Traumatic stress and the brain: Parts of the brain called the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex all play a role in the stress response. These parts of the brain can change over time because of traumatic stress. Traumatic stress causes cortisol and norepinephrine levels to rise when the body is stressed again. The effects of antidepressants on the hippocampus are the opposite of the effects of stress.
Findings from animal studies have been applied to people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and show that their hippocampal and anterior cingulate volumes are smaller, their amygdala function is higher, and their medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate function is lower. Also, when people with PTSD are stressed, their cortisol and norepinephrine levels rise. Animal studies of treatments that work for PTSD show that they boost neurogenesis, improve memory, and increase the size of the hippocampus.
Table of Contents
Traumatic Stress and the Brain – What is the stress response?
The stress response is the body’s natural reaction to a perceived threat. The stress response is also known as the fight-or-flight response because it activates the body’s systems to either fight the threat or flee from it. The stress response begins in the brain, where the hypothalamus (a small, almond-shaped structure) signals the adrenal glands to release the hormone adrenaline.
Adrenaline increases heart rate and blood pressure while also boosting energy levels. In addition, adrenaline triggers the release of glucose from energy stores in the liver, providing fuel for the muscles. The stress response is a vital part of survival, but it can also be a downside when constantly activated in response to everyday stresses. This can lead to chronic stress, which has been linked to various health problems.
Traumatic Stress and the Brain – The Effects of PTSD
Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event can tell you that the aftermath is often just as harrowing as the event itself. Victims of trauma often struggle with various issues, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, dissociation, and personality disorders. They also tend to experience poorer physical health. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, 8% of Americans will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives.
The good news is that there is an increasing awareness of the need to treat mental problems caused by early trauma. The New Freedom Commission Report emphasizes the importance of early intervention and treatment for trauma-related diseases like PTSD. However, there are still many knowledge gaps that restrict the development of effective treatments. With more research and funding, we can provide much-needed help to those who have lived through Trauma.
Traumatic Stress and the Brain – Brain Development Factors
The human brain is a fantastic organ, undergoing constant changes in structure and function from early childhood all the way through to late life. The majority of brain development occurs before birth, but the brain continues to grow and develop after we are born. It is essential to understand these normal developmental changes to distinguish between normal development and pathology.
The brain develops in stages throughout life, and trauma may have different effects depending on which phase of development it occurs. For example, a child who experiences abuse may have a different outcome than an adult who experiences abuse because their brains are at various stages of development. Understanding the nuances of brain development is critical for providing proper care and support to those who have experienced trauma.
Traumatic Stress and the Brain – The Brain Dimensions of PTSD
PTSD is marked by certain signs, such as intrusive thoughts, being too alert, having flashbacks, having nightmares, and having trouble sleeping. It is thought that PTSD symptoms result from changes in the structure and function of the brain caused by stress. Cortisol and norepinephrine are two critical hormones in the body’s response to stress. Animal studies have shown that early stress affects the HPA axis and norepinephrine in ways that last long.
When rats were taken away from their mothers, the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and frontal cortex had fewer glucocorticoid receptors. This change in receptor density lasted into adulthood and was associated with increased anxiety-like behavior. In humans, PTSD has been linked to changes in cortisol levels and changes in the structure of the hippocampus. It is thought that these changes in the brain caused by stress may lead to the development of PTSD symptoms.
It’s well-known that chronic stress can harm our physical and mental health. Now, new research sheds light on exactly how chronic stress affects the brain. The findings could be significant for people who were abused as children. When someone is exposed to chronic stress, their noradrenergic system becomes more sensitive to future stress.
This sensitization can lead to long-term changes in the brain, including alterations in the levels of specific messenger RNA (mRNA). These changes could have lasting effects on how the brain is built and how it works. Antidepressants may be one way to stop these effects of stress. The findings suggest that changing BDNF and trkB mRNA in this way could have long-term effects on the brain, which could be helpful for people with PTSD.
