Trauma deeply affects both the brain and the body, memory included. You may recognize some memory issues akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), like nightmares or flashbacks, which involve intrusive memories. But trauma can also affect how well someone is able to recall things they want and need to remember, too.
How does PTSD affect memory?
It’s complicated. There is no one specific way that trauma and PTSD affect someone’s memory. Everyone who experiences trauma does so in their own way, and they’ll have their own unique symptoms.
Short- and long-term
Teens with PTSD might have trouble with “working” or short-term memory that help them do daily tasks. They might seem distracted, forgetful, or even inattentive. Long-term memory is also affected, which can make it hard to learn new things or clearly remember things from the past.
Intrusive and unwanted
Nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive memories are common for people with PTSD. These memories can be vivid, to the point it feels like someone is reliving an event that traumatized them. The stress that comes with them (and the stress knowing that they can occur) can make it hard to sleep, concentrate, or stay happy.
Dissociation and memory gaps
Dissociation is when someone feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, memories, and even their identity. People with PTSD who dissociate might have fragmented memories or even complete gaps in their memory that they just can’t fill in.
Why trauma has such an impact on memory
Trauma changes how someone’s memory works because it affects different regions of the brain that control memory. Stress is one of the main reasons that these areas are affected. When the body is overloaded with stress, it releases hormones, like cortisol, that can physically change the structure of the brain and areas important to memory, like:
Brains change over time
Teen brains aren’t even fully developed, so trauma that occurs during childhood or adolescence can be even more impactful. For many early teens, their amygdalae are highly active while their prefrontal cortexes are still developing—which is why so many teens can be impulsive and have trouble regulating their emotions. This usually levels out during adolescence, and teens become more rational thinkers and planners.
Some research has shown that trauma that occurs early in adolescence may actually lead to lower amygdala function and higher prefrontal cortex activity. This could lead to more emotional suppression, dissociation, and memory fragmentation. On the other hand, older teens who experience trauma might be more likely to have symptoms closer to adults, including being startled easily, difficulty with memory, and intrusive memories.
Is memory loss from PTSD permanent?
Not always. While PTSD during childhood or adolescence can be especially impactful because of their still-developing brains, early treatment can be especially impactful for the same reason. When the brain is still developing, it has high levels of something called “neuroplasticity,” which is how the brain is able to change and adapt.
Still, there memory issues can persist, even with treatment. Knowing how they specifically affect someone cope with them. With treatment, though, many memory issues are less severe and cause less disruption to daily life.
Early intervention is vital
Enrolling a teen with PTSD in treatment while they’re still growing gives them the chance to adapt in healthier ways. Therapies, medication, and other methods can help them learn how PTSD affects them and what they can do to cope with it.
One of the most common approaches is trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), which helps reduce many common symptoms of PTSD, including issues with memory. Other methods, like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), are effective in helping many teens process their trauma so they can cope with it. Some other symptoms, including severe sleep issues, depression, and anxiety, might be best treated with medication.
What you can do now
The best thing you can do if your teen is struggling with memory issues related to PTSD is to find treatment for them. You can support them at home, too, by:
- Offering stability and emotional support
- Encouraging open communication
- Staying patient and informed
- Using reminders, like calendars and notes
- Making sure they have any needed accommodations at school
When you’re looking for treatment, turn to the team at Family First Adolescent Services. We specialize in teen PTSD treatment, offering personalized, evidence-based care in South Florida. With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience, you can trust that your child is in good hands at Family First. Plus, while they’re in treatment, we’ll help you learn more about PTSD, find out what you can do at home, and connect you with other parents in similar situations. Reach out online or call 888.904.5947 today.