Trauma And The Limbic System
The rise of trauma rates across NZ and the world is increasing, which is no real surprise when we are dealing with or hearing about global pandemics, wars and natural disasters on what feels like a daily basis. But how does trauma impact our bodies? In this blog – Trauma and The Limbic System, we look at trauma rates both here in NZ and globally. We explore more about trauma, the limbic system and the role trauma plays in our limbic system.
Trauma Statistics
The prevalence of trauma and its associated disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is relatively high in New Zealand. Studies have found that up to one-third of the population has experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, and about 10% of the population has PTSD.
It’s important to mention that traumatic events disproportionately affect certain populations in New Zealand, such as Māori, Pacific Island, and refugee communities, who may have higher rates of exposure to traumatic events and lower access to mental health services.
It’s essential to note that these are general statistics and that the exact numbers may vary depending on the source, the time period and the population being studied. It’s also important to keep in mind that these numbers may not fully reflect the actual scenario, as many people who have been through traumatic events may not have been diagnosed or sought help.
On a global front, it is difficult to make a definitive statement about whether global trauma statistics are rising, as the data can vary depending on the type of trauma and the population being studied. However, there is some evidence to suggest that certain types of trauma, such as exposure to violence and terrorism, may be on the rise in certain parts of the world.
For example, the number of people displaced by conflict and persecution has been rising globally in recent years. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were an estimated 26 million refugees, over half of whom were under the age of 18, in 2020. This is the highest number of refugees recorded since World War II.
It’s also important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a whole new set of traumas, as people have been affected by the loss of loved ones, financial insecurity, social isolation, and many other stressors. The pandemic has also affected the availability of trauma-related services, making it harder for those affected to seek help.
With these types of statistics and significant global events, it’s no wonder that more people are looking for healing options, be that via more conventional pathways or alternative treatment options. Understanding what trauma is and how our bodies deal with or manage trauma could help us understand how to support ourselves better.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is a psychological response to an event or series of events that are perceived as overwhelming or threatening to an individual’s physical or emotional well-being. Trauma can be caused by a wide range of events, including but not limited to:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Exposure to violence, war, or terrorism
- Car accidents or other types of accidents
- Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Witnessing or being involved in a violent crime
- Medical procedures or illnesses
- Discrimination, racism or other forms of oppression
Trauma can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and it can have a wide range of physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioural effects. Trauma can lead to the development of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a severe and persistent emotional reaction to a traumatic event, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD or other trauma-related disorders and that the level of trauma that causes a traumatic response varies from person to person. Additionally, cultural and social factors can influence the way in which someone experiences trauma and how it affects them.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is a psychological response to an event or series of events that are perceived as overwhelming or threatening to an individual’s physical or emotional well-being. Trauma can be caused by a wide range of events, including but not limited to:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Exposure to violence, war, or terrorism
- Car accidents or other types of accidents
- Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Witnessing or being involved in a violent crime
- Medical procedures or illnesses
- Discrimination, racism or other forms of oppression
Trauma can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and it can have a wide range of physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioural effects. Trauma can lead to the development of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a severe and persistent emotional reaction to a traumatic event, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD or other trauma-related disorders and that the level of trauma that causes a traumatic response varies from person to person. Additionally, cultural and social factors can influence the way in which someone experiences trauma and how it affects them.
What Is The Limbic System?
The limbic system is a group of brain systems that play a key role in regulating behaviour, emotions and memory. It is located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain and includes the following structures:
- The hippocampus: responsible for memory formation and retrieval.
- The amygdala: involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety, and activating the body’s fight or flight response to stressful situations.
- The hypothalamus: controls the release of hormones and plays a role in regulating hunger, thirst, and body temperature.
- The thalamus: relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
- The basal ganglia: involved in motor control and decision making.
The limbic system is closely interconnected with other brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (responsible for regulating emotions and controlling impulses) and the autonomic nervous system (which regulates the body’s physiological responses to stress).
The limbic system plays a critical role in emotional and behavioural regulation. It is thought to be involved in the development of a wide range of psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It’s important to note that the limbic system is not a clearly defined structure and that the brain regions that comprise it can vary depending on the source and the context. Additionally, the functions attributed to the limbic system may also be attributed to other brain regions and structures.