Although it is often assumed that people with PTSD have lower cortisol levels, not every study has found this to be the case. For example, girls who had been sexually abused as children had normal baseline cortisol levels and a blunted response of ACTH to CRF. Women who had PTSD because of abuse as a child had high cortisol levels. This suggests that the relationship between PTSD and cortisol levels is complex and may vary depending on the individual.
As research on this topic continues, it is hoped that a more nuanced understanding of the link between PTSD and cortisol will emerge. In the meantime, it is important to remember that each person uniquely experiences PTSD.
Traumatic Stress and the Brain – Cognitive Function Deficits in PTSD
Many people who have experienced trauma develop post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Studies of PTSD have found changes in cognition and brain structure that may explain some of the symptoms of the condition. For example, people with PTSD often have difficulty remembering everyday events, and they may also have biased attention to trauma-related material.
Additionally, people with PTSD often have smaller volumes in the frontal lobe of their brain, which is associated with impaired memory function. These findings suggest that PTSD is a disorder that is characterized by changes in the brain that can impact memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. Treatment for PTSD often includes therapy to help people deal with the disorder’s symptoms and learn how to manage their thoughts and emotions.
Traumatic memories can be complicated to process and live with on a daily basis. It’s no wonder that many people who have experienced trauma look for ways to reduce the intensity of their memories and feelings. However, what is less well known is that intervention soon after the trauma is critical for long-term outcomes. This is because, over time, memories of the trauma become indelible and resistant to treatment.
Traumatic Stress and the Brain – PTSD Treatment
Unfortunately, not all methods of intervention are effective. In some cases, treatments can even make symptoms worse. Studies have shown, for example, that Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) can make things worse compared to not getting any treatment. This is why it’s essential to work with a professional who understands the latest research on trauma and its treatment.
Several pharmacological treatments are effective for chronic PTSD.
Medications like imipramine, amitriptyline, phenelzine, and later brofaramine, paroxetine, and sertraline have been shown to help people with chronic PTSD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tianeptine have also been found to help treat PTSD. In other words, there are many options available for those suffering from this condition, but it is vital to seek help as soon as possible after the trauma occurs. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating trauma, these medications can offer relief for many people.
Traumatic Stress and the Brain – Lessons from animal studies
Animal studies have shown that giving antidepressants to animals before they experience stress makes them less likely to have long-term behavioural problems related to stress. This research indicates that early treatment with antidepressants may help prevent stress-related mental health problems. The studies show that antidepressants help nerve growth (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus, while stress stops neurogenesis. This is significant because it has been shown that antidepressants need neurogenesis in the hippocampus to be effective. These findings provide strong support for the use of antidepressants as a means of preventing stress-related mental health problems.
Traumatic Stress and the Brain – How to deal with traumatic stress
Traumatic stress can be a difficult thing to deal with. It can feel like the world is collapsing on you, and it is hard to imagine things getting better.
- The first step is to understand that traumatic stress is a normal reaction to an abnormal event. It is your body’s way of trying to protect you from further harm.
- The second step is to realize that you are not alone. Many people have gone through similar experiences and have come out the other side.
- The third step is to seek professional help if you feel like struggling to cope. This can be in the form of therapy, medication, or both.
Remember, there is no shame in seeking help, and it is a sign of strength, not weakness. Finally, give yourself time to heal. There is no set timeline for recovering from trauma, so be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to grieve, cry, and move at your own pace. You will start to feel better, and your life will look brighter.
Conclusion
PTSD is a serious condition that can have long-lasting effects. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, it is vital to seek professional help as soon as possible. Early intervention is critical for long-term outcomes. Many treatment options are available, so there is no need to suffer in silence. With the right help, you can begin to heal and move on with your life.
References
The work of J Douglas Brenner inspired this post: J. Douglas Bremner (2006) Traumatic stress: effects on the brain, Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8:4, 445-461, DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2006.8.4/jbremner