Table of contents:
- Having both been traumatized, women are more prone to experiencing PTSD than men
- The impact of trauma on the brains of women and men is different
- So, should the treatment of PTSD in men and women be differentiated?
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is triggered by a traumatic experience in the past, such as a life-threatening accident or acts of violence in the family. Experiencing a traumatic event is tough for anyone. PTSD can affect anyone, both men and women as well as children and adults. Well, a study conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine found a difference in the impact of trauma on the brains of men and women, which was associated with an increased incidence of PTSD.
Having both been traumatized, women are more prone to experiencing PTSD than men
Previous research that has previously been published in J Ournal Depression and Anxiety shows that girls who experience trauma are more prone to experiencing PTSD than boys. This research was conducted by taking an MRI brain scan (magnetic resonance imaging) of 59 participants aged 9-17 years.
About 8 percent of girls who have experienced traumatic events will experience PTSD while growing up. Meanwhile, only 2 percent of boys who also experienced a traumatic event will experience PTSD at a later date.
The impact of trauma on the brains of women and men is different
The new research from Stanford University shows through scan MRI shows that there is no difference in the brain structure of women and men who have never experienced traumatic events in their lives. However, there is a striking difference in the brains of women who have experienced trauma from the brains of men who have experienced trauma.
This difference is found in a part of the brain called the insula. The insula is responsible for processing emotions, adapting to change, and being empathetic. The part of the insula that shows the most prominent distinction is known as the anterior circular sulcus.
The volume and surface area of the anterior circular groove is greater in boys who have experienced trauma. In contrast, the anterior circular sulcus of girls who had trauma was smaller. As they get older, the size of this anterior circular sulcus continues to decrease, making women more susceptible to PTSD.
So, should the treatment of PTSD in men and women be differentiated?
The differences seen between the brains of boys and girls who have experienced psychological trauma may help explain the differences in trauma symptoms between the sexes. Boys and girls can show different symptoms of trauma.
Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD are present Flash back or flashbacks of a traumatic event that you experienced suddenly or if there was a trigger that closely resembles the trauma. Additionally, people with PTSD may have trouble connecting with people they are close to, have trouble sleeping, and feel constant guilt.
However, the symptoms that appear can vary from person to person. Because of this, experts strongly suspect that the treatment of PTSD may need to be differentiated, depending on a person's gender. Currently, further research is still needed to ascertain whether PTSD treatment needs to be differentiated by sex because the impact of trauma experienced by men and women is different.
Until further research has proven this, treatment of PTSD is usually done through psychotherapy and several other types of psychological therapy. The therapist will adjust what form of therapy best suits your particular condition. Therefore, at this time, the actual handling of PTSD and past trauma must be different for each person.
