neurobiology of trauma

Trauma affects the brain by disrupting how it processes stress and emotions. When faced with a traumatic event, the brain activates the body's stress response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These chemicals prepare you to fight or run, but if the trauma is overwhelming or repeated, the brain’s stress regulation system can become dysregulated. This can lead to heightened vigilance, intrusive memories, and difficulties managing emotions. Key areas involved include the amygdala (threat detection), hippocampus (memory processing), and prefrontal cortex (decision-making and control). Over time, this dysregulation can impact mental health, making recovery challenging without appropriate support.