The neuroscience of trauma explores how traumatic experiences affect brain structure, function, and neural pathways. Traumatic stress can significantly alter the activity and connectivity of brain regions involved in emotional regulation, memory processing, and threat detection, notably the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and insula (van der Kolk, 2014). Trauma can lead to persistent hyperactivation of the amygdala (fear processing), impaired prefrontal cortex function (emotional regulation and decision-making), and reduced hippocampal volume (memory and context integration), contributing to symptoms like intrusive memories, hyperarousal, emotional dysregulation, and dissociation (Teicher & Samson, 2016; Yehuda et al., 2015).
Understanding these neurological impacts informs the development of effective, trauma-specific therapeutic interventions that target the brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity and healing (Perry, 2009).
References:
- Perry, B. D. (2009). Examining child maltreatment through a neurodevelopmental lens: Clinical applications of the neurosequential model of therapeutics. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 14(4), 240-255.
- Teicher, M. H., & Samson, J. A. (2016). Annual Research Review: Enduring neurobiological effects of childhood abuse and neglect. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(3), 241-266.
- van der Kolk, B. A. (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.