11/11/2025
A groundbreaking fMRI study by University College London and the Anna Freud Centre reveals that children exposed to family violence show brain activity strikingly similar to combat veterans. When these children viewed angry faces during a scan, areas such as the anterior insula and amygdala, critical for threat detection and fear response, lit up just like they do in soldiers with PTSD.
This shows that growing up in high-conflict, abusive environments doesn’t just cause emotional scars. The brain itself adapts in ways that mirror the experiences of wartime survivors. Children’s nervous systems become hyper-alert, constantly scanning for danger, which can affect emotional regulation, social interactions, and long-term mental health.
The findings highlight that childhood trauma is not only psychological but also physiological. These neurobiological changes increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD later in life. Recognizing this helps caregivers, educators, and therapists approach affected children with a deeper understanding, patience, and targeted support.
Healing isn’t only about emotions; it’s about rewiring the nervous system. With care, therapy, and safe environments, the brain can slowly recalibrate, helping children move from survival mode to a sense of safety and resilience.
