PTSD can cause physical changes in the brain, particularly in the amygdala, prefrontal lobe, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. The effects include changes in neurotransmitter usage, emotional response, memory processing, and language regulation. Some individuals may be inherently vulnerable to PTSD due to brain structure and function.
The effects of PTSD on the brain seem to suggest a biological basis for the symptoms of this disorder. Scientists believe that experiencing extreme psychological trauma can cause physical changes in the brain. It may be possible, however, that inherent differences in brain structure and function make some people vulnerable to PTSD. The effects of PTSD on the brain occur primarily in the amygdala, a part of the brain that helps control emotions. The hippocampus, prefrontal lobe, and prefrontal cortex can be damaged by traumatic experiences, and some experts believe that the effects of PTSD on the brain include changes in how the brain uses certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine , serotonin and norepinephrine.
One of the primary effects of PTSD on the brain can be found in the amygdala. Along with the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala is typically responsible for helping control emotions. In some PTSD sufferers, the amygdala actually gets bigger, which could indicate an excess of emotional response in the brain. Changes in how the brain uses neurotransmitters after experiencing trauma can cause a decrease in the function of the prefrontal cortex, which also normally helps control emotions, especially fearful ones. Experts believe that post-trauma changes in prefrontal cortex function may occur due to increased levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which the brain typically excretes when high levels of alertness and caution are needed.
Many PTSD sufferers experience a numb emotional state after the onset of symptoms. Experts believe this may be due to increased levels of the neurotransmitters responsible for pain relief. The effects of PTSD on the brain can also include a decreased ability to use the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is generally responsible for feelings of well-being. This may explain why feelings of depression often accompany PTSD.
The hippocampus, which is usually responsible for processing and storing memories, can also undergo changes due to the effects of PTSD on the brain. Experts have found that many people with PTSD symptoms have a smaller than normal hippocampus. One theory states that the hippocampus may actually decrease in size during stressful events, due to damage caused by the stress hormone cortisol. Another theory states that someone developing PTSD may have possessed an unusually small hippocampus to begin with.
People with PTSD often have difficulty collecting their thoughts and expressing themselves. The effects of PTSD on the brain can include damage to the prefrontal lobe, the area of the brain that typically regulates language and self-expression. Elevated levels of norepinephrine in the brain may explain the occurrence of intense physical startle reactions in PTSD sufferers, as this neurotransmitter typically induces “fight or flight” responses to stressful situations.
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