Amygdala threat circuitry
Exaggerated responses to trauma reminders.
Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
Research87
Awareness85
Complexity78
Clinical weight88
Plasticity58
Live debate76
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Last reviewed Sources & creditsMedia creditsMethodology
Quick answers
Where should I start with PTSD?
Read Overview → Anatomy → Function, then use compare rails.
Is this page advice for PTSD?
Educational atlas — not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or medical advice.
What does the local lens add?
It names everyday desks for Disorders before English norms look universal.
Are the scores a ranking of PTSD?
No — editorial 0–100 browsing aids inside this atlas only.
How do I compare PTSD to neighbours?
Use related cards and best-of / quiz rails after the first three chapters.
Which chapter is densest?
Anatomy and Function carry mechanisms; skim Overview first.
PTSD anatomy highlights amygdala threat circuitry, vmPFC regulation, hippocampal context and brainstem/insula arousal nodes.
Educational neuroscience context only — not medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for emergency or clinical care. If you are in crisis, seek local emergency services or a licensed clinician.
Structures
Ventromedial PFC
Safety signalling and extinction support often weakened.
Hippocampus
Contextual tagging of “then versus now”.
Dorsal ACC / salience
Conflict and threat monitoring under hypervigilance.
Insula
Interoceptive awareness of bodily alarm.
Locus coeruleus / brainstem
Noradrenergic drive behind startle and insomnia.
Pathways
Amygdala–vmPFC extinction path
Supports new safety learning when intact.
Hippocampal–amygdala context
Binds threat to place and time.
Salience network loops
Maintain hypervigilant scanning.
HPA / autonomic effectors
Stress hormone and autonomic cascades.
Landmarks
Trauma script / imagery
Clinical and research probes of intrusion biology.
Fear conditioning / extinction
Lab models of threat learning deficits.
Startle / skin conductance
Psychophysiology of hyperarousal.
CAPS / PCL assessment
Structured symptom measurement — not DIY.
Open atlas neighbours: amygdala, hippocampus, vmPFC, insula.
Sources & research
- Post-traumatic stress disorderPrimer on PTSD mechanisms and care.DOI
- Biological studies of post-traumatic stress disorderBiological synthesis of PTSD findings.DOI
- Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderClinical review of PTSD.DOI
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