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.