Part 3/13:
Trauma is described as an event or series of events where fear becomes maladaptive; it is embedded within the nervous system, leading to exaggerated responses even in safe environments. Not all fear leads to trauma; trauma hinges on how these fear memories get stored and activated in ways that produce persistent, often debilitating reactions.
The Neural Circuits Behind Fear and Trauma
Key Brain Structures
- Amygdala: The almond-shaped nucleus central to the threat reflex, acting as the final pathway that triggers defensive responses. It integrates sensory input, memories (via the hippocampus), and past experiences to decide whether to activate fear responses.