Dr. Amen draws on the latest findings of neuroscience to challenge an outdated psychiatric paradigm and help readers take control and improve the health of their own brain, minimizing or reversing conditions that may be preventing them from living a full and emotionally healthy life. Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 361-420) and index.

Before you begin -- Why I hate the term mental illness and you should too -- From demon possession to the 15-minute med check : a brief history of mental illness diagnoses and treatments -- Making invisible illnesses visible : how looking at the brain disrupts an outdated paradigm and charts a new path forward -- 12 guiding principles to change your life -- Know your brain type : even if you never get scanned -- Get your brain right, and your mind will follow : it starts with four circles and preventing or treating 11 risk factors -- B is for blood flow : optimize the foundation of life -- R is for retirement and aging : when you stop learning, your brain starts dying -- I is for inflammation : quenching the fire within -- G is for genetics : know your vulnerabilities, but your history is not your destiny -- H is for head trauma : the silent epidemic that underlies many mental illnesses -- T is for toxins : detox your mind and body -- M is for mind storms : soothing the abnormal electrical activity that drives mood swings, anxiety, and aggression -- I is for immunity and infections issues : attacked from inside and out -- N is for neurohormone issues : miracle grow for your mind -- D is for diabesity : reverse the epidemic that's destroying brains, minds, and bodies -- S is for sleep : wash your brain each night to have brighter days -- Mind meds versus nutraceuticals : what does the science say? -- You cannot change what you do not measure : prevention starts by knowing your important health numbers -- Food made insanely simple : the bright minds diet to end mental illness -- How to make a massive difference : brain health in families, schools, businesses, churches, and anywhere people congregate.