материала.
Книга, главным образом, посвящена описанию работы отделов мозга и тому как они влияют на поведение человека. Все факты подкрепляются реальными историями болезней пациентов доктора Амена. И на основании опыта и сканирования SPECT Даниэль дает рекомендации о том, как противостоять последствиям неправильно работы мозга.
«Вспомните, когда вы в последний раз злились. Как при этом вело себя ваше тело? У большинства людей, когда они злятся, напрягаются мышцы, сердцебиение учащается, ладони начинают потеть, а иногда даже начинает кружиться голова. Ваше тело, ваш организм реагируют на каждую негативную мысль».
Как я уже говорил, я никогда не читал книги написанные, нейрофизиологами или нейропсихиатрами. Честно скажу, ожидал новаторских замечаний по поводу работы мозга и его влияния на поведение. Надо было мне сразу понимать, что это книга по психологии с популярными элементами нейрофизиологии. Закрыв последнюю страницу книги, я понял, что ничего нового для себя так и не узнал. Может в силу того, что книга эта по психологии, и все выводы сделанные психологами на основании эмпирических изысканий также точны, как и при анализе мозга, современной медициной. То есть выводы Кови основанные на практики не будут уступать, выводам Амена в точности. Ведь психология, это наука не точная. Тем более доктор Амен, как можно понять из книги, кроме всего прочего, является ещё и практикующим психологом.
Единственным для меня новым фактом стало то, что травмы головы очень сильно могут повлиять на поведение человека. Никогда не думал, что играя на спортплощадке и ударившись головой о турник, можно всю жизнь расплачиваться за свою невнимательность.
Мне понравилось, как написана книга. Читал в бумажном варианте. Книга входит в серию «Мозговой штурм» издательства «Эксмо». Качество издания мне очень понравилось. Книга будет интересна всем тем, кто желает сделать свою жизнь лучше, но пусть не ждет от неё каких-то открытий.
В конце хотелось бы выделить, те рекомендации, которые мне показались самыми важными.
Надо:
- Выпивать по 6-8 стаканов воды в день, чтобы не допускать обе��воживания;
- Полноценно питаться, корректируя соотношение белков и углеводов в соответствии с потребностями своего мозга;
- Регулярно общаться с теми, кого вы любите;
- Научиться дышать диафрагмой;
- Научиться и каждый день заниматься самогипнозом и медитацией;
- Определить четкие цели в жизни;
- Каждый день узнавать что-то новое;
- Улучшать свою память;
- Сделать красивую музыку частью своей жизни;
- Сделать хорошие запахи частью своей жизни.
Нельзя:
- Не пристегиваться в автомобиле;
- Играть в футбол головой;
- Мучиться самому и мучить других чувством вины;
- Позволить жизни увлекать вас по течению, не направляя и не планируя ее.
Хочу сказать, что до этой книги я ничего подобного не читал. Не читал в смысле того, что не читал книги с медицинской тематикой. Я обладаю весьма посредственными медицинскими знаниями, но книги написана очень понятно и у меня не возникло трудностей с пониманием материала.
Книга, главным образом, посвящена описанию работы отделов мозга и тому как они влияют на поведение человека. Все факты подкрепляются реальными историями болезней пациентов доктора Амена. И на основании опыта и сканирования SPECT Даниэль дает рекомендации о том, как противостоять последствиям неправильно работы мозга.
«Вспомните, когда вы в последний раз злились. Как при этом вело себя ваше тело? У большинства людей, когда они злятся, напрягаются мышцы, сердцебиение учащается, ладони начинают потеть, а иногда даже начинает кружиться голова. Ваше тело, ваш организм реагируют на каждую негативную мысль».
Как я уже говорил, я никогда не читал книги написанные, нейрофизиологами или нейропсихиатрами. Честно скажу, ожидал новаторских замечаний по поводу работы мозга и его влияния на поведение. Надо было мне сразу понимать, что это книга по психологии с популярными элементами нейрофизиологии. Закрыв последнюю страницу книги, я понял, что ничего нового для себя так и не узнал. Может в силу того, что книга эта по психологии, и все выводы сделанные психологами на основании эмпирических изысканий также точны, как и при анализе мозга, современной медициной. То есть выводы Кови основанные на практики не будут уступать, выводам Амена в точности. Ведь психология, это наука не точная. Тем более доктор Амен, как можно понять из книги, кроме всего прочего, является ещё и практикующим психологом.
