The brain-body disconnect: A somatic sensory basis for trauma-related disorders

Abstract

Although the manifestation of trauma in the body is a phenomenon well-endorsed by clinicians and traumatized individuals, the neurobiological underpinnings of this manifestation remain unclear. The notion of somatic sensory processing, which encompasses vestibular and somatosensory processing and relates to the sensory systems concerned with how the physical body exists in and relates to physical space, is introduced as a major contributor to overall regulatory, social-emotional, and self-referential functioning. From a phylogenetically and ontogenetically informed perspective, trauma-related symptomology is conceptualized to be grounded in brainstem-level somatic sensory processing dysfunction and its cascading influences on physiological arousal modulation, affect regulation, and higher-order capacities. Lastly, we introduce a novel hierarchical model bridging somatic sensory processes with limbic and neocortical mechanisms regulating an individual’s emotional experience and sense of a relational, agentive self. This model provides a working framework for the neurobiologically informed assessment and treatment of trauma-related conditions from a somatic sensory processing perspective.

A conceptual framework for a neurophysiological basis of art therapy for PTSD

“…Treatments that simultaneously target the cognitive and somatic alterations in the self have been suggested to increase DMN connectivity ( Lanius et al, 2015 ). This engagement with somatic and cognitive processes is consistent with proposed understanding of brain networks underlying somatic distress in the context of PTSD ( Kearney and Lanius, 2022 ). Art therapy factors have the potential to address both affective and interpersonal regulation, self-externalization and reprocessing through concretization and metaphorical expression that may be crucial in addressing the identity related disturbances in PTSD.…”

Deep rest: An integrative model of how contemplative practices combat stress and enhance the body’s restorative capacity.

“…Some contemplative practices also use tactile props such as prayer beads, which are used by holding and moving a string of beads through one’s hand in a slow rhythmic manner. This movement may activate specific sensory receptors that respond to gentle and slow stroking touch (Eckstein et al, 2020; Kearney & Lanius, 2022). Touch has been shown to regulate amygdala arousal via the insula (Eisenberger et al, 2011), and thus it may be that the slow rhythmic touch of prayer beads calms threat arousal through this pathway.…”

FNDC5/Irisin protects neurons through Caspase3 and Bax pathways

“…Neuronal injury in the central nervous system can lead to sensory and motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment and autonomic nerve dysfunction, which imposes an extremely heavy social burden on mankind and has attracted extensive attention in recent years. 1 A variety of factors can cause neuronal death, such as ischemic vascular diseases, hemorrhagic vascular diseases, immune diseases of the central nervous system, inflammation, metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and so on. A great number of pathophysiological processes are involved, which are complex and extensive.…”