PTSD and The Impact of Trauma on the Human Brain

In the past, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was seen as a disorder that affected only those who had been in combat. However, we now know that PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, and it's caused by brain changes that occur afterward.

Understanding how trauma affects the brain is critical to discovering more effective treatments for PTSD. It can also help to make sense of what's going on in your brain if you've ever encountered a traumatic event.

PTSD is a whole-brain disorder that can severely affect brain functioning, resulting in symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance behaviors.

One region of the brain called the amygdala, responsible for stress responses (fear and anxiety), becomes hyperactive, while activity in another region - the prefrontal cortex - slows down. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making, planning, and executive function, not to mention calming down one's fear response. This can make it difficult for people with PTSD to make decisions, plan ahead, and control their emotions.

Furthermore, brain scans show that the hippocampus (verbal memory center) in those with PTSD is typically smaller, which may explain the connection between PTSD and difficulty processing traumatic memories.

What constitutes a traumatic event that can trigger PTSD varies from person to person. Some people may be more susceptible to PTSD due to a lack of social support or ongoing stress, while others may have experienced particularly severe or prolonged trauma.

Childhood abuse, for example, is a risk factor for developing PTSD later in life. This is because children's brains are still developing and may have a harder time understanding and processing what happened to them.

If you or someone you know has experienced a traumatic event, it's important to seek professional help. A therapist can provide support as you work through your memories and emotions. In addition, therapy can help to retrain your brain to respond more effectively to stress.