Biochemical Model Explaining Trauma Process
Because of the ensuing specific physiological condition, the physical change in the human organism must be determined by a biochemical explanation. This model will show how trauma effects can be understood from a biological viewpoint. In addition, it provides a possible explanation for permanent psycho-physical damage to the organism.
The trauma experience causes acute stress, in turn triggering a specific hormonal reaction in the human body.
Large amounts of neurotransmitters, especially noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin are thereby poured out from the presynaptic nerve endings into the postsynaptic cleft. The postsynaptic nerve is thereby over-stimulated. After the first sympathetic reaction, the body reacts with inhibition. Due to the increased production of neurotransmitters, a shortage of neurotransmitters develops, while the emptied presynaptic nerve endings cannot keep up with production. On the other hand, there is then an increase in the acetylcholine level. The next development shows a lack of drive and feelings of joylessness. This second-phase switch to a parasympathetic nervous system is characteristic for a dissociative condition. When the presynaptic nerve ending is emptied, the postsynaptic nervous system responds with a reactive sensitivity. The result is then a hypersensitivity of the locus coeruleus.1The locus coeruleus is a blue-grey part of the brain to the side of the front part of the diamond groove. It contains numerous pigmented ganglion cells (see Pschyrembel 1993, p. 892). This increase of activity in the locus coeruleus then raises the amount of noradrenaline, that is manifest in extreme nervousness and emotional outbursts. If hypersensitivity of the noradrenaline is present in the nerve fibres between the locus coeruleus, the hippocampus2The hippocampus is a part of the limbic system that deals with emotions. and the corpus amygdaloideum,3The so-called amygdala is also part of the limbic system and is in the region of the temporal lobe (see Pschyrembel 1993, p. 283). then the existing memory images will become obsessive. So-called flashbacks will occur.4A flashback is when memories of a past trauma feel as if they are taking place at the current moment. It can be triggered by minor stimuli, for example by smell or sound. Furthermore, it may be accompanied by pseudo-hallucinations or transitory confusion (see Horie 1997, p. 50).
In addition, every trauma causes an increase in the endorphin level, due to the hormones released from the pituitary gland trying to counteract the stress. The increase in the endorphin level causes not only a numbing of physical pain. It will also affect sensory perception through the effects of the body’s own opiates.5See Horie 1997, p. 98 f. That explains the emotional dissociation and the numbness as well as the feeling of emptiness during the traumatic event.
Time and again in the post traumatic phase, a surge of memories may arise – flashbacks or nightmares, that lead to a reaction in the sympathetic nervous system. The trauma is experienced repeatedly in such situations. The biological cause of this is the abovementioned hypersensitivity of the locus coeruleus and its increased activity.6See Horie 1997, p. 112.
Chapter 7 – Results →