Is it what you’re eating… or what’s eating you? Recent research shows that lack of family support following psychological trauma in childhood can contribute to life-long eating disorders. It’s fascinating to think that physical malnourishment may reflect a lack of emotional nourishment in a traumatic childhood. Jerica Berge, PhD and colleagues from the University of […]
How Trauma Affects a Child’s Brain
We all know that trauma impacts us emotionally, but does it also affect our intelligence? A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health suggests that children who witness their mothers being the victim of abuse, or experience physical or sexual abuse themselves, actually score lower on cognitive tests later in life. […]
Old Before Their Time: The Effect of PTSD on Children’s Telomeres
Stress and PTSD can take a toll on our bodies, minds, and spirits, resulting in damage that can age us before our time. That’s not an opinion − it’s been proven scientifically. It’s no secret that I love learning about telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that keep them from deteriorating. […]
Leading Psychiatric Doctor Claims Re-labeling PTSD as PTSI will bring "Unintended Consequences"
Will re-naming Post Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD) to Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) help to reduce patient stigma?According to Matthew Friedman, MD, PhD, the answer is no. In our last post, I talked about whether or not we should drop the “disorder” from PTSD. Now, let’s get into the discussion the American Psychiatric Association is having. In […]
PTSD or PTS: Which to Use When Treating Trauma?
Did you know that only half of the soldiers with trauma are willing to seek treatment? Many are resistant because they do not want their symptoms to be labeled a “disorder”, as in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Can a name alone really be that powerful? According to Belleruth Naparstek, LISW, author of Invisible Heroes, there […]
Mind-Body Medicine Helps Military Personnel Heal
There is a new and surprising supporter of complementary and alternative medicine − the United States military. Working with soldiers can be challenging – especially since we are often not familiar with their environment. After getting countless emails we realized this video has touched many people, and so we wanted to repost it. And actually, […]
How Do Video Games Change the Brain?
If you’re like me, you might think that video games are just for kids. But according to Richard Restak, MD, video games can improve the brain at any age. In fact, certain types of games have even been shown to increase IQ in older adults. Richard Restak is the Clinical Professor of Neurology at George […]
A Special Thank You to Our Brain Science Gold Subscribers
If you’re a Gold Subscriber, I wanted to take a moment to give you an extra note of thanks. Yes, I realize that when you register for a Gold Subscription, you receive the transcripts, audio and video recordings, special bonus webinars, and even possible CE/CME credits. But when you get a Gold Subscription, you’re doing […]
Why 72 is worth celebrating . . .How brain science is changing the world
Why should you care that this series reached 13,298 practitioners in 72 countries? Because brain science, when artfully applied, can make a difference – it can truly heal people’s lives. And when someone’s brain changes, they respond with fewer fear-based reactions. Just that alone can plant the seeds of change across families, communities, and even […]
Improving Memory through Meditation?
Many of us fear losing our memory and healthy brain function. Whenever I misplace my car keys or forget my online banking password, I get the fleeting thought of “oh, no, is this a sign?” Meditation is one way that I calm such fears, but I may be helping my memory in the process too. […]