Discover How Trauma Rewires the Brain

Doc Snipes・2 minutes read

Trauma can affect the HPA axis, leading to various physiological changes, but individual responses to trauma vary based on factors like resources and resilience. Understanding the impact of trauma on the HPA axis and implementing interventions can help in addressing symptoms and promoting recovery.

Insights

  • Trauma can impact the HPA axis, potentially leading to traumatic injury, but not all trauma causes lasting effects. Individual responses to trauma vary based on resources, resilience, and timing, with prior traumas increasing the risk of developing PTSD from future traumatic events.
  • Dysfunctional HPA axis activation due to trauma and chronic stress can lead to fatigue, emotional dysregulation, and abnormal immune responses, with low cortisol levels associated with severe PTSD symptoms. Core neurochemical changes in trauma involve alterations in neurotransmitters like serotonin, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to rebalance the HPA axis and manage stress responses effectively.

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Recent questions

  • What is the HPA axis?

    The HPA axis stands for hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, a crucial system in our body's threat response mechanism. It involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands working together to regulate stress and trauma responses.

  • How does trauma affect the HPA axis?

    Trauma can impact the HPA axis, potentially leading to traumatic injury. However, not all trauma causes lasting effects on this system. The individual's response to trauma varies based on resources, resilience, and timing, influencing the HPA axis differently in each case.

  • What are the symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction?

    Dysfunction in the HPA axis can lead to feelings of flatness and apathy as the body conserves energy reserves. It can also trigger abnormal immune responses, initially suppressing inflammation but later causing systemic inflammation if not regulated properly. Additionally, low cortisol levels are associated with severe PTSD symptoms, potentially leading to exaggerated stress responses.

  • How can trauma impact memory retrieval?

    Trauma and PTSD can impact cortisol and thyroid hormone regulation, affecting memory retrieval and stress responses. Reduced hippocampal volume due to stress and cortisol levels can lead to emotional dysregulation and vulnerability to PTSD, highlighting the intricate connection between trauma and memory processes.

  • What role do neurotransmitters play in stress responses?

    Core neurochemical changes in trauma or PTSD involve alterations in various neurotransmitters, impacting stress and fear responses. Serotonin, for example, is crucial for bodily functions like appetite, blood pressure, heart rate, memory, and mood. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine can lead to mood disorders such as depression, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to rebalance the HPA axis and manage stress effectively.

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Summary

00:00

Impact of Trauma on HPA Axis

  • CEUs available at AllCEUs.com/Trauma-CEU for today's presentation on the neurobiological impact of psychological trauma and the HPA axis
  • Trauma can impact the HPA axis, potentially leading to traumatic injury, but not all trauma causes lasting effects
  • Every person reacts differently to trauma based on resources, resilience, and timing
  • The presentation will define the HPA axis, discuss trauma's impact on it, and address symptoms of dysfunction and interventions
  • HPA axis stands for hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, crucial for our threat response system
  • Neurobiological abnormalities in PTSD and trauma overlap with traumatic brain injury, causing physiological changes
  • Individual response to trauma depends on stressor characteristics, personal factors, and proximity to safe zones
  • Children's reactions to trauma differ due to their need for social support and understanding
  • Prior traumas can increase the risk of developing PTSD from future traumatic events
  • Social support within the first 24 hours of trauma is crucial for processing and recovery, as prolonged stress can deplete recovery resources.

17:09

"HPA Axis Dysfunction: Impact on Health"

  • The body's attempt to protect neurons and balance against excessive heat of the HPA axis is likened to hot water running out of a tank.
  • Hypocortisolism can occur when the body blocks cortisol due to excessive stimulation, similar to limiting water flow in a garden.
  • Hypocortisolism is linked to stress-related disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome, burnout, and PTSD, aiming to conserve energy during overwhelming threats.
  • Prolonged HPA axis dysfunction can lead to feelings of flatness and apathy as the body conserves energy reserves.
  • Dysfunctional HPA axis activation triggers abnormal immune responses, initially suppressing inflammation but later causing systemic inflammation if not regulated.
  • Fatigue, an emotion generated in the brain, acts as a protective mechanism to prevent harm during exertion, influenced by factors like core temperature, glycogen levels, and oxygen levels in the brain.
  • Trauma and chronic stress can dysregulate the HPA axis, leading to fatigue and emotional dysregulation, with psychological factors playing a role in reducing fatigue.
  • Low cortisol levels are associated with severe PTSD symptoms, with trauma experience sensitizing the HPA axis, potentially leading to exaggerated stress responses.
  • Trauma and PTSD can impact cortisol and thyroid hormone regulation, affecting memory retrieval and stress responses.
  • Core neurochemical changes in trauma or PTSD involve alterations in various neurotransmitters, impacting stress and fear responses, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to rebalance the HPA axis.

34:59

"Serotonin and Neurotransmitters: Mood, Memory, Stress"

  • Serotonin is crucial for various bodily functions like appetite, blood pressure, heart rate, memory, mood, and more.
  • Different types of serotonin receptors exist throughout the body, affecting different systems and reactions.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) primarily target the 5-HT-1A receptor, but other receptors also play significant roles.
  • Imbalance in serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and other hormones can lead to mood disorders like depression.
  • GABA inhibits norepinephrine circuits, aiding in anxiety reduction and stress tolerance.
  • Glutamate levels are reduced by GABA, which helps in distress tolerance and emotion regulation.
  • Glutamate receptors, particularly NMDA receptors, are involved in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
  • Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, redirecting energy towards task-oriented goals and improving focus.
  • Opioids, including endogenous ones, act as depressants and influence stress responses in the body.
  • Reduced hippocampal volume due to stress and cortisol levels can lead to emotional dysregulation and vulnerability to PTSD.

52:50

Combat fatigue through psychological factors and education.

  • Psychological factors like motivation and knowledge of competitors can help reduce fatigue by providing a sense of personal control and feedback on successes.
  • Activation of the HPA axis, triggered by sports-related fight or flight responses, can increase heart rate and breathing, even when physically inactive, offering lessons to empower individuals and combat fatigue.
  • Early intervention and education on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance can help individuals, including those with adverse childhood experiences, manage heightened emotional reactivity and develop new coping strategies for stress.
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