Fractured Foundations: Brain Structure and PTSD in Survivors of Parental Narcissism

Introduction

Parental narcissistic abuse isn't just emotionally damaging—it can leave deep, lasting imprints on the brain. As a form of childhood maltreatment, it goes beyond harsh words or manipulation; it can actually alter the way a young brain grows and functions. Over time, these changes may set the stage for serious mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this article, we take a closer look at how this specific kind of abuse affects brain structure and why it has such a powerful link to long-term trauma. Drawing on insights from current neuroscience and psychological research, we explore what’s happening in the brain—and why it matters.

How Narcissistic Parents Can Change the Brain: Effects on Memory and Emotions.

Two important parts of the brain—the hippocampus and the amygdala—can be hurt by narcissistic abuse from a parent.  The hippocampus helps us remember things and manage our emotions. But in kids who go through this kind of abuse, it can shrink, making it harder for them to remember things and stay calm (Killion & Weyandt, 2020; Del Casale et al., 2022). The amygdala, which helps us react to danger and strong feelings, can become too active. This means someone might get scared more easily or feel like they’re always on high alert (Tomoda et al., 2012; Teicher & Samson., 2016). These are common signs of PTSD, a condition that can happen after going through trauma.

Robina Weermiejer, Unsplash

The Brain's Control Center: The Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the part of the brain that helps us make decisions, control our actions, and stay focused. This part of the brain can be affected by emotional abuse from a narcissistic parent. Studies have shown that kids who go through this kind of abuse may have changes in the PFC, like it being thinner or smaller (Tozzi et al., 2020). These changes can make it harder to think clearly, concentrate, or make good decisions. It can also lead to symptoms of PTSD.

The Brain’s Bridge: How Left and Right Sides Work Together

The corpus callosum is the biggest part of the brain that helps the left and right sides talk to each other (Seymour, 2017). When a child is treated badly by a narcissistic parent, this part of the brain can be affected. Studies have found that kids who go through this kind of abuse may have a smaller corpus callosum (Killion & Weyandt, 2020). This can make it harder for the brain to share thoughts and emotions between the two sides, which can lead to problems like trouble thinking clearly and handling emotions — common in people with PTSD.

How Stress and Trauma Affect the Brain

Narcissistic abuse from a parent can change how a child’s brain looks and works. One reason this happens is because of how the body handles stress. The part of the body that controls stress is called the HPA axis. When a child is under stress for a long time, like from emotional abuse, the body releases a chemical called cortisol. Too much cortisol for too long can hurt brain cells and change important parts of the brain, like the hippocampus (which helps with memory) and the amygdala (which helps with emotions) (Orellana et al., 2024).

Stress on the Young Adolescent - Wix

Impact on Brain Development

Emotional abuse from a narcissistic parent can also affect how a child’s brain grows, especially during important times when the brain is still developing. One area that can be changed is called the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This part of the brain helps people notice mistakes, solve problems, and stay motivated (Stevens, et. al., 2011). If the ACC doesn’t grow the right way, it can make it harder to control emotions and actions, which may lead to problems like PTSD.

What Inflammation and Body Changes Do to Your Brain

Besides stress and changes in brain growth, things like inflammation and how the body uses energy can also affect the brain after narcissistic abuse from a parent. Studies have shown that kids who go through this kind of abuse often have higher levels of something called C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a sign of swelling or inflammation in the body (Orellana et al., 2024; 2023). This swelling can be linked to changes in the brain, like parts of it being thinner or smaller. Also, these kids may have a higher body mass index (BMI), which means they weigh more for their height. A higher BMI can also lead to changes in how the brain is built (Orellana et al., 2024).

Development of PTSD

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PTSD Symptoms and Brain Structure

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can happen after a child experiences emotional abuse from a narcissistic parent. This is often connected to changes in how the brain looks and works. For example, when a part of the brain called the hippocampus gets smaller, it can cause problems with memory and make people want to avoid things that remind them of the trauma (von Schröder et al., 2025; Killion & Weyandt, 2020). Another part of the brain, called the amygdala, can become too active. This can lead to symptoms like feeling jumpy, always being on high alert, or reacting too strongly to sounds or surprises (Tomoda et al., 2012; Teicher & Samson., 2016).

