A disturbing reality has been revealed by brain imaging studies. Pakistani children who are raised in violent or unstable homes develop brain patterns like soldiers that are returning from combat.
The findings of the study are very alarming as none of the affected children had been diagnosed with any kind of mental disorder.
The kids in the study looked happy externally. However, neurologically their brains were operating in a constant state of vigilance. It was as if their brain was preparing for danger at any moment.
Functional MRI scans were used by scientists to examine 43 children. These children were those who had been exposed to abuse, family conflict or neglect when growing up.
The children were shown images expressing anger and children from violent environments displayed significantly stronger activation in the amygdala and anterior insula. These brain regions are responsible for processing fear, detecting danger and preparing the body for threat or pain.
According to the researchers this response is like the patterns observed in the combat exposed soldiers. The study suggests that repeated exposure to domestic violence forces developing brains to adapt to life as they are living in an active war zone.
The brains of these children do not focus on exploration, learning and emotional growth but the brain shifts towards survival.
The results of this do not stop in childhood. Threat system of brain is persistently active which influences relationships, emotional regulation, stress tolerance and long-term physical health well into adulthood.
Research has warned that the evidence should serve as an urgent wake-up call. Any kind of violence and abuse inside the household leaves neurological scars even when symptoms are not visible.
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