The Anatomy of PTSD

The amygdala is the brain's stress evaluator and decides when to react. When a traumatic event occurs, the amygdala:

• sends out a danger signal.
• initiates the "fight or flight" response.
• stores stimuli associated with memory such as sights, sounds, smells, etc.
• produces calming thoughts when there is no longer danger.

Effects After Traumatic Stress

Signs and symptoms of PTSD associated with the amygdala are:

• anxiety
• hypervigilance
• avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma
• exaggerated tendency to be easily startled
• excessive amygdala activity

When a person develops PTSD, the amygdala has stored the sights, sounds, and smells associated with the event. If one or more of these stimuli are encountered, the amygdala will trigger a danger signal and prepare the body. The amygdala is believed to have a primary role in hypervigilance, which can be protective when a person is in a potentially dangerous situation. However, for those with PTSD, this can be counterproductive, since the amygdala remains overactive, and interferes with sleep or being able to let one's guard down in a safe situation.

^{Source: Michael Roy, MD, Col. (Ret.) What Parts of the Brain Are Impacted by PTSD?}

The prefrontal cortex lies directly behind the forehead within the frontal lobes and controls behavior, emotions, and impulses.

After a traumatic event occurs, the prefrontal cortex should let the amygdala know that it is okay to calm down once the danger has dissipated

Effects of Traumatic Stress

Signs and symptoms of PTSD associated with the prefrontal cortex are:

• irritability
• withdrawal features: numbing, avoidance, etc.
• reduced activation of prefrontal cortex

In those with PTSD, the prefrontal cortex is less active, which likely correlates with symptoms of social withdrawal, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and emotional numbing. Therefore, the prefrontal cortex is unable to override the hippocampus, as it flashes the memory, so it cannot signal to the amygdala that there is no real danger.

^{Source: Michael Roy, MD, Col. (Ret.) What Parts of the Brain Are Impacted by PTSD?}