How Childhood Trauma Can Impact the Brain

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A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging finds that childhood trauma can lead to disruptions in two main regions of the brain, the default mode network (DMN) and the central executive network (CEN). As these areas are responsible for emotional regulation, memory processing, and stress response, this research points to the connection between childhood trauma and lifelong brain changes (Ireton, Hughes, & Klabunde, 2024).

The researchers found that, when compared to those without a trauma history, children who had experienced trauma displayed increased activity in the default mode network during memory, social processing, or emotional tasks (Ireton, Hughes, & Klabunde, 2024).

The DMN comprises a set of brain regions that become active when individuals are not focused on external tasks. It is associated with introspective processes such as daydreaming and self-reflection and plays a crucial role in constructing a sense of self, processing social information, and maintaining internal trains of thought. The researchers found that increased DMN activity was especially noticeable during tasks that involved emotionally charged interactions or activities, suggesting that traumatic experiences could actually alter the development of these areas of the brain (Ireton, Hughes, & Klabunde, 2024).

Link between trauma and emotional or behavioral difficulties

The researchers found that participants with trauma histories showed less activity in the central executive network when tasked with activities around social or emotional tasks (Ireton, Hughes, & Klabunde, 2024). In contrast to the DMN, the CEN is involved in goal-directed cognitive processes that require focused attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. The decreased activity in this area suggests that the brain was more focused on processing internal stimuli such as discomfort or emotional responses.

Dysfunction in the CEN is often observed in disorders characterized by impaired executive functioning and attentional deficits. This imbalance can contribute to heightened emotional reactivity, impulsivity, and difficulties in managing stress. This supports previous studies demonstrating that individuals with a history of trauma may exhibit hyperactivity in the amygdala, the brain's fear center, and hypoactivity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a role in decision-making and impulse control (Mate, 2000).

Implications for healthcare

Understanding how trauma changes the brain can enhance clinicians' ability to comprehend the impacts of trauma on behavior and overall physical and mental health. Survivors of chaotic or abusive households often report difficulties with attention, emotional regulation, and memory; it may be likely, as this new research suggests, that the experiences of trauma changed their brain chemistry.

This research could be influential in highlighting how trauma not only shapes psychological well-being but also helps us draw connections between early life experiences and long-term health outcomes. Many clients present with mental health symptoms, difficulties with emotional regulation, substance misuse, and other related concerns. We know from previous research that chronic stress resulting from childhood trauma can dysregulate brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine (which are essential for mood regulation and pleasure), leading to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse in adulthood (Malarbi et al., 2017; Mate, 2000). This research expands on current knowledge and further supports the theory that many presenting symptoms are exacerbated by—if not caused by—traumatic experiences.

By recognizing that traumatic experiences can alter brain structure, function, and neurochemistry, healthcare providers can better appreciate why individuals may exhibit symptoms such as hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, or difficulty forming trusting relationships. This awareness allows for more informed and empathetic care approaches that address both the psychological and physiological aspects of trauma-related disorders.

Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of trauma could benefit the development of targeted interventions and treatment strategies aimed at promoting recovery and mitigating long-term health consequences. By integrating this knowledge into clinical practice, we can foster a more supportive environment that validates survivors' experiences and supports space for healing. This research underscores the importance of conducting comprehensive trauma-informed assessments—and of developing trauma-informed care and interventions that address both psychological and neurological aspects of healing.