Experiencing a traumatic event is more common than you think. The World Health Organization reports that 70% of the world population has experienced some type of trauma in their lifetime—not just post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re doing an online search for “how does trauma affect the brain,” you’re not alone. Many people wonder about the effects of trauma, how it can impact their lives, and what they can do about it if it happens to them.
The Ranch PA welcomes anyone who’s experienced a traumatic event and is experiencing trouble overcoming their symptoms. Our PTSD treatment program is tailored to a client’s unique symptoms and the causes behind their condition. Therapists will dive deep to uncover the original trauma and the negative behaviors it creates. Our programs utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to ease anxiety and depressive symptoms and any associated addiction withdrawals and cravings.
How Does Trauma Affect the Brain?
A traumatic event is any type of event that leaves you with an overwhelming and distressing experience that can have a negative impact on your everyday life. It can affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally and lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders (SUDs), acute stress disorder, bipolar disorders, and other treatable conditions.
It’s caused by any type of event, from a serious car accident to natural disasters, combat, the sudden death of a loved one, domestic abuse, bullying, and sexual assault. It can cause many symptoms, including:
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and pains
- Hyperventilation
How does trauma affect the brain? Trauma can have a very profound impact on the brain that can affect its structure, chemistry, and function.
Structural Changes
Trauma can impact several sections of the brain, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. It can shrink these areas and lead to poor memory formation, increased sensitivity to threats, and reduced ability to regulate emotions, make decisions, and control impulsive reactions.
Functional Changes
Functionally, trauma can cause your brain to remain in a constant state of high alert. This can lead to hyperarousal, high stress levels, and insomnia. It can also cause people to misremember details about the trauma and become distorted by their own emotions and thoughts.
Chemical Changes
A traumatic event can cause an increase in cortisol and adrenaline levels, which can lead to worsening anxiety, depression, and physical health problems. Trauma can also impact neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, making them more susceptible to depression and anxiety.
If the trauma is never dealt with, it can increase your risk of developing PTSD and other disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, specific phobias, and other disorders.
Treating the Effects of Trauma
While post-traumatic stress disorder can be very detrimental to your well-being, there are several treatment options for treating the effects of trauma. These programs can help clients develop the necessary skills to manage their symptoms and triggers so they can lead a healthy and productive lifestyle.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
CBT is one of the top therapeutic modalities for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and other types of mental health illnesses. It focuses on the underlying trauma and the behaviors it creates. Therapists will work closely with each client to focus on the trauma and talk about what feelings come up. They then use various techniques to teach you new behaviors to replace the negative ones.
Other types of behavioral therapy that can benefit PTSD symptoms include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and mindfulness-based therapies.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Using medication to treat PTSD and other disorders is very common and considered a safe way to ease physical and psychological symptoms. Medical staff will administer medications based on your treatment plan. They’ll monitor you for any adverse reactions and make adjustments to the dose as necessary.
Medications used to treat PTSD and other trauma-related disorders include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), praising, anti-depressants, and mood stabilizers like lamotrigine and valproate.
Holistic Therapy and Lifestyle Changes
If you’re struggling with PTSD, you’ll need to make several lifestyle changes to help ease symptoms and triggers. Holistic therapy—such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness practices—can teach you how to stay in the present moment instead of thinking about past or future events.
You’ll also learn how eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, and other healthy foods can benefit you.
Enroll Today in The Ranch PA’s PTSD Treatment Program
Recovery Ranch PA is a full-service mental health treatment center that welcomes Pennsylvania residents who are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or other types of trauma. When you arrive at our location in Wrightsville, we’ll perform a full health assessment to determine the best course of action in treating your illness. You’ll participate in group and private therapy sessions where you’ll learn valuable skills to manage your symptoms and triggers.
For more information on the effects of trauma and how we can treat them, fill out our online form or call 717.969.9126 today to speak with our compassionate team.