What is Developmental Trauma? What Are the Effects on Your Brain?
Developmental trauma, also known as complex trauma, refers to exposure to chronic and severe traumatic experiences during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, violence, or parental substance abuse. These experiences can have profound effects on the developing brain, leading to significant neurological changes and impairments in cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
One of the key effects of developmental trauma on the brain is dysregulation of the stress response system. Chronic exposure to stress and trauma during childhood can lead to alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. These alterations can result in hyperarousal, hypervigilance, and an overactive stress response system, leading to increased anxiety, aggression, and emotional dysregulation.
Developmental trauma can also affect the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functioning and impulse control. Chronic exposure to trauma during childhood can lead to decreased prefrontal cortical volume and impaired connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and other brain regions, leading to difficulties in emotion regulation, decision-making, and behavioral control.
Other neurological effects of developmental trauma include alterations in the hippocampus, amygdala, and insula, which are involved in memory, emotion processing, and interoception, respectively. These alterations can lead to difficulties in learning and memory, heightened emotional reactivity, and somatic symptoms such as chronic pain and gastrointestinal distress.
Additionally, developmental trauma can affect the development and functioning of the social brain, which is involved in social cognition and empathy. Chronic exposure to trauma during childhood can lead to impairments in social cognition, such as difficulty in recognizing facial expressions and interpreting social cues, and decreased empathy and attachment.
Overall, developmental trauma can have significant neurological effects, leading to dysregulation of the stress response system, impaired executive functioning, altered memory and emotion processing, somatic symptoms, and impaired social cognition and attachment. These effects can have long-lasting impacts on an individual's mental and physical health, leading to difficulties in daily functioning and a decreased quality of life. It is important for individuals who have experienced developmental trauma to seek professional help and support to address the impact of trauma on their lives and promote healing and recovery.
At RI, we specialize in using EMDR and other therapies to help people understand, heal, and grow from developmental trauma. Our clients have noted following therapy that they feel more compassion toward themselves and others, have a better sense of navigating daily life with more ease, and an overall improvement in quality of relationships. What happened to you in childhood does not have to continue impacting you for the rest of your life; we're here to help. Reach out today to learn more.
Rooting for you,
RI
Disclaimer: This is in no way a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or mental health services. This is for educational purposes only and should be in used only in conjunction in working with a licensed mental health professional. Reading this blog or responding to it does not constitute a provider-patient relationship. If you are looking for a local mental health professional feel free to schedule a callback to request an appointment or search Therapy Den or Psychology Today for local therapists in your area. If this is a mental health emergency and you need immediate assistance please call 911 or your county’s crisis line to speak to a mental health professional.
