Trauma Impairs Integrative Functioning in the Brain

Experiencing trauma or abuse during childhood can block the brain's natural integrative process. This means that neurons in certain brain regions are prevented from connecting well with neurons in other regions, leading to impaired integration. Integration, which involves linking neurons in different parts of the brain, is crucial for stability and affect regulation. Trauma hinders this integration, affecting connections between regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex and the limbic system.