How Does Trauma Impact The Limbic System?
Trauma can have a significant impact on the functioning of the limbic system, leading to problems with emotional regulation and memory.
The amygdala, which is located in the limbic system, is responsible for processing fear and anxiety and activating the body’s fight or flight response to stressful situations. When an individual experiences a traumatic event, the amygdala may become overactive and continue to respond as if the event is still happening, even after the event is over. This can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and difficulty in remembering the traumatic event.
The hippocampus, also part of the limbic system, plays a crucial role in memory formation and retrieval. Trauma can affect the hippocampus, leading to difficulty in forming new memories or retrieving old ones. This can lead to problems with memory consolidation, creating a fragmented recollection of the traumatic event.
Additionally, trauma can also impact the functioning of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for regulating emotions and controlling impulsivity. The prefrontal cortex may become less active, leading to difficulty in regulating emotions and impulsivity.
Trauma and The Limbic System – Research
There have been many recent studies on the impact of trauma on the limbic system, and the findings generally suggest that trauma can have a significant impact on the functioning of this system.
One study published in the journal “Neuropsychopharmacology” in 2019 used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to show that individuals with PTSD had increased activity in the amygdala and decreased activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These regions are all part of the limbic system. This suggests that the trauma can lead to overactivity in the amygdala and under activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which can contribute to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and difficulty in remembering the traumatic event.
Another study published in the journal “JAMA Psychiatry” in 2020 found that individuals with PTSD had structural changes in the hippocampus, including a smaller volume of the hippocampus, which is a part of the limbic system and is responsible for memory formation and retrieval. This could explain why individuals with PTSD have difficulty remembering the traumatic event.
A study published in the “Journal of Traumatic Stress” in 2020 found that individuals with PTSD have alterations in the functional connectivity between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, which is a part of the limbic system. These alterations in functional connectivity might contribute to the emotional regulation difficulties that are commonly seen in individuals with PTSD.
Overall, these studies and many others suggest that trauma can have a significant impact on the functioning of the limbic system, leading to problems with emotional regulation, memory and cognitive processing. Further research is needed to understand how trauma affects the limbic system, how these changes relate to the symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders and how these changes can be treated.
Trauma Treatment Options
There are several treatment options that can help reduce the effects of trauma on the limbic system. These include:
- Talk therapy: This includes forms of therapy such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) that can help individuals process and cope with traumatic memories.
- Medication: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and other psychiatric medication can be helpful in reducing symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety and depression.
- Somatic therapies: These therapies focus on the body and can include yoga, mindfulness, and body-based therapies such as somatic experiencing and trauma-sensitive yoga.
- Support groups: Joining a support group can provide individuals with a sense of community and validation as they work through their traumatic experiences.
- Brainwave Entrainment: Brainwave entrainment is a technique that uses audio or visual stimuli to influence the brain’s electrical activity and change the dominant frequency of brain waves. Brainwave entrainment may help individuals with trauma by reducing symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Trauma – Self-Care Help
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improve overall physical health.
- Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Good sleep hygiene: Adopting healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment, can help improve the quality of sleep and reduce symptoms of trauma.
- Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help to improve overall physical and mental health.
- Journaling: Writing about one’s thoughts and feelings can be a helpful way to process traumatic experiences and gain insight into one’s emotions.
- Connecting with others: Building and maintaining strong social connections can provide a sense of support and validation, which can be especially helpful for individuals dealing with trauma.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga can help individuals stay present in the moment and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Art therapy: Engaging in creative activities such as drawing, painting, or writing can be a helpful way to express emotions and process traumatic experiences.
It’s important to note that different people may respond better to certain treatments than others and that a combination of approaches may be most effective. It’s also important to work with a trained professional to help determine the best course of treatment for a specific individual.
In conclusion, trauma can disrupt the normal functioning of the limbic system, leading to emotional, cognitive, and behavioural difficulties. These effects can be treated with trauma-focused therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and EMDR, alongside self-help measures like exercise and good sleep hygiene. Taking the time to understand how trauma ‘shows’ itself in your body is a great first step in being able to manage and reduce it. Trauma is not a disease, and with the right care can be successfully treated.
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