CYBCYL Chapter 2 – Carving Knifes and Tooth Fairies: A Prelude to the Brain and Behavior

Here is where the author, Dr. Daniel Amen, begins to outline the basis for this book. Essentially, the brain is connected to our lives; everything we perceive and everything we think about originates and ends in the brain. Additionally, as mentioned in Chapter 1, SPECT scanning (like fMRI and other scans) is a way to glimpse the brain in all its glory. In fact, Amen states that he felt “naked” the first time he saw his own scan due to how it could act as a potential “mind-reader”. More into the chapter, some personal cases are mentioned,...

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CYBCYL Chapter 8- Becoming Focused: Prefrontal Cortex Prescriptions

In this chapter, Amen emphasizes a technique he calls “total focus” to heal prefrontal cortex problems. His prescriptions help emphasize this overarching theme. Prescription 1: The One-Page Miracle. This rule requires one to be very concrete with his or her goals and think deeply about what those goals are. Then that person would have to take a sheet of paper and write down goals under the following headings and subheadings: “Relationships” – Spouse/Lover, Children, Extended Family, and friends ; “Work” – Current work goals, future work goals,...

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CYBCYL Chapter 7- Looking into Inattention and Impulsivity: The Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex is arguably what makes us human. It is considered that most evolved part of the brain and is responsible for a variety of functions including: judgment, attention span, critical thinking, problem solving, organizations, empathy, learning (from experience), simulation, and many others. This part of your brain is important in helping you learn from your mistakes. Your prefrontal cortex is divided into 3 sections: the dorsolateral section (outer surface), the inferior orbital section (front underside), and the cingulate gyrus...

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CYBCYL Chapter 6 – Mastering Fear: Basal Ganglia Prescriptions

Based on the checklist in chapter five, it is possible to determine if you may have a problem with your basal ganglia. Again, they are responsible for your anxiety levels, smoothing motor movements, and integrating movement and feelings alike. Prescription 1: Kill the Fortune-Telling ANTs. Remember ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) from chapter 4? Well people who often have ANTs are usually more anxious, and many of these people may consider themselves pessimistic as well. There are many ways someone can overcome these thoughts. One way Amen suggests...

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CYBCYL Chapter 4 – Enhancing Positive Thought Patterns and Strengthening Connections: Deep Limbic System Prescriptions

How can one heal deep limbic system problems? Deep Limbic System Prescription 1: Kill the ANTs – Depressed people view the world through a dim and gloomy scope. They harbor regret and look towards the future with anxiety and fearfulness. In this case, they suffer from ANTs or automatic negative thoughts. These can cause many to become depressed or think pessimistically. Some typical ANTs would be: “You don’t care about me” or “It’s your fault”. In order to heal this system, people must drive out the ANTs from their brain. Why? Because their...

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CYBCYL Chapter 3- Love and Depression: The Deep Limbic System

This chapter delves into the role of the “deep limbic system” in our daily lives. However, it should be clarified that this term should not be confused with “limbic system”, which has other additional parts. Rather the “deep limbic system” in this chapter refers to the thalamic structures and hypothalamus, along with other surrounding systems. The limbic system can be considered the “older” and more “primal” part of the brain. It has enabled animals to experience and show emotions, and the deep limbic system has many other functions including:...

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