This course explores the neurobiological foundations of traumatic stress and its impact on the brain and body. Participants will examine how acute and chronic trauma influence neural circuits, brain development, memory, emotional regulation, and behavior. Key topics include the roles of the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in trauma responses, as well as neuroplasticity, epigenetics, and the effects of early-life adversity. The course integrates findings from neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry to provide a comprehensive understanding of trauma related stress disorders. Participants will gain an understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders and apply this knowledge to providing trauma informed care.
