parent speaking to a child – photo credit Kindel Media, Pexel.
A new study by Israeli researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science provides a reason for optimism, they say when it comes to helping children suffering emotional problems from experiencing traumatic events. This is especially important in Israel today with countless children affected by the October 7 Hamas massacre, even if only tangentially.
The researchers found that certain anti-anxiety drugs could have long term positive affects.
Those hurt the most are obviously the ones taken hostage by Hamas or who were in the area on the day of the attack. For them, the trauma will lead to a lifelong need for various types of treatment. But the researchers hope to have found a way to make all of this easier.
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A team headed by Prof. Alon Chen at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered brain mechanisms that go awry as a result of exposure to trauma in infancy and showed that these changes may be reversible if treated early.
The interplay between the brain’s remarkable plasticity and its delicate vulnerability in early life is a fascinating and crucial area of research. While the consequences of childhood trauma on mental health are well-established, understanding the precise mechanisms at the cellular and communication levels remains a significant challenge.
The limited knowledge in this area certainly poses a barrier to developing effective treatment and prevention strategies. Fortunately, advancements in neuroscience tools and techniques are shedding light on these intricate processes. Here’s what we do know so far:
Recent studies suggest that trauma affects different types of brain cells in unique ways. One research group identified two specific neuronal populations impacted by early trauma: the excitatory glutamatergic system and the inhibitory GABAergic system. Their gene expression patterns shift, potentially altering neural communication and circuit function.
Trauma can disrupt the delicate dance of communication between brain regions. For instance, the amygdala, responsible for processing fear and stress, can become hyperactive, while the prefrontal cortex, which regulates emotions and impulsivity, might show decreased activity. This imbalance can lead to heightened vigilance, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty with decision-making.
The brain’s plasticity means that trauma can leave lasting imprints that resonate into adulthood. The altered connections and gene expression profiles might not become fully apparent until years later when faced with certain triggers or stressors. This delayed manifestation further complicates understanding and intervention.
And a child’s brain is still developing. They also lack the life experiences of an adult to help them understand their predicament.
Chen’s laboratory in Weizmann’s Brain Sciences Department focuses on the molecular and behavioral aspects of the response to stress. In previous studies, Chen’s team examined how stress during pregnancy affects mouse offspring when they reach maturity. In the current research, the scientists, led by Dr. Aron Kos, studied how trauma experienced shortly after birth affects mouse pups later in life.
“Understanding the molecular and functional mechanisms allowed us to neutralize the negative behavioral impact of trauma with a drug given shortly after exposure to traumatic incidents,” explained lead researcher Dr. Aron Kos. “This certainly should not be seen as a recommendation to treat young trauma patients with drugs, but our findings do highlight the importance of early treatment for successful rehabilitation.”
