Which factor is known to cause physical brain injury in mental health disorders?

Severe psychological trauma is recognized for its potential to cause significant physical brain injury, particularly through mechanisms such as stress response activation and its effects on brain structure and function. Trauma can lead to changes in brain morphology, including alterations in the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, regions that are often implicated in emotional regulation, memory, and executive functions. These changes can manifest as reduced volume or connectivity in these areas, impacting cognitive and emotional processes.

Chronic exposure to trauma can also lead to neuroinflammation and changes in neurotransmitter systems, which further contribute to both mental and physical health issues. Recognizing the serious implications of severe psychological trauma highlights the importance of trauma-informed care in mental health treatment.

The other factors listed—unbalanced diet, exposure to sunlight, and regular exercise—while they play roles in overall health and well-being, are not directly associated with causing physical brain injury in the same manner as psychological trauma. An unbalanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies that impact brain health, but it does not result in physical injury in the brain itself. Exposure to sunlight is essential for vitamin D synthesis and mood regulation, and regular exercise is generally beneficial for brain health, promoting neuroplasticity and cognitive function, rather than