Functions- Deep Limbic System

DEEP LIMBIC This system lies near the center of the brain. It is the older (from an evolutionary point of view) part of the brain that enables animals to experience and express emotions. Functions- Deep Limbic System ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰

Sets emotional tone of the mind/mood (filters external events through internal states) Tags events as important Stores highly charged emotional memories Modulates motivation Controls appetite, sleep cycles and libido Promotes bonding in relationships *Directly processes sense of smell

Problem Checklist- Deep Limbic SYMPTOM Feelings of sadness Negativity Irritability Decreased interest in others Feel hopeless about the future Feel helpless or powerless Feel dissatisfied or bored Excessive guilt Suicidal feelings Crying

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SYMPTOM RATE Moodiness Low energy Less interested in fun things Sleep changes (too much or too little) Appetite changes Low self-esteem Decreased interest in sex Negative sensitivity to smell Forgetfulness Poor concentration

Nutritional/Behavioral Interventions- Deep Limbic 1. Omega-3 fatty acids- most often found in fish; niacinamide (1000mg) 3x's daily if no liver problems. Protein in balanced amounts with fats and carbohydrates-lean fish or meat, cheese, beans and nuts (milk and eggs) 3. Snack on complex carbohydrate snacks such as whole grain crackers or whole grain breads--eat every 2 to 3 hours, either a meal or a snack. 4. Supplements- l-tryptophane 1000-3000mg at bedtime; Tyrosine 1000-5000 per day; d-phenylanlanine 400 mg 3x per day on empty stomach; B-complex vitamins. Consider using an adrenal extract (125 mg) combined with adrenal cortical extract (30 mg), taken 3x's daily. 5. Regular exercise; surround yourself with people who provide positive bonding 6. Internal voice training 2.

Reprinted with permission from Daniel Amen, M.D.- Change Your Brain, Change Your Life Times Books, 1998

PREFRONTAL CORTEX The most evolved part of the brain, it occupies the front third of the brain underneath the forehead. Functions- Prefrontal Cortex ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰

Attention Span*Critical Thinking*Perserverance Forward Thinking*Judgement *Learning form experience Impulse Control*Expression of emotions*Organization Interaction with limbic *Self-monitoring and internal *Express empathy system control Problem Solving

Problem Checklist- Prefrontal Cortex SYMPTOM Inability to give close attention to details or avoid careless mistakes Trouble listening Inability to finish things or tasks Poor organization of time or space Distractibility Poor planning skills Lack of clear goals/forward thinking Difficulty expressing feelings Excessive daydreaming Apathy or lack of motivation Talk too much or too little

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SYMPTOM Trouble sustaining attention in routine situations Feeling of spaciness; in a "fog" Restlessness/trouble sitting still Conflict seeking Difficulty staying seated or awaiting turn Interruption or intrusion on others Difficulty expressing empathy for others Impulsivity Trouble learning from experience Boredom/lethargy

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Nutritional/Behavioral Interventions- Prefrontal Cortex 1)High protein (lean meats, eggs, low-fat cheese, nuts and legumes) and low-carbohydrate/fat Eliminate simple sugars and carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, cakes, etc. 2)Supplement with tyrosine (500-1500 mg 2-3x daily); oligomeric procyanidius (grape seed) 1 mg/pound of body weight; and gingko biloba 60-120 mg 2x a day. 3)Listen to classical music 20 minutes daily; clear focus on how you want to live your life. 4)Learn time management skills - eat at regular times every 2-3 hours 5)Glutamine (500 to 1000 mg 4x's daily) may help curb craving for alcohol, drugs and sugar.

Reprinted with permission from Daniel Amen, M.D.- Change Your Brain, Change Your Life Times Books, 1998

TEMPORAL LOBES Located on either side of the brain behind the eyes and underneath the temples, this area stores memories and images that help us define our sense of ourselves. Functions of Dominant Temporal LobeFunctions Understanding and processing language Intermediate-term memory Long-term memory Retrival of word and auditory learning Complex memories/visual and auditory processing Emotional stability, especially anger and aggression Functions of Non-Dominant TL ‰ Recognizing facial expressions ‰ Decoding vocal intonation ‰ Rhythm ‰ Music appreciation ‰ Visual learning ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰

Problem Checklist- Temporal Lobes SYMPTOM Short fuse/periods of extreme irritability Periods of rage with little provocation Frequent misinterpretation of comments as negative when they are not Periods of spaciness or confusion Panic or fear for no specific reason Visual or auditory changes (see shadows) Headaches or abdominal pain; no clear origin History of head injury/family history of violence or explosiveness

