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Essex University's AI brain Research gives kid Trauma sufferers 'hope'

A ground-breaking research, which is the biggest of its kind, has provided fresh optimism for those who have experienced childhood trauma by examining its impact on the brain. 

 

 Artificial intelligence (AI) was used to reassess several brain scans of individuals who had childhood maltreatment and extreme mental distress. 

 

The research, spearheaded by the University of Essex, discovered that trauma alters the developmental trajectory of a young brain and impacts cognitive functions such as problem-solving and empathy. 

 

According to Dr. Megan Klabunde, this discovery has the potential to develop novel therapies that may counteract these consequences. 

 

According to the UK Trauma Council, around 33% of children and young people may encounter a potentially distressing incident before they turn 18.

 

 Typically, it refers to a problematic or perhaps lethal incident that induces acute terror.

 

 Prior smaller studies have previously shown that trauma has a physical impact on a child's brain. However, this recent study used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify novel patterns in the data and improve comprehension. 

 

The research was directed by Dr. Klabunde, a child clinical and health psychologist who work as a psychology lecturer at the University of Essex.

She said: "We've shown there are apparent changes to two significant clusters in the brain.

 

"We now know that problem solving and self-focus are affected, which means someone could struggle with emotions, forming relationships and even understanding their bodies."

 

Memory and decision-making were also influenced, she added.

 

'I was mutilated'

 

Valerie had female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria at the age of 16. 

 

 She said, "Suddenly, I was sprawled on the ground." I had the sensation of someone applying pressure on my chest, causing me to feel severely injured. 

 

 "It marked the initiation of a perpetual trauma in my life." I have endured prolonged periods of physical and mental anguish and humiliation.

 

 Valerie had female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria at the age of 16. 

 

 She said, "Suddenly, I was sprawled on the ground." I had the sensation of someone applying pressure on my chest, causing me to feel severely injured. 

 

 "It marked the commencement of an enduring trauma in my life." I have endured years of physical and mental anguish and humiliation.

 

 Valerie consistently pondered the reason for her distinct reactions to events compared to others, and she described her inquiry as a "triumphant achievement." "It is highly logical." 

 

 Kari, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, expressed her inability to articulate the profound significance of the findings. 

 

 She stated: "I have faced persistent difficulties in my relationships and have always questioned the reason behind It." 

 

 "I have realized that the responsibility does not lie with me."

 

Kari and Valerie are part of Essex Trauma Ambassadors, an organization dedicated to assisting survivors and influencing the development of healthcare services. 

 

While many trauma treatments primarily aim to assist individuals in avoiding triggers and managing frightened thoughts, Dr. Klabunde discovered that even survivors without apparent signs of post-traumatic stress disorder were nevertheless impacted by their terrible experiences. 

 

 "According to Dr. Klabunde, current treatments are not addressing a crucial aspect of the problem." 

 

 "Additionally, it is imperative to examine the physiological, psychological, and interpersonal effects of trauma." 

 

 "It instils hope as appropriate treatments can potentially reverse the brain rewiring process."