#brain #study #offers #hope #survivors #childhood #trauma
A Artificial Intelligence (MI) reexamined the brain recordings of hundreds of people who had experienced childhood abuse and acute emotional pain. A study led by the University of Essex found that trauma changes the development of the young brain, affecting areas such as problem solving and empathy.
Dr. Megan Klabunde [Forrás: University of Essex]The study which Dr. Megan Klabunde, led by the university’s clinical and health child psychologist, revealed the disturbance of the neural networks involved in self-focus and problem solving. He said that under-18s who have experienced abuse are likely to struggle with emotions, empathy and understanding their bodies, and may have difficulties with memory and difficult mental tasks and decision-making at school.
Previous studies have shown that trauma physically changes a child’s brain, but Dr. Klabunde’s research used artificial intelligence to re-examine hundreds of brain scans and identify patterns. It is hoped the research will help develop new treatments for maltreated children. This may mean that therapists focus on techniques that ‘rewire’ these centers and rebuild their sense of self.
Large brain systems
In the study, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings were re-examined. This procedure highlights blood flow in different centers, showing nervous system activity. He discovered a significant difference in traumatized children’s default mode network (DMN) and central executive networks (CEN)—two large brain systems. The DMN and posterior insula are involved in how people perceive their bodies, sense of self, and internal reflections.
“We have shown that there are clear changes in two large clusters of the brain. We now know that problem-solving and self-focus are affected, meaning that one may struggle to cope with emotions, form relationships and even understand one’s own body.”
He told. He added that memory and decision-making are also affected.
New studies suggest that the DMN plays an important role in most mental health problems and may influence the experience of childhood trauma. CEN is also more active than in healthy children, meaning that children with a traumatic past tend to relive horrific experiences when they are triggered.
Dr. Klabunde hopes this study will be a springboard to learn more about how trauma affects the developing mind:
“In addition to preventing avoidance of fearful situations and addressing thoughts, childhood trauma therapies must also address how trauma affects the body, sense of self, emotional/empathic processing, and relationships. This is important because untreated symptoms are likely to contribute to other health and mental health problems throughout life.”
He told.
Victims on the road to healing
[Forrás: BBC]Valerie She was 16 when she experienced female genital mutilation in Nigeria. The woman suffered rape: “Before I knew it, I was lying on the floor. Someone sat on my chest and I was mutilated. It was the beginning of a lifetime of trauma for me. I suffered from physical and emotional pain and shame for years.”
Valerie has always wondered why she reacts to situations differently than other people, and said this research was “like I won the jackpot.”
Kari, who was sexually abused as a child, said “there are no words to describe what this research means to me.” She added: “For years I struggled with relationships and I always wondered why me? Now I know it wasn’t my fault.”
[Forrás: BBC]Members of Kari and Valerie are Essex Trauma Ambassadors a group that supports survivors and shapes health services.
Much trauma therapy focuses on helping people avoid triggers and deal with fearful thoughts, but Dr. Klabunde has found that survivors without obvious symptoms of PTSD are still affected by what they experienced.
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