The prefrontal cortex is a control center for human emotions, thoughts, behavior, and physiological reactions. In conditions of stress and trauma, the emotional center of our brain, or limbic system (i.e., the amygdala and hippocampus), takes over and activates neuroendocrine responses, resulting in the ‘fight-or-flight-or-freeze’ reactions.
If the body is exposed to stress continuously for too long, neuroregulatory mechanisms become overactivated, which manifests as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Posttraumatic symptoms feed on avoidance and will get worse if left untreated.