Journal of Emergency Health Care
Formerly known as: International Journal of Medical Investigation
Volume 15, Issue 1 (3-2026)
J Emerg Health Care 2026, 15(1): 1-6 |
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Rezaei M, Khatib Z, Tavakoli A. Neuroplasticity Mechanisms in the Pathophysiology of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C Ptsd) and Principles of Neural Reconstruction in Trauma Based Therapies: A Review Article. J Emerg Health Care 2026; 15 (1) : 22
URL: http://intjmi.com/article-1-1392-en.html
URL: http://intjmi.com/article-1-1392-en.html
Mental Health Expert, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (11 Views)
Purpose: Neuroplasticity constitutes a focal point of inquiry within the fields of neuroscience and clinical psychology, having been extensively examined regarding the brain's response to stress and injury. Neuroplasticity is defined herein as the structural and functional capacity of the brain to undergo modification, adaptation, and reorganization of neural networks in response to environmental experiences, learning, and trauma. The primary objective of the present study is to provide a systematic review regarding the role of neuroplasticity in trauma-related disorders, with a specific emphasis on Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), and to evaluate the efficacy of trauma-based therapies on this construct.
Method: Relevant studies were identified through searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords related to neuroplasticity, complex trauma, C‑PTSD, and trauma‑focused therapies. The review encompassed studies published between 2000 and 2026. The initial search yielded 5,420 articles. Articles that were abstracts, brief reports, lacked access to the full text, or exclusively addressed PTSD were excluded. Consequently, 26 articles remaining after the screening process were selected in accordance with the research objectives. Results: The review of the literature underscores the critical role of maladaptive neuroplasticity in the structural alterations of brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex within the psychopathology of C-PTSD.
Conclusion: Furthermore, the manifestation of symptoms, including chronic emotion dysregulation, is directly correlated with these neural changes. Additionally, A review of research on psychological interventions suggests that trauma‑focused therapies may facilitate the restoration of neural functioning by promoting adaptive neuroplasticity. However, the findings highlight the necessity for further research utilizing neuroimaging techniques to elucidate the precise mechanisms of efficacy of these therapies in C-PTSD.
Method: Relevant studies were identified through searches in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords related to neuroplasticity, complex trauma, C‑PTSD, and trauma‑focused therapies. The review encompassed studies published between 2000 and 2026. The initial search yielded 5,420 articles. Articles that were abstracts, brief reports, lacked access to the full text, or exclusively addressed PTSD were excluded. Consequently, 26 articles remaining after the screening process were selected in accordance with the research objectives. Results: The review of the literature underscores the critical role of maladaptive neuroplasticity in the structural alterations of brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex within the psychopathology of C-PTSD.
Conclusion: Furthermore, the manifestation of symptoms, including chronic emotion dysregulation, is directly correlated with these neural changes. Additionally, A review of research on psychological interventions suggests that trauma‑focused therapies may facilitate the restoration of neural functioning by promoting adaptive neuroplasticity. However, the findings highlight the necessity for further research utilizing neuroimaging techniques to elucidate the precise mechanisms of efficacy of these therapies in C-PTSD.
Article number: 22
Keywords: Neuroplasticity, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), Trauma, Trauma-based therapies, Neural plasticity
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