Christian Adult Trauma Survivors (CATS) Can Regularly Attract, Cause, and Seek a Crisis

35 years ago, I had a hunch that the brains of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) either produced less dopamine or did not use it as efficiently as the brains of a child who did not grow up in an alcoholic home.

Later in my journey, I had the same suspicion that Children of Trauma (COT) had the same problem.

Then, the new terminology came onto the scene, which is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), and again, I suspected their brains also did not properly produce or use dopamine.

As my work with broken Christians grew, I later coined a term that better described them: Christian Adult Trauma Survivors (CATS). The more I worked with CATS, the more I was convinced they had the same brain and dopamine issues.

The problem I had 35 years ago and for many years was that I had no proof for my hunch. I was also mildly rebuked and told I was not adequately trained to make such assessments, and there was no evidence to support such a notion.

Regardless, I held onto my belief for many years but could never prove it until recently.

I remember saying, “If there isn’t some form of crisis or dopamine-stimulating event, Christian Adult Trauma Survivors will subconsciously create one.” I believe that is true for two reasons.

1) They grew up in a “crisis,” and though it may be somewhat painful, this is normal and familiar territory for them, which means that though a crisis can be destabilizing for most people, it is “home,” safe, and preferred by adults within the categories of ACOA, COT, ACE, or CATS.

2) What would be a normal baseline or homeostasis in the brains of people for dopamine production has been altered or “broken” in the brains of ACOA, COT, ACE, or CATS. Thus, they are driven, mostly unaware, or at least unaware of why they seek out any environment, behavior, experience, substance, or all the above, to increase dopamine. They may not be able to explain or even realize that fact, but nevertheless, they crave a constant dopamine boost just to feel well, or better put – “alive.”

This reality explains why, in a literal disaster when “normal” people are going into shock and total dysregulation, the ACOA, COT, ACE, or CATS is calm, in control, and highly organized and efficient. This then explains why you find so many ACOA, COT, ACE, or CATS at “home” in occupations and “callings” such as Emergency Rooms, nursing, disaster relief, and even as missionaries.

There is growing evidence that trauma can significantly impact dopamine production and regulation in children:

1. Neurobiological Changes

• Dopamine Dysregulation: Research indicates that children who experience trauma may have alterations in brain structures associated with dopamine regulation, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. These areas are crucial for emotional regulation and reward processing, and their dysfunction can lead to insufficient dopamine signaling.

2. Behavioral and Emotional Outcomes

• Mood Disorders and Trauma: Children exposed to trauma often exhibit symptoms of mood disorders and anxiety, which are linked to dopamine dysregulation. For instance, studies have shown that trauma can lead to a decreased response to rewarding stimuli, suggesting that the dopamine system is not functioning optimally in these children.

3. Research on PTSD

• Altered Dopamine Pathways: Studies involving children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have found significant alterations in dopamine-related pathways. These changes may contribute to symptoms such as hyperarousal and emotional numbing, which are common in trauma-exposed individuals [1].

4. Animal Models

• Stress-Induced Changes: Animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to stress and trauma can lead to decreased dopamine levels and changes in dopamine receptor expression. These findings provide insights into how trauma may affect human dopamine production [2].

5. Longitudinal Studies

• Persistent Alterations: Longitudinal research tracking children over time has shown that those with a history of trauma often have lasting changes in dopamine function. This can contribute to long-term mental health challenges, indicating that early trauma can have profound effects on brain chemistry [3].

6. Interaction with Environmental Factors

• Childhood Adversity and Dopamine Response: Studies suggest that childhood adversity, including trauma, can sensitize the dopamine system, leading to heightened responses to stress and potentially insufficient dopamine production in response to normal stimuli.

These findings collectively suggest that trauma can disrupt normal dopamine production and regulation in children, leading to various emotional and behavioral difficulties.

