Major study reveals brain changes due to childhood trauma

The University of Essex study-led by the Department of Psychology's Dr Megan Klabunde conducted the largest-ever brain study on childhood trauma which showed its impact on development and the rewiring of crucial pathways.

They uncovered a disruption in neural networks involved in self-focus and problem-solving.

The research, which reviewed 14 studies involving over 580 children and published in Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, utilized AI to re-examine hundreds of brain scans, identifying patterns that could refine treatments for those affected by childhood trauma. This breakthrough suggests therapists might concentrate on methods that rewire affected brain centers and help rebuild a child's sense of self.

The paper re-examined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans which highlights blood flow in different centres, showing neurological activity.

The study discovered a marked difference in traumatised children's default mode (DMN) and central executive networks (CEN) -- two large scale brain systems. The DMN and the posterior insula are involved in how people sense their body, the sense of self and their internal reflections.

The DMN plays an important role in most mental health problems and may be influenced by experiencing childhood trauma whereas the CEN is more active than in healthy children, which means that children with trauma histories tend to ruminate and relive terrible experiences when triggered.

"Currently, science-based treatments for childhood trauma primarily focus on addressing the fearful thoughts and avoidance of trauma triggers. Our study has revealed that we are only treating one part of the problem. Even when a child who has experienced trauma is not thinking about their traumatic experiences, their brains are struggling to process their sensations within their bodies. This influences how one thinks and feels about one's 'internal world' and this also influences one's ability to empathise and form relationships” Dr. Klabunde added.

Reference: Rebecca Ireton, Anna Hughes, Megan Klabunde. An FMRI Meta-Analysis of Childhood Trauma. Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 2024; DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.01.009