The Neuroscience of Trauma

The neuroscience of trauma involves understanding how traumatic experiences affect the brain and body. When faced with trauma, the brain's stress response system can become overactive, particularly areas like the amygdala (which processes fear) and the hippocampus (involved in memory). This can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and difficulty regulating emotions. Trauma can alter brain structure and function, making it harder to cope with stress and form new memories. Understanding this helps inform effective therapies that aim to heal the brain's response to trauma and support emotional recovery.