Paul Krauss MA LPC and Robert Rhoton Psy D., LPC, D.A.A.E.T.S. discuss the physiology of trauma. Dr. Rhoton defines trauma not as a one-time, terrible event; rather, he defines it as repetitive adversity that causes physiological symptoms. When the autonomic nervous system is constantly being triggered, the stress of this is a more accurate description of what trauma does to our bodies. Dysautonomia is a medical term that describes any time symptoms emerge because the balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems are out of balance. Dr. Rhoton says that when the sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, we have experienced trauma or dysautonomia due to a toxic environment. The outcome for individuals who do experience a singular traumatic event varies depending on the environment in which they grew up. Having a nurturing, non-reactive environment leads to better responses to trauma; growing up with frequent autonomic arousal leads to poorer responses and coping.
Comments (1)