Единственным для меня новым фактом стало то, что травмы головы очень сильно могут повлиять на поведение человека. Никогда не думал, что играя на спортплощадке и ударившись головой о турник, можно всю жизнь расплачиваться за свою невнимательность.
Мне понравилось, как написана книга. Читал в бумажном варианте. Книга входит в серию «Мозговой штурм» издательства «Эксмо». Качество издания мне очень понравилось. Книга будет интересна всем тем, кто желает сделать свою жизнь лучше, но пусть не ждет от неё каких-то открытий.
В конце хотелось бы выделить, те рекомендации, которые мне показались самыми важными.
Надо:
- Выпивать по 6-8 стаканов воды в день, чтобы не допускать обе��воживания;
- Полноценно питаться, корректируя соотношение белков и углеводов в соответствии с потребностями своего мозга;
- Регулярно общаться с теми, кого вы любите;
- Научиться дышать диафрагмой;
- Научиться и каждый день заниматься самогипнозом и медитацией;
- Определить четкие цели в жизни;
- Каждый день узнавать что-то новое;
- Улучшать свою память;
- Сделать красивую музыку частью своей жизни;
- Сделать хорошие запахи частью своей жизни.
Нельзя:
- Не пристегиваться в автомобиле;
- Играть в футбол головой;
- Мучиться самому и мучить других чувством вины;
- Позволить жизни увлекать вас по течению, не направляя и не планируя ее.
August 9, 2017
I HIGHLY recommend this book. Don't let the cheeky title or the click-bait-looking cover fool you. This book is a treasure trove of information that I duly intend to fact check and act upon. It has given me insight into my self, and those around me and helped me to better understand human actions and relationships. A must read in my opinion.
April 4, 2016
Read this many years ago but thought it was fantastic and have been following Dr. Amen ever since.
January 21, 2019
I felt like the author was trying to sell me his franchise - and world view - the whole time.
June 2, 2016
Just realized I read the updated version so this review applies to that one _ I loved this book. It was eye opening for me, even though I've done a lot of research on natural healing and have a retired neurosurgeon friend who has shared information from his studies on making the brain healthy. Much of what I had learned independently about some natural supplements like Fish Oil and 5-htp, and various vitamins, were confirmed here but I also learned about new ones. This was also the first time I've seen the direct relation to your brain.
Dr. Amen's work with SPECT scans is amazing. He has so much data with proof that the brain can be harmed and healed based on our lifestyle choices. He has a good point that psychiatry is the only medical discipline that never looks at the organ they treat. It's crazy.
I love how Dr. Amen lists both medicine and supplements in the treatment parameters. I always look for natural ways to heal things but understand that medicine is necessary for some people. He stresses that everyone should try the natural supplements first which is what I believe. It is also great the way he emphasizes a balanced approach that includes Biological, Psychological, Spiritual and Social factors.
Besides helping with my own problems, this book has caused me to see everyone, from people in my life to complete strangers, in a different light.
The editing could have been a tighter, but I can't take away any stars because the book is filled with such great information. I wish I could get everyone I know to read it.
Dr. Amen's work with SPECT scans is amazing. He has so much data with proof that the brain can be harmed and healed based on our lifestyle choices. He has a good point that psychiatry is the only medical discipline that never looks at the organ they treat. It's crazy.
I love how Dr. Amen lists both medicine and supplements in the treatment parameters. I always look for natural ways to heal things but understand that medicine is necessary for some people. He stresses that everyone should try the natural supplements first which is what I believe. It is also great the way he emphasizes a balanced approach that includes Biological, Psychological, Spiritual and Social factors.
Besides helping with my own problems, this book has caused me to see everyone, from people in my life to complete strangers, in a different light.
The editing could have been a tighter, but I can't take away any stars because the book is filled with such great information. I wish I could get everyone I know to read it.
April 13, 2023
I recently came across an insightful health book that has changed my perspective on brain health. "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life" by Dr. Daniel G. Amen is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their brain health and prevent mental disorders.
Dr. Amen discusses how our lifestyle choices affect our brain health and offers practical advice on how to make changes to improve brain function. The book also includes brain imaging scans to help readers understand how their brain works and identify potential health issues.
> Childhood injuries like falls and sports-related concussions can lead to mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder later in life.
> Factors like obesity, consuming too much white sugar, and drug abuse can be detrimental to brain health.
> Exposure to environmental toxins like paint or petrol fumes can have serious negative effects on the brain.
