Neurobiological Foundations of Trauma Flashcards

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for processing fear responses and plays a central role in trauma reactions?

Answer: Amygdala

The amygdala detects threats and triggers the fear response, making it central to how trauma is processed and stored.

What neurobiological phenomenon explains why trauma memories are often fragmented and lack a clear narrative?

Answer: Hippocampal encoding disruption

During high stress, the hippocampus — responsible for context and narrative memory — is impaired, leaving trauma memories unintegrated.

In the context of CDT, how does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) respond during a trauma trigger in individuals with disabilities?

Answer: It may activate fight, flight, or freeze responses

The ANS activates survival responses — fight, flight, or freeze — which can be more intense or unique in individuals with disabilities due to intersecting vulnerabilities.

Which concept describes the body's physical encoding of traumatic stress, relevant to practitioners working with individuals with disabilities?

Answer: Somatic memory

Somatic memory refers to trauma stored in bodily sensations and muscle tension, not just conscious recollection.

What role does cortisol play in the neurobiological response to trauma?

Answer: It is released as a stress hormone that can impair memory consolidation if chronically elevated

Chronic cortisol elevation from ongoing trauma impairs hippocampal function and disrupts healthy memory consolidation.

How does the concept of neuroplasticity support trauma recovery for individuals with disabilities?

Answer: The brain can form new neural pathways through therapeutic interventions

Neuroplasticity means the brain retains the ability to reorganize and form new connections, which underlies the effectiveness of trauma-informed therapies.