Neuroscience techniques to “rewire” the brain after trauma

And traumatic event it can change our lives. Experiences of such intensity – such as the death of a loved one, a complicated divorce, situations of violence or abuse, among others – usually give a sudden turn to our way of seeing the world and, thanks to the science, its consequences can today be read in the most mysterious organ: the brain.

The latest research in neuroscience and psychotherapy have shown that it is possible “rewire” the brain to facilitate the overcome trauma through new but simple therapeutic techniques that can alter how it works.

In his new book, treat traumathe american psychologist Jennifer Sweetonan expert in trauma and neuroscience, shares 165 tips to speed up recovery, from simple techniques based on breathing and body movement to complex techniques cognitive tools.

Edited by Sirio, this book is a window to the brain in which the reader can discover “the neuroscience of trauma» to take advantage of the latest research and academic advances at the service of post-traumatic recovery of patients.

Neuroscientific research has opened up a window to the brain which allows us to see the multiple types of changes that the Psychological trauma it provokes in him: it alters the activation of various structures and even their volume, the connectivity between certain areas, brain waves and neurochemical substances.

On the other hand, psychophysiological studies also allow us to deduce brain changes from the data we obtain on the different indices of stress and, indirectly, on certain types of brain activity. This means that when it comes to treating trauma, we have information from different research methods and can therefore approach treatment from different angles.

What really happens in the brain when a person experiences trauma? This manual focuses primarily on brain activations associated with psychological trauma, drawing on both neuroimaging and psychophysiological studies. In them, five main areas of the brain that are affected by the traumatic experience have been highlighted, and in treat trauma techniques whose effectiveness for set activation of these areas has been demonstrated.

As you study these five major areas involved in trauma summarized below, keep in mind that none of them stands in isolation or works alone. They are all interconnected and recovering from trauma means increasing interconnectedness and create a more integrated brain.

1. fear center (amygdala): The main objective of the amygdala is to determine whether a specific situation, context or person represents a threat or a danger. Renowned trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and his colleagues called it “the smoke detector(van der Kolk, McFarlane, & Weisaeth, 1996). One of the goals when treating trauma is to reduce activation in this area of ​​the brain. Turning it off can reduce reactivity to trauma triggers, as well as psychophysiological alertness and reactivity symptoms common in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as hypervigilance, always being on guard, etc.

2. interoception center (insula): the insula is the seat of interoception and proprioception. Proprioception is the sense that allows us to keep the body in balance and perceive its position in space. For example, the ability to walk knowing, even with eyes closed, where the legs and the rest of the body are at all times is possible thanks to proprioception; without it, we might fall. Interoception is the ability to perceive internal experience and connect to internal sensations; the feeling that we have of hunger, heat or nervousness are examples of interoception. In a state of trauma, the insula is often dysregulated, and it can then be difficult to identify and manage distressing emotions and physical sensations. A strong insula, on the other hand, gives us a more accurate internal perception of the body and a greater ability to identify the emotions we feel and control them.

3. memory center (hippocampus): the hippocampus has also been called “the keeper of time(van der Kolk, 2014) because it is responsible for marking our memories chronologically. It allows us to experience past events by feeling that they happened in the past, not that they are happening in the present. In individuals with post-traumatic symptoms, this area of ​​the brain is often less active and smaller than in those without or without trauma. anxiety disorder. This activation or reduced size results in memory problems and difficulty regulating stress. Increased activity in this area of ​​the brain helps individuals feel safe in the present moment, and therefore may reduce fear of potential reactivators of trauma.

4. Thought center (prefrontal cortex): the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is composed of several smaller structures, which together are considered the brain center of thought. Functions such as concentration, decision making, and awareness of self and others depend on the prefrontal cortex. In the traumatized brain, however, this area is often underactive, making it difficult to focus, make decisions, connect with others, and have self-awareness. Activation of the prefrontal cortex results in clarity of thought, increased ability to concentrate, a sense of connection to others, and heightened self-awareness.

5. Center of self-regulation (cingulate cortex): the cingulate cortex, and more precisely the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), or dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ADCC), is involved in the conflict monitoring, error detection and self-regulation, which includes the regulation of emotions and thoughts. This area of ​​the brain is usually inactive in people who suffer from traumatic psychological sequelae, which can make it difficult to regulate emotions and thoughts, as well as make decisions. Greater activation of this area can be of great benefit to them, as it improves their ability to regulate painful or unfavorable emotions and deal with distressing thoughts.

Additionally, the connectivity between these important brain areas can positively influence an individual’s symptoms and general functioning. Here are some basics about neural connectivity:

Cortical-subcortical connectivity: the connections of the brain areas of self-regulation and thought (prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex) with the brain’s fear center (amygdala) help regulate the amygdala and reduce its activity, which reduces fear reactions and negative emotions. It is, so to speak, like turning off or silencing the brain’s smoke detector.

island connectivity: When there is a strong connection between the amygdala and the insula in both directions, exaggerated fear reactions occur. This is because the insula senses aversive bodily sensations and communicates them to the amygdala (the center of fear), which then amplifies those sensations.

She is a neuroscientist and clinical and forensic psychologist.

Leads Kansas City Mental Health Associates.

Graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine and later specialized at Stanford University.

His books have reached the top of sales on portals like Amazon.

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