1. Adversity in childhood linked to elevated striatal dopamine function in adulthood – PMC
   
   
2. The relationship between childhood trauma, dopamine release and dexamphetamine-induced positive psychotic symptoms: a 11C 11C 11C-(+)-PHNO PET study – PMC
   
   
3. The relationship between childhood trauma, dopamine release and dexamphetamine-induced positive psychotic symptoms: a 11 C 11C 11C-(+)-PHNO PET study | Translational Psychiatry

Traumatic experiences in childhood can significantly impact brain development, especially in areas related to stress and reward circuits.

Childhood trauma appears to program the developing brain’s dopamine system in a way that reduces the anticipatory “thrill” of rewards and impairs motivated behavior, likely as an adaptation to a dangerous early environment.

Numerous studies have found that early life stress is associated with abnormalities in dopamine system functioning:

• A longitudinal study published in JAACAP in 2016 found that children who experienced 3 or more adverse childhood experiences showed dampened brain response in dopamine-rich regions (nucleus accumbens, caudate) during a reward anticipation task, compared to children with 0-1 adverse experiences. This suggests early stress may disrupt normal dopamine increases with rewarding stimuli.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans published in Biological Psychiatry in 2010 revealed reduced dopamine receptor availability in the striatum of adults who experienced emotional neglect as children, compared to non-neglected individuals. The striatum is central to dopamine-mediated reward/motivation.
• A review in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews in 2013 summarized evidence that early life stress alters dopamine neuron development prenatally and activates stress response systems postnatally, leading to lower tonic dopamine levels that impact reward/motivation behaviors into adulthood.

Experiencing alcoholism in the family as a child can also negatively impact dopamine system development:

• A 2016 study in Biological Psychiatry used PET imaging to examine dopamine function in adults with childhood family histories of alcoholism. They found reduced dopamine receptor availability in the striatum compared to controls, even in non-drinking subjects, suggesting familial risk affects dopamine neurotransmission.
• Research published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2013 found that adolescents with an alcoholic parent showed blunted brain responses to rewards in dopamine-rich regions like the ventral striatum and midbrain. The degree of dampened activity predicted greater alcohol and drug use.
• A meta-analysis published in Addiction Biology in 2017 synthesized neuroimaging data linking family histories of alcoholism to abnormalities in corticostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine pathways important for reward processing and motivation.
• Animal models also support this relationship, like studies showing offspring of alcohol-administered rodents exhibit long-term alterations in dopamine system development, receptor function and dopamine-related behaviors even without direct exposure.

The overarching evidence suggests that growing up with an alcoholic parent is a form of early stress that disrupts typical dopamine maturation in the brain.

This could increase vulnerability to addiction and related disorders by compromising the natural experience of reward and pleasure-seeking tendencies. 

Symptoms of Low Dopamine

Physical Symptoms

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or poor sleep quality.
• Reduced Motor Skills: Slower movements or difficulty with coordination.
• Muscle Weakness: Generalized weakness or reduced strength.
• Changes in Appetite: Either increased cravings for sugar or reduced interest in food.
• Weight Changes: Unexplained weight gain or loss.

Mental and Emotional Symptoms

• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• Anxiety: Increased feelings of worry or nervousness.
• Lack of Motivation: Difficulty starting or completing tasks.
• Apathy: Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing or maintaining attention.
• Memory Problems: Short-term memory issues or forgetfulness.

Cognitive Symptoms

• Decreased Creativity: Reduced ability to think creatively or generate new ideas.
• Impaired Decision-Making: Difficulty making choices or weighing options.
• Reduced Cognitive Flexibility: Trouble adapting to new situations or thinking outside the box.

Behavioral Symptoms

• Social Withdrawal: Avoidance of social interactions or isolation.
• Decreased Pleasure: Diminished ability to experience pleasure (anhedonia).
• Increased Irritability: Heightened sensitivity to frustration or anger.
• Impulsive Behavior: Engaging in risky or hasty actions without considering consequences.

Other Symptoms

• Chronic Pain: Unexplained aches or pains in the body.
• Skin Changes: Issues like dry skin or changes in complexion.
• Digestive Issues: Problems such as constipation or bloating.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Changes in menstrual cycles or libido.