Hello Aandeg. Sorry to hear that you have been struggling. How old are you now? When you say "basically locked in the house with a caregiver" for four years...are you saying you were illegally prevented from leaving your home...you didn't go to school? Or is that your way of describing intense social anxiety and not feeling like going out much in public? Sorry in advance if I misunderstood your post.

What are the "neurological symptoms" you mention? Have these been identified/addressed by a MD? Or are you self-diagnosing? What are your "psych and emotional symptoms?" While I applaud anyone taking charge of their health, internet research among non-medical people can be problematic...you may find worst-case scenarios which are alarming for you or even become convinced that you have a particular Dx which you don't. If you know what I mean...can be a bit like going down a rabbit hole.

Your prefrontal cortex is important for impulse control. Trauma in childhood (or adulthood) can certainly affect brain development. The good news is that with the plasticity of the brain (particularly younger brains) it is a remarkably complex organ which can also recover from trauma. I don't know if you mentioned if you're male or female but the male frontal lobes (your PFC is in the frontal lobe) are thought to continue developing through ~ age 35. It used to be said they were completed at age 25...more recent research suggests otherwise.

I think it may not be in your best interests to read the research on trauma's negative effects on the brain because it could cause you more anxiety or fear about your own development and outcomes. For example, I went through a period in my life when I had really bad insomnia and intense stress. I am aware of research on how chronic stress and sleep deprivation can have intense effects on the brain etc. I intentionally avoid reading those because that was my reality back then...nothing I could have done to prevent it...I focus on the present and doing the best I can to be healthy. It would only cause me more stress to hear the #s and stats on harmful effects of sleep deprivation on life expectancy etc.

If you are having problems with day to day function, I recommend consultation with your local MD. He/she can refer you to a neuropsychologist or speech-language pathologist for cognitive assessment...that would screen areas like attention, memory, executive function etc. If you are found to have some cognitive changes or deficits, there is a lot that can be done with professional help in order to improve your function or help you adapt as needed.

Your MD can determine if you need to be assessed by a neurologist. That would typically not be the starting point unless you're having severe or obvious signs of neurological damage.

With regard to your emotional well-being, a psychologist could help you there. With coping strategies and support. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a research-based method which is very effective for helping people who are reactive and have difficulty with impulse control...if that's what you are struggling with. Of course, these things take time and patience...wouldn't be a quick fix or a pill. And anyone concerned about impulse control should avoid alcohol or any other recreational substances...those exacerbate the problem and can cause permanent damage.

Rather than reading about trauma's negative effects on brain, I recommend researching strategies which support good cognitive health. For example, reducing screen time, limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol. So many great tips out there. In general, the things MDs advise people to do/avoid for good cardiac health are also great for brain health.

Hard to comment specifically without knowing more detail. And of course, none of us here on PC are doctors. We cannot assess or diagnose you. Generally we offer ideas and support.

I wish you peace and good health.