![]() ![]() Research shows, for example, that adults with PTSD have a reduction in an area of their prefrontal cortex and a reduction in the volume of the hippocampus. This can significantly impact on our ability to learn, to form memories, to regulate emotions, it can affect our ability to be calm, to learn, to think, to reflect and to respond flexibly and in a planned way. When the lower part of the brain responsible for survival is repeatedly activated and prolonged in infancy and in early childhood this can reduce the connections between other parts of the brain. In particular an area called the prefrontal cortex works with the amygdala to regulate both emotions and behaviours.įor a brain to work effectively all parts of the brain need to communicate from the bottom of the brain to the upper parts of the higher brain and also between the left and right side of the brain. The Cortex - This upper part of the brain develops last (that has been described as being like the brain's "watchtower") and is responsible for our ability to pause, to think and reflect, to concentrate and to problem solve.When people response to real of perceived stress the hippocampus released a hormone called cortisol which helps regulate the response to stress. The hippocampus connects the lower and upper parts of the brain and is important in the expression of emotion and in memory function. The amygdala is like the brain's "smoke detector" and plays an important role in the regulation of the emotions, memories and survival instincts. The Limbic Area - This mid part of the brain develops next - 2 important areas are called the amygdala and the hippocampus.The Brainstem - This lower part of the brain develops first and controls our responses to survival and automatic responses such as breathing, sleep and temperature regulation. ![]() The brain can be divided into 3 areas and the brain develops from the ‘bottom up’:. In order to understand how trauma impacts on brain development it is helpful to understand how the infant brain develops. Positive experiences with safe, nurturing and consistent adults can help with early brain development whilst negative experiences impair normal brain development. ![]() When an infant, child or young person experiences or witnesses traumatic events that are life threatening or terrifying, the brain adapts in order to survive. The first 8 weeks of an infant’s life is especially vulnerable to the effects of traumatic experiences and especially to the effects of complex trauma.Įven more important than the experience of trauma is the presence of trusting, present, caring and safe adults (at the time of the trauma) who can protect and act as a buffer against the effects of the traumatic event(s). Traumatic experiences in pregnancy and in the first 4 years of a child’s life can affect brain development and have a significant impact on later emotional, mental and physical wellbeing and the effects can persist into adult life. ![]()
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