PTSD And Brain Function: Exploring The Neurobiology Of Traumatic Stress

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more than just an emotional response to traumatic events. It can be seen as a complex condition rooted in profound changes to brain function and structure. Here, we’ll explore the neurobiology of trauma, including how traumatic experiences affect the brain and how certain interventions can address and relieve these effects. With an understanding of how traumatic stress impacts the brain and body, you may be equipped to address traumatic stress in a healthy and adaptive way. A licensed mental health professional can guide you through this process with online or in-person therapy sessions.

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A brief overview of the stress disorder PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop in response to a traumatic event. It’s classified as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) along with acute stress disorder, adjustment disorders, and others. 

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD can vary somewhat from person to person, but they generally include things like:

• Reliving the event through memories (flashbacks) or dreams
• Avoidance of upsetting thoughts, places, or conversations
• Negative changes in thinking and mood
• A sense of detachment or dissociation
• Hyperarousal and reactivity

PTSD is normally preceded by acute stress disorder, which may begin immediately after the trauma occurs and can last up to one month. If symptoms persist beyond one month, the diagnosis may evolve into PTSD. 

In situations where a person experiences repeated or enduring trauma, such as in instances of childhood abuse or neglect, intimate partner violence, or captivity, a form of PTSD called complex PTSD can occur. This diagnosis typically includes the symptoms of PTSD as well as challenges with self-perception, emotional regulation, and interpersonal difficulties.

Understanding PTSD, brain function, and memory in the prefrontal cortex

To understand why PTSD occurs—and how to prevent it—it can be helpful to understand the neurological processes that tend to occur in response to a traumatic experience.

When faced with a trauma or threat, the brain typically prompts the body to release stress hormones and other chemicals. Key areas like the amygdala, which is involved in emotional reaction, may become activated to handle the stress. Meanwhile, the hippocampus, in which memories are formed and organized, may begin to consolidate the traumatic event into long-term memory.

The role of the prefrontal cortex

Ideally, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thinking and emotional regulation, can moderate this effect through a process called habituation. Through this process, the brain may become accustomed to the trauma-related stimuli and react less intensely. Habituation can take time, and a person may experience acute stress disorder in the month following the traumatic event.

However, in cases of PTSD, habituation generally doesn’t work as it should. The prefrontal cortex may fail to moderate the emotional response of the amygdala, leading to unchecked emotional responses that can occur for months or even years following the trauma.

Understanding habituation in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder

You may have heard people discuss the idea of “processing trauma” in relation to therapy and healing, which can be another way of describing habituation. During habituation, the brain usually learns to diminish its response to trauma-related stimuli through repeated exposure. This repeated exposure can desensitize the individual to the emotional and physical reactions originally triggered by the trauma. 

Habituation can be achieved by talking about the event, journaling, and attending trauma therapy. The goal of trauma interventions is usually to activate the habituation process, lessening the intensity of the memories by revisiting them in a safe and controlled setting.

While some may initially find it challenging to revisit upsetting memories, the process may eventually result in the ability to access the memory without triggering the body’s stress response, allowing these individuals to function more effectively without being overwhelmed by traumatic memories. 

Over time, this process can help individuals develop a new perspective on their experiences, contributing to recovery and increased emotional resilience.

Coping skills for managing symptoms of PTSD

Because of the way trauma affects the brain, it can be crucial to implement healthy coping skills in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. Coping skills can offer a way to manage the intense emotions and stress responses triggered by the experience, helping you process the memories and minimize the potential development of more severe psychological conditions. 

Here are some key strategies to consider:

1. Use mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation usually work by regulating brain activity, which can, in turn, reduce the physiological symptoms of stress. This can help you break the association between the traumatic memory and the body’s stress response.

