Which response does a traumatic event trigger via the amygdala?

The amygdala plays a crucial role in processing emotions, particularly those related to survival, such as fear. When a traumatic event occurs, the amygdala is activated, leading to the fear response and the fight or flight reflex. This is an instinctive reaction to perceived danger, preparing the body to either confront or flee from the threat. The amygdala's activation does not enhance cognitive function or improve social interactions; instead, it often leads to heightened arousal and focus on the threat at hand, which can negatively impact cognitive processes and social behaviors in the aftermath of trauma. Thus, the correct answer highlights the amygdala's critical function in fear-response mechanisms that are essential for immediate survival.