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A study at Stanford University suggests that very stressful circumstances affect the brains of boys and girls in a different way.

It was found that part of the brain which is linked to the emotions and empathy named insula was smaller in girls who had suffered trauma.

In the case of traumatized boys, the insula was larger than its usual size. Findings of the researchers suggest that girls and boys would display contrasting symptoms while going through a distressing or frightening event. They further suggested that these boys and girls should be treated differently.

It was suggested that girls who develop PDST might be suffering from a faster rather than normal aging of one part of the insula. This part of the brain processes feelings and pain.

The insular cortex is situated deep inside the brain and it has many connections. Apart from processing emotions, it detects cues from other parts of the body as well.

According to reports from BBC the researchers scanned the brains of at least 59 children who were aged less than seventeen. This study was published in Depression and Anxiety.

A group of 14 girls and 16 boys suffered at least one episode of trauma or stress. The other group with 15 girls and 14 boys had not been exposed to either trauma or stress.

For children in the traumatized group there was evidence that one area of the insula had changed in size in comparison to children with no trauma.

It can be concluded that insula in the case of long-term stress plays a role in the development of PTSD.

PTSD is a post-traumatic stress disorder associated with a traumatic event like bullying, car accident, natural disaster, abuse or violent crime.

Symptoms of PDST may include- problems eating, flashbacks and nightmares, anxiety, unable to relax and problem while sleeping.

In case of symptoms existing for more than one month, it is better to take an expert advice.