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The Biology of Trauma

Implications for Treatment

Center for Mental Health Education, Assessment, and Therapy, Tampa

Kathleen M. Heide

University of South Florida

During the past 20 years, the development of brain imaging techniques and new biochemical approaches has led to increased understanding of the biological effects of psychological trauma. New hypotheses have been generated about brain development and the roots of antisocial behavior. We now understand that psychological trauma disrupts homeostasis and can cause both short and long-term effects on many organs and systems of the body. Our expanding knowledge of the effects of trauma on the body has inspired new approaches to treating trauma survivors. Biologically informed therapy addresses the physiological effects of trauma, as well as cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors. The authors suggest that the most effective therapeutic innovation during the past 20 years for treating trauma survivors has been Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a therapeutic approach that focuses on resolving trauma using a combination of top-down (cognitive) and bottom-up (affect/body) processing.

Key Words: psychological trauma • biology of trauma • neurobiology • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder • PTSD • effects of psychological trauma on brain development • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing • EMDR • child abuse • child neglect

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