CDT Neurobiological Foundations of Trauma

Question 1

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for processing fear responses and plays a central role in trauma reactions?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

The amygdala detects threats and triggers the fear response, making it central to how trauma is processed and stored.

Question 2

What neurobiological phenomenon explains why trauma memories are often fragmented and lack a clear narrative?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampal encoding disruption

Answer

During high stress, the hippocampus — responsible for context and narrative memory — is impaired, leaving trauma memories unintegrated.

Question 3

In the context of CDT, how does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) respond during a trauma trigger in individuals with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

It may activate fight, flight, or freeze responses

Answer

The ANS activates survival responses — fight, flight, or freeze — which can be more intense or unique in individuals with disabilities due to intersecting vulnerabilities.

Question 4

Which concept describes the body's physical encoding of traumatic stress, relevant to practitioners working with individuals with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Somatic memory

Answer

Somatic memory refers to trauma stored in bodily sensations and muscle tension, not just conscious recollection.

Question 5

What role does cortisol play in the neurobiological response to trauma?

Accepted Answer

It is released as a stress hormone that can impair memory consolidation if chronically elevated

Answer

Chronic cortisol elevation from ongoing trauma impairs hippocampal function and disrupts healthy memory consolidation.

CDT - Certified in Disability Trauma Practice Test

CDT - Certified in Disability Trauma Practice Test

CDT Neurobiological Foundations of Trauma