Trauma In Fear Circuitry

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Trauma can affect and alter the brain chemistry, so the protective mechanism called “Fear Circuitry” kicks in, and the prefrontal cortex, which is the decision-making, thinking, planning, and remembering part of the brain, functions less effectively. In the survival mode, the brain freezes, and survival reflexes, such as passing out or being unable to move, occur. The person affected is disconnected from their body and is relying on their habitual mode, which is rooted in socialization. Consequences can be mislocated memories or memory gaps, while the person might be able to tell little, usually unnecessary details such as smells, but not any contextual information or time-sequence information. These reactions are normal brain processes that occur during traumatic and stressful events or the …show more content…
Her father sells everything, including the things that reminded her of her mother (p.151), and tells Grace “[she] was a slut and whore” (p. 154). She watches him “...[threatening her] mother in life, no better than if she had been a rag for cleaning his boots” (p.151). Therefore, trauma at different stages in life has different effects on brain development and Grace is not able to tell apart what is wrong and what is right as she is used to the abuse (Bremner). Potential effects of child abuse include poor memory, difficulties reading social cues, being too dependent on others’ approval, and mental health disorders (Integrative Life Center). During the story, these effects are noticeable, because Grace never has her own opinion and tries to please Dr. Jordan by saying things she believes he wants to hear even though she cannot remember them (PROOF), which explains that these events in Grace's life, change her personality. Physical and emotional abuse has a big impact on the brain as the trauma occurs during childhood when the brain is still
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