Why Some People Mentally ‘Check Out’ After Trauma

People with PTSD often experience dissociation, which means they might feel like they’re not really present or that things around them aren’t real. This can happen to kids who go through emotional abuse from a narcissistic parent. Dissociation may act like a coping tool—a way the brain tries to protect itself. But it can also make PTSD symptoms worse. For example, kids who dissociate more might avoid things that remind them of the trauma, which is a common PTSD symptom (von Schröder, et al., 2025).

The Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of narcissistic abuse from a parent can have a big impact on the brain and the chances of developing PTSD. Studies show that the damage caused by this kind of abuse in childhood can last into adulthood (Killion & Weyandt, 2020; Del Casale et al., 2022). Changes in the brain from this early abuse can also make PTSD symptoms worse and harder to treat (Teicher & Samson., 2016).

Conclusion

Emotional abuse from a narcissistic parent can cause serious and long-lasting changes in the brain. This can lead to problems like PTSD. Important parts of the brain — like the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and corpus callosum — can be affected by this kind of abuse. These changes can make it harder to remember things, handle emotions, and think clearly. PTSD is often linked to these brain changes, and some people also experience dissociation, which is when the brain tries to cope by checking out or feeling disconnected.

References

Claudius von Schröder, Richard O. Nkrumah, Traute Demirakca, Gabriele Ende, & Christian Schmahl. (2025). Dissociative experiences alter resting state functional connectivity after childhood abuse. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79023-9

Del Casale, A., Kotzalidis, G. D., Rapinesi, C., Serata, D., Ambrosi, E., Simonetti, A., & Girardi, P. (2022). Grey matter volume reductions of the left hippocampus and amygdala in PTSD: A coordinate-based meta-analysis of magnetic resonance imaging studies. Neuropsychobiology, 81(4), 257–264. https://doi.org/10.1159/000522003

Killion, B. E., & Weyandt, L. L. (2020). Brain structure in childhood maltreatment-related PTSD across the lifespan: A systematic review. Applied Neuropsychology: Child, 9(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/21622965.2018.1441383

Orellana, S. C., Bethlehem, R. A. I., Simpson-Kent, I. L., van Harmelen, A.-L., Vértes, P. E., & Bullmore, E. T. (2024). Childhood maltreatment influences adult brain structure through its effects on immune, metabolic, and psychosocial factors. PNAS Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 121(16). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304704121

Seymour, T. (2017, June 24).  What does the corpus callosum do? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318065

Stevens, F. L., Hurley, R. A., Taber, K. H., Hurley, R. A., Hayman, L. A., & Taber, K. H. (2011). Anterior Cingulate Cortex: Unique Role in Cognition and Emotion. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 23(2), 121–125. https://doi.org/10.1176/jnp.23.2.jnp121

Teicher, M. H., & Samson, J. A. (2016). Annual Research Review: Enduring neurobiological effects of childhood abuse and neglect. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 57(3), 241–266. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12507

Tomoda, A., Polcari, A., Anderson, C. M., & Teicher, M. H. (2012). Reduced visual cortex gray matter volume and thickness in young adults who witnessed domestic violence during childhood. NeuroImage, 59(1), 1071–1079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.09.025

Tozzi, L., Garczarek, L., Janowitz, D., Stein, D. J., Wittfeld, K., Dobrowolny, H., ... & Grabe, H. J. (2020). Interactive impact of childhood maltreatment, depression, and age on cortical brain structure: Mega-analytic findings from a large multi-site cohort. Psychological Medicine, 50(6), 1020–1031. https://doi.org/10.1017/S003329171900093X

By Dr. Melissa Chovan, Psy.D., LPC

May 5, 2025