What does PTSD do to the brain?
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What does PTSD do to the brain?
PTSD causes your brain to get stuck in danger mode. Even after you’re no longer in danger, it stays on high alert. Your body continues to send out stress signals, which lead to PTSD symptoms. Studies show that the part of the brain that handles fear and emotion (the amygdala) is more active in people with PTSD.
How does PTSD affect decision making?
For this reason, people who have experienced complex trauma may display symptoms including poor concentration, poor attention and poor decision-making and judgement. They may also appear highly reactive and respond to threat even if it is not present.
How does trauma impact retaining information?
Children and young people who have experienced trauma have little space left for learning. Their constant state of tension and arousal can leave them unable to concentrate, pay attention, retain and recall new information. Their behaviour is often challenging in the school environment.
How emotional trauma affects the brain?
Brain areas implicated in the stress response include the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Traumatic stress can be associated with lasting changes in these brain areas. Traumatic stress is associated with increased cortisol and norepinephrine responses to subsequent stressors.
How does trauma impact on communication?
In addition to a potential decline in listening abilities, people who have experienced a traumatic event often shy away from openly communicating. Open and forthcoming communication may be avoided for two types of reasons: The individual may want to avoid certain internal experiences.
Does trauma cause memory loss?
In addition to other effects childhood trauma can have on your life, trauma can also cause memory loss. For example, if you suffered abuse at the hands – figuratively or literally – of your caregivers, you may completely block out that time in your life or minimize the memories.
