I was emotionally / psychologically abused for a brief amount of time by a parent when I was a child. I was never diagnosed with PTSD and the abuse has never really bothered me mentally. Over a decade later, I jump every time someone touches me and occasionally when people say my name, no matter who it is. Sometimes I will be fully aware that someone is about to touch me (friend giving me a hug, significant other holding my hand, etc.) and I will still jump as if they caught me off guard. I have also heard some similar stories from other people, none of whom were physically abused. Is there a reason for why this happens?
In: Biology
Abuse can cause the brain to become hypervigilant and overreact to potential threats, even years after the abuse has ended. This can manifest as an exaggerated startle response.
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