🧠 Brain Function and PTSD: How Trauma Alters Information Processing

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more than an emotional response—it is a condition that physically alters how different brain regions process information. This infographic highlights how four critical brain structures—the Prefrontal Cortex, Hypothalamus, Hippocampus, and Amygdala—function normally and how they change in PTSD.

🔍 Key Brain Structures and Their Functions

Brain Region	Normal Brain Function	PTSD-Affected Brain Function
Prefrontal Cortex	Normal Brain Handles complex thinking, decision-making, and appropriate behavior.	PTSD-Affected Brain Impaired thought processes and decision-making, leading to inappropriate responses.
Hypothalamus	Normal Brain Releases hormones like cortisol to respond to stress.	PTSD-Affected Brain Overactive, causing hormone imbalances, increased stress, and anxiety.
Hippocampus	Normal Brain Transfers and stores information as memories.	PTSD-Affected Brain Stores memories incorrectly, impairing recall and memory accuracy.
Amygdala	Normal Brain Activates fight-or-flight in response to danger.	PTSD-Affected Brain Triggers fight-or-flight even to memories or thoughts about danger.

🧩 How PTSD Changes Brain Function

1. Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction
   The prefrontal cortex acts as the brain’s executive control center. In PTSD, this control weakens, making it harder to regulate emotions or make rational decisions.

2. Hyperactive Hypothalamus
   When overactive, the hypothalamus continuously releases stress hormones, keeping the body in a heightened state of alertness.

3. Hippocampus Memory Distortion
   PTSD affects the hippocampus's ability to store and retrieve accurate memories, contributing to flashbacks and disorientation.

4. Overresponsive Amygdala
   The amygdala, our emotional alarm system, becomes hypersensitive, triggering intense fear responses even without real danger.

📌 Why Understanding This Matters

By mapping PTSD’s effects to specific brain structures, clinicians can better target treatment strategies—ranging from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to neurofeedback training—to restore healthy brain processing.

📣 Call to Action

If you or someone you know struggles with symptoms of PTSD—such as intrusive memories, heightened anxiety, or difficulty making decisions—seeking professional help is essential. Early intervention can help re-train the brain, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.

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