Latest news with #AmenClinics
Fox News
2 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Negative thoughts might be changing your brain in surprising ways, study suggests
A negative mindset is known to trigger or heighten stress and anxiety — and new research has revealed other trickle-down effects on mental and physical health. Researchers from Amen Clinics, a nationwide brain health diagnostics company, examined brain scans and cognitive data of nearly 20,000 patients who had been diagnosed with anxiety disorders. xxsaid brain disorder specialist and psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, co-author of the study and founder of Amen Clinics. The people who had higher negativity bias were found to have reduced blood flow in the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes — regions critical for decision-making, memory and emotional regulation, according to Amen. "The extent of physical brain abnormalities — especially in areas not previously linked to emotional processing, like the cerebellum — was striking," he noted. These more negative people were also found to have "significantly higher levels" of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, emotional instability, poor memory and poor stress regulation. "Not only were mood symptoms worse, but actual thinking skills — especially memory and resilience — were compromised," Amen observed. "Until we start looking at the brain, we are flying blind in psychiatry." The findings were published in the journal Depression and Anxiety. "This research supports what I have long argued: Mental illness is brain illness," the researcher went on. "Until we start looking at the brain, we are flying blind in psychiatry." There were some limitations to note with this study, primarily its cross-sectional design, which means it captured data from a snapshot in time rather than following the group for an extended period. "The study shows association, not causation," Amen told Fox News Digital. "While negativity bias correlates with dysfunction, it doesn't definitively cause it." Based on the study findings, Amen emphasized the importance of optimizing brain health and maintaining a more positive mindset. "If you want to treat mental health seriously, you need to look at the brain," he said. "If you find yourself spiraling into negative thoughts, it may not be 'just stress'— it could be a sign that your brain needs help." Negativity bias isn't just a "bad attitude," according to Amen — "it's a neurological pattern that can spiral into full-blown cognitive and emotional breakdown." "The good news? The brain is changeable — but only if we start looking at it." While the study didn't delve into testing potential solutions, Amen noted that daily positivity practices can be beneficial. For more Health articles, visit "Broader research suggests that exercise, meditation, omega-3 consumption, gratitude journaling and deep breathing can help rewire negativity bias over time," he said.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Groundbreaking New Research Study Suggests Chronic Negativity Is Linked to Poor Memory, Depression, and Brain Dysfunction
COSTA MESA, Calif., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking new study conducted by Amen Clinics accepted for publication in the prestigious journal Depression and Anxiety reveals that individuals with high levels of conscious negativity bias—where the mind fixates on potential dangers or worst-case scenarios—show significant dysfunction in brain regions tied to emotional regulation and cognitive control. Researchers analyzed brain scans and cognitive data from 1,984 patients with anxiety disorders, using advanced SPECT imaging and the Total Brain assessment platform. The findings were striking: higher negativity bias was associated with decreased activity in the frontal and temporal lobes, the insula, and parietal regions—all areas involved in focus, decision-making, and emotional stability. In contrast, increased activity was observed in specific cerebellar lobules, linked to motor tension and emotional overactivation. Patients with elevated negativity bias also reported significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, emotional instability, and poor memory and stress regulation. "This research is a wake-up call for all of us," said Dr. Daniel Amen, co-author and founder of Amen Clinics. "While a little anxiety helps us make good decisions and protect our health and loved ones, chronic negativity bias is clearly toxic for the brain. The data is unmistakable: pessimism rewires our brains toward emotional suffering, poor focus, and even suicidal thoughts." The study underscores the importance of addressing negativity bias in therapy—not just for emotional relief but also for improving brain health and cognitive performance. Researchers recommend positivity bias training, including simple daily practices like: Starting the day by saying: "Today is going to be a great day," Actively looking for the micro-moments of happiness during the day, And ending each day by reflecting on: "What went well today?" MEDIA CONTACT:Natalie BuchozNbuchoz@ View original content: SOURCE Amen Clinics, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
