Category: Neurobiology

The National Council for Behavioral Health estimates that up to 70% of adults have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lifetime. The body’s response is a complex, multi-system reaction that floods the system with a cascade of chemicals. This article explains what is released in the body during trauma and the subsequent physiological changes.

According to the Polyvagal Theory, the nervous system has a built-in survival response that can cause the body to 'freeze' or 'shut down' when overwhelmed by extreme stress or danger. This reaction, often referred to as dorsal vagal shutdown or hypoarousal, is a protective mechanism that reduces metabolic activity to conserve energy.