> Jobs that involve exposure to environmental toxins, such as painting or furniture polishing, can also be dangerous to brain health.
> Inhalants like nail polish remover, paint, bonds, polish, and petrol are more dangerous than drugs.
Overall, "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life" is a highly informative and practical book that can help readers improve their brain health and prevent mental disorders. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take control of their brain health and lead a more fulfilling life.
Rana Dil Nawaz
https://ocdil.blog
Dr. Amen discusses how our lifestyle choices affect our brain health and offers practical advice on how to make changes to improve brain function. The book also includes brain imaging scans to help readers understand how their brain works and identify potential health issues.
> Childhood injuries like falls and sports-related concussions can lead to mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder later in life.
> Factors like obesity, consuming too much white sugar, and drug abuse can be detrimental to brain health.
> Exposure to environmental toxins like paint or petrol fumes can have serious negative effects on the brain.
> Jobs that involve exposure to environmental toxins, such as painting or furniture polishing, can also be dangerous to brain health.
> Inhalants like nail polish remover, paint, bonds, polish, and petrol are more dangerous than drugs.
Overall, "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life" is a highly informative and practical book that can help readers improve their brain health and prevent mental disorders. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take control of their brain health and lead a more fulfilling life.
Rana Dil Nawaz
https://ocdil.blog
April 4, 2013
False Advertising!
Dr. Amen is not a compelling writer; he has neither the poetry of Oliver Sacks, the compassion of Jerome Groopman, the enthralling precision of Atul Gawande nor the mystical awareness of Abraham Verghese. One thing that particularly interests me is how a doctor writes his case studies and in this Dr. Amen demonstrates about as much perspicacity and compassion for his patients as a potato.
As I'm not interested in the latest PET scan technology--which *is* the most fascinating portion of this book--and because his suggestions for self care are remedial at best I give this book one star. My advice to this doctor is stick with the PET scans and the prescription pads. Let the professionals do the other stuff.
Several other reviewers have plaudited Dr. Amen for the "science" in the book. Let me remind you that on the back cover of this edition the following is promised: conceptual reframing, dietary suggestions, and practical exercises for behavior modification. No chemicals are mentioned. Anywhere. This book needs to be retitled: "Change Your Pharmaceuticals Change Your Life."
Dr. Amen is not a compelling writer; he has neither the poetry of Oliver Sacks, the compassion of Jerome Groopman, the enthralling precision of Atul Gawande nor the mystical awareness of Abraham Verghese. One thing that particularly interests me is how a doctor writes his case studies and in this Dr. Amen demonstrates about as much perspicacity and compassion for his patients as a potato.
As I'm not interested in the latest PET scan technology--which *is* the most fascinating portion of this book--and because his suggestions for self care are remedial at best I give this book one star. My advice to this doctor is stick with the PET scans and the prescription pads. Let the professionals do the other stuff.
Several other reviewers have plaudited Dr. Amen for the "science" in the book. Let me remind you that on the back cover of this edition the following is promised: conceptual reframing, dietary suggestions, and practical exercises for behavior modification. No chemicals are mentioned. Anywhere. This book needs to be retitled: "Change Your Pharmaceuticals Change Your Life."
January 26, 2022
DR. Amen established a tool that scans your brain and he specializes in treating people who have a variety of brain related issues such as ADD, depression, brain-behavior problems, obsessive compulsion disorder, aggressiveness, and marital decline, obesity, and brain toxicity from drug and alcohol use. The treatment he offers helps prevent the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other age related diseases.
One thing that seemed to contribute to all these brain diseases is the fact that many of his scans involved people who had head injuries.
In it he lists the foods we should be eating such as eating Almonds, Brazil nuts cashews, apples, avocados, blueberries, asparagus, beets, onions and other vegetables, fruits, meat and fish.
He stresses that what is good for your heart is good for your brain.
This book is a great way to use a book to get great health even if you don’t need a brain scan.
One thing that seemed to contribute to all these brain diseases is the fact that many of his scans involved people who had head injuries.
In it he lists the foods we should be eating such as eating Almonds, Brazil nuts cashews, apples, avocados, blueberries, asparagus, beets, onions and other vegetables, fruits, meat and fish.
He stresses that what is good for your heart is good for your brain.
This book is a great way to use a book to get great health even if you don’t need a brain scan.
August 29, 2018
8/29/18 - Amen leads study of aging brain ... marijuana accelerates aging process
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...
