Trauma profoundly impacts the brain and body, altering neurological, psychological, and physiological systems. Trauma exposure can significantly affect areas of the brain, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for managing the stress response, memory formation, and emotional regulation. Chronic trauma often leads to hyperactivation of the amygdala (fear center), diminished hippocampal volume (affecting memory), and impaired functioning of the prefrontal cortex (affecting executive function and decision-making) (van der Kolk, 2014; Bremner, 2006; Yehuda et al., 2015).
Physiologically, trauma can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight-flight response), and decreased parasympathetic activity, compromising the body’s ability to return to homeostasis (Porges, 2011). This imbalance can result in chronic stress symptoms, hormonal dysregulation, immune dysfunction, and increased risk for chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, and gastrointestinal issues (Felitti et al., 1998; Levine, 2015; Perry, Pollard, Blakley, Baker, & Vigilante, 1995).
References:
- Bremner, J. D. (2006). Traumatic stress: Effects on the brain. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(4), 445–461.
- Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., … & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
- Levine, P. (2015). Trauma and memory: Brain and body in a search for the living past. North Atlantic Books.
- Perry, B. D., Pollard, R. A., Blakley, T. L., Baker, W. L., & Vigilante, D. (1995). Childhood trauma, the neurobiology of adaptation, and “use-dependent” development of the brain: How “states” become “traits.” Infant Mental Health Journal, 16(4), 271-291.
- Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. Norton.
- van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
- Yehuda, R., Hoge, C. W., McFarlane, A. C., Vermetten, E., Lanius, R. A., Nievergelt, C. M., … & Hyman, S. E. (2015). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 1(1), 15057.