Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT Scan) of the human brain, (CC 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), from which many abuse victims suffer, is not “merely” a psychological condition. While PTSD does not qualify as a Traumatic Brain Injury, it does causes physical changes in the brain which impact the processing of emotions and memories [1A][2A][3A].
For those who may be unfamiliar with PTSD, it can result from childhood abuse, domestic violence, or other trauma. PTSD is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, intense nightmares, sudden outbursts of anger, and/or flashbacks to the traumatic event [3B][4].
Childhood Trauma and Gray Matter
“Adverse childhood experiences have been linked to functional impairments across multiple developmental areas, including difficulty with peer relationships, problems regulating emotions, and deficits in cognitive and language development [2A].”
A large study found that childhood trauma is linked to reduced gray matter in the frontal lobe, independent of any psychiatric diagnosis [2B]. The reductions were concentrated in areas involved in planning, self-control, and evaluating social situations.
Significantly, those who experienced multiple forms of childhood trauma or more severe trauma showed more pronounced gray matter loss. Continue reading
A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More 