How Trauma and PTSD Change the Brain

Max points: 5 Type: Mental Disorder Explainer

This content explains how trauma changes the brain and nervous system, leading to PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, and avoidance. It also highlights how neuroplasticity enables healing through practices like mindfulness, writing, and therapy, offering hope and practical ways to restore balance and resilience.

Channel: Therapy in a Nutshell Duration: 0:10:40

Questions

1. Which brain structure becomes more sensitive after trauma, acting like a 'smoke alarm'?

Prefrontal Cortex Hippocampus Cerebellum Amygdala

2. Why does the prefrontal cortex shrink after trauma?

Constant reliance on fight-flight-freeze responses Excessive language processing Damage from physical injury Overuse of rational thinking

3. What is the broader nervous system effect of being stuck in trauma response?

Adrenal fatigue and hyperarousal Increased creativity Heightened problem-solving ability Improved digestion

4. Which practice was shown in MRI studies to help reverse trauma effects by shrinking the amygdala and growing the hippocampus?

Medication Yoga Mindfulness Aerobic exercise

5. What effect does trauma have on the hippocampus?

It stops producing memories completely It shrinks due to stress hormones killing cells It strengthens logical decision-making It grows larger and more active

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