Majorly Depressed. Cant focus on anything and learn and get things done. I tried AMEN clinics and that didn't work for me either.

[Nutella06]

I have tried just about everything to manage my major depression and most have been unsuccessful. The last one I tried was to go to the Amen clinic in Atlanta and get a Spect scan done. I originally saw DR. Amens speech about brain disorders and how his clinics could do this scan of the brain and see which areas of the brain were underactive and overactive and then they would have the proper diagnosis to create a plan of diet and meds to aid the patient. Sounded legit to me so I ordered the DVD's from PBS and watched them and decided this guy DR. Amen might be on to something. So I set up an appointment and went to one of there clinics. They have you do a few tests on a computer to get a gauge of your brain function. How quick you can problem solve, memory and other things. They inject you with a Dye that shows a clearer picture of your brain just like with an MRI. I did 2 Spect scans just like every patient does and then on the 3rd day you meet with a psychiatrist who goes over your scans and tries to develop a game plan to help. For me it didn't help and now I'm left trying to get the insurance company to reimburse some of the cost. I of course did research online before going to the AMEN clinic and most of it was positive reviews. So I thought it makes sense that they could find the exact part of my brain that was sluggish or overstimulated and then we could figure out a plan to treat it. So I met with the doc on the last day and he tells me the results show most of my damage to my brain is due to alcohol and poor dietary choices. He wanted to get me on their supplements and he wanted me to swim in the ocean since I live in Florida and start playing soccer again which I haven't done since I was 13 years old. At that point I felt then and still feel I was scammed by their treatment. I'm sure somebody has benefitted from the clinic but, I feel its completely a placebo effect. I was drawn in because they even have a Nerostar TMS machine at there clinic so that convinced me it was legit. So for anyone looking to make that trip to one of the many AMEN clinics in the US buyer beware...

[jkl5500]

Sorry to hear about your disappointing experience. Are you still going to have that newer TMS treatment?

[Nutella06 in reply to jkl5500]

Hopefully if it can get approved by my insurance. If that doesn't work out I still will try ECT as a last resort...

[jkl5500 in reply to Nutella06]

It must have been a bummer when, after all that testing, all the doc could tell you is to play soccer and swim in the ocean. I would have been expecting something deeper than that. I hope you can get back on track with the next treatment you pick.

[Scott1951]

What a let down that must have been for you. I'm so sorry you wasted your time and money. I can understand why you thought it was worth giving a shot. PBS (here in the US) is constantly airing Dr. Amen and you would think that you could trust them (PBS) to carefully evaluate his program before pushing it so hard. I hope I am wrong, but I wonder if his programs are just one big infomercial, a cash cow for PBS and Amen. I think brain science is very important but is in it's infancy. My guess is that Dr. Amen is promising more than the technology can reliably deliver at this point in its development. Such a shame.

[Nutella06 in reply to Scott1951]

Just like Dubba61 in her dealing with the Amen clinic. Some people and maybe more than I realize has gotten help from the Amen clinic and unfortunately my case of MDD doesn't show on their scan. At least I still have faith and feel very hopeful that the Brainsway TMS will help me.

[Luvmycats in reply to Scott1951]

I purchased Dr. A men's book years ago, and thought he was on to something with the diet. He wasn't pushing supplements and brain scans then. At any rate, I do think his diet is probably as good as any other for weight control, if you follow it. I've tried many diets. They all work for a while; I always fall off the wagon with emotional eating and portion control. I know that's on me. I would definitely be leary of supplements or brain scans.

[Dubba61]

I,m so sorry that didn't work for you. I had similar scan and they found i had encaphalitus (fluid on the Brain,) i was very ill for a while there. Given pills to drain fluid. Still anxious think i always will. But not such bad depression now. I Swim most days and it does seem to help, Tai-chi too. Seems this Scan wasn't an answer for you. Sadly.

[Want2BHappy3]

Sorry that your suffering so much. Have you tried going on YouTube? There are many videos on dealing with anxeity/depression. May sound simple? Sometimes when you least expect something ? Suddenly there's your answer? Sound like you've tried everything...it can't HURT...Take Care

[Nutella06 in reply to Want2BHappy3]

watched tons of stuff on YouTube including positive affirmations, Ted talks Tony Robbins and Buddhists talking about Depression. Some of it helps for a moment but, nothing ever sticks...

[Want2BHappy3 in reply to Nutella06]

Sorry it didn't work, but you need to take what worked for you, even if it didn't stick?

Maybe you gave up too soon? This disorder is VERY DIFFICULT...your going to have to work HARD to overcome it?

Like walking a couple of blocks then expecting to run a marathon...you have to excercise your mind like you would your body for the marathon?

Sometimes it's just easier to give up? You have to focus on retraining your brain. I've been feeling better for 2 days. Ive been distracting myself. Still feel some anxeity...but it's something. It's a MARTHRON

[reinagrace]

Hi Nutella06 I never heard of that business but just looked them up on BBB and they have an F rating there. Sorry for your experience, hopefully moving forward at least it's a lesson learned. I always look up businesses on BBB (Better Business Bureau) before doing business with them and only do business with those who have a B or A rating. However, your results don't sound like complete BS . Alcohol and diet can change brain chemistry for the worse, this is a fact, and there are some natural supplements that help depression. Magnesium helps me, although that's more for the anxiety part .My psychiatrist said the natural supplement SAM-E is proven to help depression, you can buy this over the counter-- it didn't help me but it's probably worth a try because studies show it has helped some. As for depression , i am addicted to sugar but notice it does make me more depressed, and when i can control my cravings and stay away, that does help my mood. I used to drink socially years ago but stopped when i noticed that made me more depressed also. So for starters, is it true that you drink/eat processed sugary foods- and if so, have you stopped? Because for sure, stopping that will lift your mood. If none of that is true, and you never drank or ate unhealthy, depression has many other causes-- but whatever the cause, physical activity and sun/water are all things that are beneficial, but still i feel bad they scammed you if it cost a lot of money just to tell you things that were common sense. I pray that you can at least benefit from what is good advice, as well as get on an antidepressant if needed. Being on an antidepressant helped me years ago when i was suicidal/after a suicide attempt--- but now i am able to manage with these natural means. i hope you feel better

[akablonded]

I'm also sorry that it didn't work out the way you wanted it to. But many of us here, not to sound trite, have "been there, done that" many, many when searching for answers to these kinds of problems and conditions. Doctors, treatments, promises of a solution to terribly thorny problems. Very rarely is there a quick fix. I hope you continue to look for a better treatment for yourself. And while I agree that hearing "take a swim" or "play soccer" sounds hollow, strenuous physical activity can pump you full of endorphins. You'll feel less depressed, at least for a little while. Or tired enough so that you can get a decent night's sleep.

[srutter60]

I am sorry you got scammed. When we are not feeling well we are so vulnerable nothing worse than to prey on vulnerable people. There is no magic. Curious about TMS could have some good effects. Have heard if that does not work have heard some folks get ECT from reputable hospitals and has amazing effects.

Still exercise and health eating is a start for everyone to be healthy. Good luck no matter what. I try hard to do that. I meditate some and write. I try so hard to stay positive. it all adds up . There is no magic, I wish...