7/22/18 - Thought of Amen when reading linked article
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...
***
Remembering one of first HS Shooters ... after Kip killed fellow students, Amen studied his brain, found it extremely distorted physically ... now, wonder if Vegas shooter's brain remains can be analyzed, and wonder about his blood chemistry, serotonin levels, etc.?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thursto...
http://www.autismwebsite.com/crimetim...
***
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...
7/22/18 - Thought of Amen when reading linked article
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...
***
Remembering one of first HS Shooters ... after Kip killed fellow students, Amen studied his brain, found it extremely distorted physically ... now, wonder if Vegas shooter's brain remains can be analyzed, and wonder about his blood chemistry, serotonin levels, etc.?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thursto...
http://www.autismwebsite.com/crimetim...
***
June 29, 2017
I liked this book a lot, but I don't think everyone would. You should know that it goes into detail around biological and neurological processes, and that the anecdotes and prescriptive advice can become repetitive. But if science and psychology are your jam, you'll probably dig it. I don't like that the cover and title makes it sound like some as-seen-on-tv infomercial hocus pocus, because the science is real and well-founded, but within the book the author does a good job at not overtly "selling" to the reader all the time, i.e. while his system and products are consistently mentioned, he's not constantly shilling them to the reader.
February 7, 2017
There was a lot of interesting information in this book. And some stuff that seemed a bit strange/silly/unscientific. Like that rock music is bad for you. I do also question the benefits of getting a SPECT scan versus the cons. The book makes it sound kind of amazing and like we all need to run out and get one done, but I highly doubt it is actually a good idea for everyone. However, I think it could be interesting to try some of his recommendations if you have some of these issues and want to try things besides traditional medicine.
October 13, 2020
This book totally legitimizes mental health. I think a lot of people need to read this to understand the real ness of mental health and how there is an actual impact on your brain. Totally interesting
June 23, 2022
One of the most interesting, informative and resourceful reads I have come across in a while by Dr. Amen
I am not the best in writing detailed critical book reviews, but I hate to keep the valuable knowledge I encounter to myself.
How often do we think of how healthy our brains are? How well they are functioning? How much of brain reserve we have?
How our life, eating, and other habits can contribute to boosting or depleting these reserves? How much brain damage including physical traumas that we might not even recall and/or other physiological factors can be directly linked to many mental illnesses or issues we are experiencing today including depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.?
How learning about brain health can not just improve our lives, but that of our children and next family generations?
For me the answer was no to all these. And I am sure it will be the same for many others at my age, older and younger.
The interesting fact that to answer these questions, at least partly, you will be invited to reflect on all the valuable info and the actual cases mentioned in this book. It was a very useful exercise to do and it did strike a lot of chords.
I would highly recommend this book and would assure you that it will be an eye-opening piece for you.
It is important to know also that you don’t have to be experiencing a specific mental illness to read and benefit from this book. Maintaining the health of our brains is actually key to prevent mental illness or having more control on its enabling factors.
I am not the best in writing detailed critical book reviews, but I hate to keep the valuable knowledge I encounter to myself.
How often do we think of how healthy our brains are? How well they are functioning? How much of brain reserve we have?
How our life, eating, and other habits can contribute to boosting or depleting these reserves? How much brain damage including physical traumas that we might not even recall and/or other physiological factors can be directly linked to many mental illnesses or issues we are experiencing today including depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.?
How learning about brain health can not just improve our lives, but that of our children and next family generations?
For me the answer was no to all these. And I am sure it will be the same for many others at my age, older and younger.
The interesting fact that to answer these questions, at least partly, you will be invited to reflect on all the valuable info and the actual cases mentioned in this book. It was a very useful exercise to do and it did strike a lot of chords.
I would highly recommend this book and would assure you that it will be an eye-opening piece for you.
It is important to know also that you don’t have to be experiencing a specific mental illness to read and benefit from this book. Maintaining the health of our brains is actually key to prevent mental illness or having more control on its enabling factors.
January 15, 2021
I appreciate Daniel Amen's basic premise, that your brain is an organ and should be treated as you would any other broken organ in your body. Your brain can also be trained in bad habits and destructive patterns and it can be trained in positive habits and patterns. The section of this book on ANTs was pretty life impacting for me. "Talking through" things certainly has it's place, but doesn't help solve an underlying health issue. His admonition to keep our brains healthy is an important one and this book has helped me become more aware of how I can be more brain healthy.
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