2. Engage in focused distraction to prevent PTSD after trauma

In the immediate aftermath of trauma, it may be helpful to engage in a form of focused distraction, such as with a game, puzzle, or other stimulating activity. Early research has found that this type of engagement can reduce the vividness and frequency of traumatic memories. Researchers hypothesize that this works by competing for cognitive resources that are needed for memory consolidation, effectively interfering with the way traumatic memories are formed and stored in the brain.

3. Spend time with loved ones

Social support tends to be crucial when coping with traumatic stress. Your friends, family, and community can be vital sources of practical assistance in the days and weeks following the trauma, and they can also provide the emotional comfort and reassurance needed to overcome the challenging feelings associated with your experiences.

4. Journal for your mental health

Journaling can be a way to process your memories and make sense of any thoughts and feelings you may be holding in relation to your trauma. Even if you aren’t ready to discuss your experiences with others, writing in a journal can be a safe way to work through your experience with mindfulness and control, facilitating the habituation process.

5. Get regular exercise for physical and brain health

Exercise is often helpful for those with PTSD, and it tends to boost overall mental and physical health. Physical activity typically releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as mood boosters. Regular exercise can reduce symptoms, improve sleep, and promote emotional resilience. 

By incorporating these coping skills into daily life, individuals living with post-traumatic stress can find effective ways to mitigate the neurological damage associated with it and lessen the impact of PTSD on their daily lives.

Treatment options for PTSD symptoms

In the aftermath of trauma, trauma therapy can be a transformative step toward recovery. Mental health professionals can offer specialized therapeutic approaches designed to address the specific needs of those coping with trauma. These therapies are usually tailored to help individuals process traumatic events, manage symptoms, and regain a sense of control over their lives.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for traumatic stress

Trauma-focused CBT can be a highly effective form of treatment. It normally involves identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns related to the traumatic event. By restructuring negative thoughts and confronting fears, CBT may reduce symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)

CPT is another structured treatment that tends to focus on how a person interprets and copes with traumatic memories. It may be particularly helpful for identifying and challenging beliefs related to the trauma, aiming to alter the distressing thoughts that can perpetuate symptoms.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR generally utilizes a unique technique of guided eye movements to help the brain process traumatic memories and reduce their lingering effects. This therapy is primarily based on the idea that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.

Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy

PE therapy usually involves repeated, detailed imagining of the trauma or progressive exposures to trauma-related stimuli. This approach is based on the principle of habituation. Repeated exposure to fears and triggers can eventually decrease the emotional response they provoke.

Written exposure therapy (WET)

Written exposure therapy is a brief yet effective type of treatment that involves writing about one’s traumatic experiences in a structured manner. This modality aims to help individuals confront and make sense of their trauma through repeated, focused writing sessions.

Other types of therapy for PTSD and brain function

The above are just some of the treatment options that may be recommended to improve brain function and mental health after experiencing trauma. There are other forms of trauma-focused therapy available as well, and medication and lifestyle changes may also be suggested by treatment providers in some cases.

Seeking mental health therapy for post-traumatic stress symptoms

If you or someone you know is coping with traumatic stress, seeking professional assistance can be a crucial step toward recovery. A licensed therapist can help you process and overcome your trauma using the specialized trauma interventions discussed above. f left untreated, symptoms of PTSD can worsen, causing further disruptions to a person’s daily life and additional risks to their well-being. Untreated PTSD can also cause additional challenges to develop, such as depression or substance misuse problems.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Online therapy for PTSD, anxiety, and other challenges

For an affordable, convenient option, it may be worth considering online therapy for PTSD and any comorbid conditions you may be living with, such as depression or anxiety. Virtual trauma therapy tends to be similar to in-person therapy in terms of effectiveness, and it may be preferable for those seeking flexible and affordable professional help.

BetterHelp is one such online therapy platform where you can find licensed therapists who have expertise in trauma PTSD, and related conditions. Through BetterHelp, you can attend weekly sessions via video, phone, or online chat. You can attend sessions from the location of your choice at a time that fits your schedule.