A recent study presented at the ECNP conference in Amsterdam reveals that severe brain changes linked to Post-traumatic stress disorder affect communication between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in women following sexual assault.
- Approximately 70% of women who experience sexual assault develop Post-traumatic stress disorder, highlighting a significant mental health crisis.
- Research indicates that many women show a severe reduction in brain communication, particularly between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, crucial for emotion regulation.
- The study found that in some cases, synchronization between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex drops to near zero, shedding light on potential links to depression (mood) and anxiety.
Why It Matters
Understanding the brains response to Post-traumatic stress disorder after sexual assault is critical for developing targeted treatments, enhancing mental health support for affected women, and addressing broader societal issues surrounding sexual violence.