Childhood Trauma & Memory LossĮxperts at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies have carefully researched the impacts of childhood trauma on memory loss. Symptoms include flashbacks, blurring of memories, dissociation from reality, and memory loss or alteration. Moreover, repressed memories can also occur within these dynamics. Repeated trauma scenarios can lead to the development of Complex PTSD, sometimes resulting in emotional dysregulation. Emotional memory loss is a means of survival to shield from the psychological fallout of trauma. Memory loss can occur as a byproduct of repeated situations such as child abuse or domestic violence. A person’s brain may suppress memories as a protective mechanism to prevent the retrieval of painful emotions associated with a traumatic event. Psychological or emotional trauma can result in memory loss. Emotional or Psychological Trauma & Memory Loss As a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a person may experience a decline in short-term memory, difficulties remembering to do things, or a loss of memory regarding the incident resulting in the injury. Physical trauma or medical conditions–such as a stroke–can directly impact memory function, especially if the three areas of the brain that control these functions are damaged. In relation to PTSD, dissociative amnesia has been linked to instances of severe stress such as experiencing a car accident, witnessing war, abuse, or living through a natural/man-made disaster. Dissociative memory is diagnosed when there is no evidence of traumatic brain injury or loss of cognitive function and memory due to dementia. Those diagnosed with PTSD often experience dissociative memory loss or amnesia, a condition that results in loss of memory, usually related to their trauma. PTSD & Dissociative Amnesia: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who experience or witness a traumatic event. Hippocampus: Supports memory, learning, navigation, and perception of space.Amygdala: Associated with the brain’s reward system, stress management, “fight or flight” response, and some memory/emotion regulation.Hypothalamus: Regulates hunger and thirst, while also playing a role in various aspects of memory and emotion.After a traumatic or stressful experience, these memories essentially become blocked from consciousness until a person revisits the traumatic event. In short, memory loss can be a coping mechanism utilized by the brain to prevent one from remembering and reliving a traumatic event.īelow are the three areas of the brain that are associated with memory and brain functions: Trauma can affect the brain in several ways, both in terms of functionality and structure. Suppressed memories are often created through state-dependent learning, or the brain’s act of creating memories during a particular emotional or physical state. Knowing how trauma can affect your memory can guide you in choosing an appropriate treatment to help you cope with trauma and heal your memory problems. Some of this memory loss may be a temporary way to help you cope with the trauma, and some of it may be permanent due to a severe brain injury or disturbing psychological trauma. Research shows a definite relationship between emotional, psychological, or physical trauma occurrences and memory. This can occur because of physical or emotional trauma, and memory loss can be the brain’s way of coping with the experience. However, regaining lost memories resulting from trauma is possible through therapy and other treatment.Ĭasa Palmera, a mental health treatment program located in Del Mar, CA, stated that memory loss is a frustrating and sometimes scary experience, especially if the memory loss is caused by a traumatic event. According to Ingrid Waichler, LCSW, and Maria Simbra, MD, at Choosing Therapy, a person’s brain can be negatively impacted by trauma and stress, often resulting in impaired memory.
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