How Trauma Affects the Brain: A Clinical Overview
Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Trauma can leave lasting emotional and psychological effects, but it also has profound impacts on the brain’s structure and function. Whether stemming from a single traumatic event or prolonged exposure to stress, trauma alters neural pathways, disrupts chemical balances, and changes how the brain processes information. Understanding these effects provides important insight into both the symptoms of trauma and the approaches that support recovery. The Brain’s Stress Response System When a person experiences trauma, the brain’s stress response system—the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—becomes highly activated. This system triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body to respond to danger. In acute situations, this response is protective. However, in cases of chronic or repeated trauma, prolonged activation of the HPA axis can dysregulate the body’s stress response, leading to heightened …
