How abuse affects the brain?

Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences or ACES, including abuse, neglect, and other traumatic experiences, can adversely impact brain development and mental health. These effects may occur earlier or later in life. Some research shows that when compared with people who haven’t endured abuse or adverse childhood experiences, those who experience ACES are more likely to struggle with mental health issues like depression, substance abuse, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts and attempts. If you have been experiencing any suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Brain imagine shows that changes in actual brain structure happen in people who experience child abuse or maltreatment. MRI or magnetic resonance imaging shows differences in the brains of people who have experienced abuse. Brain changes are observed in regions of the brain that regulate emotions and impulses. Decreased electrical activity is often found in the brains of abuse survivors, and cortisol levels are often abnormal. These two impacts of abuse may affect learning, socialization, and the ability to perform complex tasks.

The corpus callosum, the region of the brain involved in communication between the sides of the brain, arousal, emotion, and higher cognitive abilities, decreases in volume. The cerebellum is responsible for motor behavior, and executive functioning also displays a decrease in volume in people who have experienced abuse. The hippocampus is vital to learning and memory and is smaller after abuse.

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for cognition, emotional regulation, and behavior, is impacted as well. Decreased volume in this region may affect the ability to regulate emotions and behavior. The orbitofrontal cortex is important to emotional and social regulation. This region may also experience decreased volume following abuse. The amygdala is overactive in people who have experienced abuse. This part of the brain is involved in helping us determine if things are dangerous or threatening and then can help us respond. The overactivity of this region in those who have endured abuse may cause the stress or anxiety response in people who have experienced abuse more often, even when a situation isn’t dangerous.

Intervention in ongoing abuse is vital. When intervention begins, safety can be ensured, and the potential or existing mental health consequences can be prevented with proper care. If you know someone who is experienced abuse, contact local authorities or the child abuse hotline at 1-800-422-4453. If you have been experiencing domestic violence, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are experiencing symptoms you believe result from child abuse, contact a mental health counselor for support and assistance with your symptoms.