Clinical Terms

Prefrontal Cortex

A brain region associated with planning, reasoning, and regulating responses to emotion.

The prefrontal cortex is a brain region associated with planning, reasoning, decision-making, and regulating responses to emotion. When the body's alarm system is firing strongly, it can be harder to access this region in the moment—part of why grounding and slowing down can help before deciding what to do.

This glossary is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about your mental health, please speak with a licensed professional.