ABSTRACT
NEUROBIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TRAUMA Psychic trauma can eventuate in significant neurological activity. There is an increased production of catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine), which results in increased sympathetic nervous system activity (where the fight or flight response is located). There are often decreased levels of corticosteroids and serotonin, the most pronounced effect probably being the decreased ability to moderate the catecholaminetriggered fight or flight response. Additionally, there are increased levels of endogenous opioids, which may result in pain reduction, emotional blunting, and memory impairment. It is important to realize that chronic exposure to traumatic stress affects the adaptation of these chemicals. In other words, it may permanently alter how people deal with their environment on a daily basis.
