Approximately 24 million Americans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition sparked by a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories of the event, low self-esteem and problems in personal relationships.

But according to a small study, gender may play a role in how we process traumatic events. Earlier research has shown that girls are more likely to develop PTSD than boys. But why? This study, published in the journal Depression and Anxiety, found intriguing differences in the way our brains work that might help answer this question.

Results of the study showed significant differences between boys and girls in the insula region of the brain, a deep fold that processes homeostasis and emotion. The most obvious differences occurred in a section of the insula called the anterior circular sulcus (sul-cuss).

The team took MRIs of 59 participants ages 9 to 17. Thirty of the participants had trauma symptoms, and those who showed no trauma were placed in a control group. Results showed there were no differences in the brains of the girls and boys in the control group.

However, in the trauma group there were significant differences between genders. Boys in the trauma group had a larger anterior circular sulcus than those in the control group. Girls’ brains reacted in just the opposite manner. Findings showed girls in the trauma group had a smaller anterior circular sulcus than those in the control group.

Scientists concluded that the insula area of the brain seems to play a key role in the onset of PTSD. Ultimately, the study results will help scientists develop gender-specific treatment plans for adolescents with PTSD in the future.