News Childhood Trauma Leaves Its Mark On The Brain

[circe47]

I have already had a ct scan because of my stroke. Perhaps this can be used to assist my psychiarist when S/he reaches a decision about my ptsd, or my abusive childhood.I hope so.

I had a CAT done last year. I was hoping that the images would show structural "changes" in the areas that are noted to be "changed" due to trauma. This went towards seeing what might be causing my migraines, i.e. tumor, stroke, or otherwise.

The report essentially said that my brain was structurally sound. I don't know if my result came back normal because the reader wasn't looking for the types of changes that come from trauma , or CAT scans don't detect that those changes.

I think that MRI is more often used to detect structural changes to the limbic system (emotional center) and orbitofrontal cortex (impulse control). fMRI is even better because it actually shows the synapse within the brain firing by lighting up in different colors when a particular part of the brain is activated. The trouble with either is that they are way more expensive than CAT. It was like 10k twenty years ago for one. Probably almost double that by now.

 

[circe47]

I also asked my shrink what he thought about getting an MRI. He said "What for? Even if it does show anything, it is what it is. Having an MRI is not going to improve your condition."

I really would like an MRI just to be able to say "I told you so," but I don't think insurance will pay for my peace of mind.

 

[ms spock]

Many survivors of childhood abuse have reached adulthood without becoming violent. I believe genetics to be the over riding factor on who becomes violent.

The thing is that genetics are turned on and off by the surrounding environment.

So whilst you make an interesting comment, I would suggest that it is a complex mix of both genetics and the environmental forces that switch them on and off. So it can be said that the genetics determine many behaviours, alternatively behaviours have also been found to switch on and off the genetics of a person.

It could be argued that those who became violent were in the worst environments for their turning off and on of their particular genetics.Or their genetics were already severely disrupted and turned off coming into and environment that didn't switch the more helpful genes on.

It is an interesting conversation. It will be fascinating to read the new research as it comes to hand.

P.S Still so much for me to learn.

 

[ms spock]

@rightkindofme so is marijuana legal and/proscribed for PTSD where you live?

 

[ms spock]

I can imagine the constant flood of emergency stress... adrenaline... changes the make-up of the brain (and body.)

I am trying to use either exercise or self soothing to manage that surging through my body.

 

[Survivor2Thriver]

The thing is that genetics are turned on and off by the surrounding environment. So whilst you make an interesting comment, I would suggest that it is a complex mix of both genetics and the environmental forces that switch them on and off. So it can be said that the genetics determine many behaviours, alternatively behaviours have also been found to switch on and off the genetics of a person.

Turned off? Interesting!

The nature vs nurture debate. I agree it's both. I also believe intelligence is a factor. I have extensively pondered my family dynamics. Four siblings 2 evil and 2 traumatized. Same environment..!? Fascinating indeed.

 

[circe47]

In spite of our genetics, we are all born a blank slate. We are all born to create, and are inherently good. It is what has been imprinted on us as children that determines everything. We are all a product of our environment.

We also have the power to not let our childhood experiences define us when we are grown. Just because we got the snot beat out of us as kids doesn't mean get to go around beating the snot out of others when we are adults.

 

[Survivor2Thriver]

We are all a product of our environment.

I agree. However family dynamics are complex. Everyone has their role. My older siblings abused me and younger brother. We didn't turn out evil. Totally opposite. What's the difference?

 

[circe47]

Inherent temperament has a lot to do with it, too. Have you ever seen the three year old that stands behind mommy, staring at you between her legs with big, round eyes, leisurely sucking his thumb? Or how about the two year old that's fighting your death grip, screaming "LET MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE GOOOOOOOooooooooo!" throwing tantrums left and right.

One child is so docile, even dogs will pee on him. The other child is nothing but DRAMA. Unless you are a Border Collie, the docile child is by far the easier kid to manage. A lot of parents with more than one child will unconsciously display preference for the easier child. The difficult child will resort to acting out (often negatively)to get attention. This is because he/she naturally puts people off because of unpredictable volatility.

Unless intervention takes place, the difficult kid becomes at risk for real problems as an adult due to interpersonal relationship deficits and impulsive nature. Not to say the easier child will not be affected. This kid might end up being taken for granted and advantage of in relationships, and will have a whole other set of boundary issues.

 

[circe47]

I agree. However family dynamics are complex. Everyone has their role. My older siblings abused me and younger brother. We didn't turn out evil. Totally opposite. What's the difference?

What you say is true. Not every victim/survivor identifies with their abuser. However, some do, and because some do, I only wished to support the theory that victim/abuser roles as adults have some root in early childhood environment.

I'm pretty much a nature AND nurture believer. However, I do believe there are always exceptions to the rule and you are correct in pointing out that I was being too stereotypical.

 

[Survivor2Thriver]

Oh no. I was asking your opinion. Your thoughts on why some children identify with their abusers while others in the same dysfunctional environment don't. NOT pointing out a stereotype!

Again I agree its both nature and nurture. Intelligence has to be a factor as well. Being one of the youngest and the designated scapegoat of the family it was obvious they were projecting their anger on me. Why couldn't they?

 

[ms spock]

However family dynamics are complex. Everyone has their role. My older siblings abused me and younger brother. What's the difference?

Were you and your younger brother the 3rd and 4th child in the family?