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SYMPTOM RATE Dark thoughts (suicidal or homicidal) Periods of forgetfulness Irritability that tends to build, explode then recede; person feels tired after a rage Memory problems Reading comprehension problems Preoccupation with moral or religious ideas Frequent deja vu or jamais vu Sensitivity or mild paranoia

Nutritional/Behavioral Interventions- Temporal Lobes 1)Practice regular sleep pattern 2)Eliminate caffeine and nicotine 3)Follow higher protein, lower simple-carbohydrate diet. If aggression is associated with ruminations, moodiness and depression, then a balanced diet of equal amounts of carbohydrates and protein is best. 4)Use biofeedback/relaxation response exercises; listen to lots of relaxing music; move in rhyythms; sing when you can. 5)Supplement with B complex, pantothenic acid and 1-3 grams C taken 3x's daily. Make sure multivitamins have calcium (100 mg) with magnesium (90 mg); if not, supplement with these amounts.

Reprinted with permission from Daniel Amen, M.D.- Change Your Brain, Change Your Life Times Books, 1998

BASIL GANGLIA A large structure toward the center of the brain that surrounds the deep limbic system Functions- the Basil Ganglia ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰

integrates feelings and movement shifts and smoothes fine motor behavior suppresses unwanted motor behaviors sets the body's idle speed or anxiety level enhances motivation mediates pleasure/ecstasy (with amygdala)

Problem Checklist- Basil Ganglia

SYMPTOM RATE SYMPTOM Feelings of nervousness or anxiety Tendency to predict the worst Panic attacks Fear of dying or doing something crazy Symptoms of heightened muscle tension Avoidance of public places/fear of anxiety Frequent headaches, sore muscles, hand tremor Conflict avoidance Periods of heart pounding, rapid heart rate or Excessive fear of being judged or chest pain scrutinized by others Periods of trouble breathing/feel smothered Persistent phobias Feeling dizzy, faint or unsteady on feet Excessive or low motivation Nausea or abdominal upset Tics Sweating, hot/cold flashes, cold hands Poor handwriting Quick startle reaction Shyness or timidity Tendency to freeze in anxiety provoking Low threshold of embarrassment situations

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Nutritional/Behavioral Interventions- Basil Ganglia 1)Use hypoglycemic diet, moderate protein, low simple-carbohydrate-- basic diet should consist of grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits. 2)Use recommended doses of kava extract and valerian root 3)Take a multiple vitamin daily including or supplement with Vitamin C (2-3g), B-complex (with B6), Pantothenic acid (100-200mg), Vitamin E, Magnesium-calcium, Multiple mineral and trace element formula, Vitamin A (10,000 units) and D (400 units). 4)Practice relaxation exercises including breath work and visualizations; understand triggers

Reprinted with permission from Daniel Amen, M.D.- Change Your Brain, Change Your Life Times Books, 1998

CINGULATE SYSTEM Traverses longitudinally through the central deep aspects of the frontal lobes. Functions- the Cingulate System ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰

ability to shift attention cognitive flexibility adapatability movement from ideal to idea ability to see options/cooperate and go with the flow

Problem Checklist- Cingulate System

SYMPTOM RATE SYMPTOM Excessive or senseless worrying Trouble shifting attention between subjects Being upset when things do not go your way Trouble shifting from task to task Being upset when things are out of place Difficulty seeing options in situations Tendency to get locked into a course of action, Tendency to hold on to own opinion and not whether or not it is good listen to others Tendency to have repetitive negative thoughts Tendency to be oppositional or argumentative Tendency toward compulsive behaviors Getting very upset unless things are done a certain way Intense dislike of change Perception by others that you worry too much Tendency to hold grudges Tendency to say no without thinking about it Tendency to predict negative outcomes

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Nutritional/Behavioral Interventions- Cingulate System 1)Eat foods rich in tryptophane (chicken, turkey, salmon, beef, peanut butter, eggs, green peas, potatoes, and milk). 2)Enlist in a program of regular exercise 3)Use l-tryptophane supplement 4)Practice cognitive therapy techniques of positive self-talk 5)Notice when you are stuck and either take a break or counsel of others

Reprinted with permission from Daniel Amen, M.D.- Change Your Brain, Change Your Life Times Books, 1998