In this article we are expanding on the topic of Somatic Therapies in treatment of PTSD and Trauma. Specifically, we are delving into the impact of the Limbic System and the Frontal Lobe of the brain in regard to storing and processing trauma.
The Frontal Lobe’s Function
Firstly, it is important to understand what each part does in a regular human. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that shapes social interactions and personal characteristics. This includes decision making, voluntary actions, motivation, and personality traits.
Damage to the frontal lobe, physical or otherwise, can cause an array of issues depending on the severity of trauma. These include:
- Impatience or anger outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating and solving complex issues
- Slowed critical thinking and problem speaking
- Negativity, apathy, nihilism, impulsiveness, and a general intolerance of others
- Depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse, PTSD, disassociation
The Limbic System’s Roles
The Limbic System is the part of the brain that contain our behavioural and emotional responses, which include feeding, reproduction, care for our young, and fight or flight responses.
Damage to the limbic system can cause issues such as:
- Severe anxiety due to fight or flight reflexes being overstimulated
- Panic and restlessness surrounding personal life events (family, friends, self)
- Increased resting heart rate, increased stress hormones, and increased blood pressure
In both of these cases, patients can fall into what we know as ‘trauma loops’. These are flashbacks to the traumatic event that cause increased anxiety and depression, further stimulated by the damage done to the frontal lobe or limbic system. This anxiety or depression can further charge negative stimuli, creating a continuous cycle of negative emotions.
Seeking Healing from PTSD & Trauma
Most professionals recommend seeking therapy after a traumatic event, especially when it comes to healing the brain. The key aim of any therapy relating to brain trauma is to calm the patient, help guide them through their traumatic experiences, and assist in overcoming negative emotions and responses created by a traumatised brain.
Whilst Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for some, others may opt for a different kind of therapy that better suits their healing process. Some studies have recently been launched into the benefits of ‘street drugs’ such as MDMA or magic mushrooms (psilocybin) for the treatment of PTSD and Trauma.
Drug-Free PTSD Therapy
If you are interested in a drug-free, completely non-invasive and safe therapy for PTSD, we can help.
At NCET we offer PEMF therapy, which sends low-voltage Direct Current frequencies into the human body through electrodes. We have led and sponsored one pilot study investigation into PEMF for PTSD in 2021, and are set to launch another study later this year.
If you’re interested in receiving therapy or signing up to participate in an upcoming clinical trial, please contact us on 03301 3301 83 or by emailing admin@ncet.co.uk.
References
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/frontal-lobe-head-trauma-1720020#:~:text=Summary,behavior%2C%20and%20inappropriate%20social%20behavior.
- https://phoenix-society.org/resources/calming-trauma
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-exactly-does-ptsd-do-to-the-brain-2797210
- https://life-care-wellness.com/understanding-what-trauma-does-to-the-brain-helps-you-heal/
- https://www.avalonmalibu.com/blog/limbic-traumatic-loops/
- https://www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-limbic-system-therapy-can-help-resolve-trauma/
- https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/6-ways-the-limbic-system-impacts-physical-emotional-and-mental-health-0316197
- https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/limbic-system#:~:text=The%20limbic%20system%20is%20the,and%20fight%20or%20flight%20responses.