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Rachel Fairhurst

PTSD, NEUROSCIENCE AND THE BENEFIT OF PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING

Updated: May 21, 2023


Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological injury that affects people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as war, sexual assault, physical violence, emotional abuse, neglect, torture or a natural disaster as well as many more. It is estimated that around 8 million adults in the US suffer from PTSD. In recent years, neuroscience research has helped to shed light on the neurological basis of PTSD.


 

One of the key findings in PTSD research is that the amygdala, a brain region involved in fear and emotional processing, is abnormally activated in individuals with PTSD. This heightened amygdala activity can lead to a heightened state of alertness and fear, as well as flashbacks and other intrusive memories of the traumatic event.


 

Another important aspect of PTSD research is the study of the HPA axis - a complex hormonal system that regulates stress response in the body. Individuals with PTSD often have dys-regulated HPA axis activity, which can lead to chronic stress and other physical symptoms such as fatigue and digestive issues.


 

Recent research has also highlighted the role of the prefrontal cortex in PTSD. This brain region is involved in executive functions such as decision-making and emotional regulation. Studies have shown that individuals with PTSD have reduced prefrontal cortex activity, which can impair their ability to regulate their emotions and make sound decisions.



Psychometric testing can provide valuable insights into an individual's experiences with trauma and PTSD, which can help in their healing process. By assessing for symptoms of trauma and PTSD related symptoms, psychometric testing can provide a clearer understanding of the impact of trauma and PTSD may have had on a person's mental health and well-being. Although, at Integrated Trauma Solutions Limited we identify where this information has created changes and disturbances in the brain. This information can then be used to develop a strategic treatment plan unique to every individual. Additionally, psychometric testing can help individuals to understand their own symptoms and experiences, which can be empowering and help to reduce feelings of isolation or shame. Implementing a strategic treatment plan in response to psychometric testing is imperative to target the symptom clusters which are causing the most discomfort. If a treatment plan is done effectively and carried out strategically, it reduces the amount of time it takes to bring a healthier level of Psychological functioning. If you are suffering with Complex trauma and PTSD then please see our treatment page and contact us for support, we offer one to one therapy, specialised programmes and online programmes which are coming soon. However, If you would like to learn more about how to use psychometric testing and how to construct a strategic treatment plan when working with complex trauma and ptsd , have a look at our accredited diplomas

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