What is C-PTSD?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after exposure to prolonged and repeated traumatic events. Unlike traditional PTSD, which stems from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD develops gradually over time as a result of ongoing trauma – such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, or captivity.
C-PTSD can have profound impacts on a person’s emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Its symptoms may include emotional dysregulation, difficulty managing relationships, dissociation, hypervigilance, and a negative self-concept. Additionally, individuals with C-PTSD may also experience physical symptoms like chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues.
It’s important to understand that C-PTSD often goes undiagnosed, which can exacerbate the condition. Many mental health professionals are not well versed in C-PTSD and/or experts in trauma related disorders. Finding the right professional is as equally important as finding any mental health care professional.
By increasing awareness and educating others about C-PTSD, we can remove the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote greater understanding of trauma’s long-term effects. Many people don’t have a good understanding of the effects of trauma. By talking about C-PTSD and the importance of early intervention, we can empower individuals and communities to identify and address C-PTSD and help them move towards healing and recovery.
What is the cause of C-PTSD?
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is typically caused by exposure to long-term, repeated traumatic events that affect an individual’s sense of safety, security, and well-being. These events can include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, captivity or imprisonment, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, or other forms of violence. In some cases, C-PTSD may also result from experiencing multiple traumas throughout one’s lifetime.
One of the key contributing factors to the development of C-PTSD is the absence of a supportive, nurturing environment. An individual who experiences ongoing trauma but does not have access to adequate emotional or social support may be at a higher risk of developing C-PTSD. Additionally, early childhood trauma can be a significant risk factor in the development of C-PTSD, particularly if safe and secure attachment relationships were never established.
Overall, the specific causes of C-PTSD can vary widely from person to person and may be influenced by a range of biological, environmental, and social factors. Effective treatment for C-PTSD typically involves therapy and other support resources to help individuals work through the trauma and develop coping strategies for managing their symptoms. Sometimes in therapy symptoms can become worse before they get better. A qualified trauma-therapist should talk over the risks and benefits of therapy.
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition that can develop after exposure to long-term, repeated trauma. This can include experiences such as ongoing physical or emotional abuse, captivity or imprisonment, human trafficking or labor exploitation, or living in a war zone. C-PTSD can also develop as a result of experiencing multiple traumas throughout one’s life, rather than a single traumatic event.
C-PTSD shares some similarities with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but typically involves a more complex and pervasive range of symptoms. These can include emotional regulation difficulties, difficulty with interpersonal relationships, dissociation, and a negative self-concept.
Symptoms of C-PTSD
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) can cause a range of symptoms that affect an individual’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors. The following are some common symptoms:
1. Emotional dysregulation: This can include intense feelings of shame, guilt, fear, anger, sadness, or hopelessness. Individuals may have difficulty regulating or controlling these emotions.
2. Negative self-concept: Individuals with C-PTSD may experience a negative self-concept, feeling guilty or ashamed about trauma-related experiences, feeling damaged or flawed, or struggling with feelings of self-hatred or inadequacy.
3. Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships: Trust issues, severe feelings of isolation, and fearing vulnerability often cause individuals with C-PTSD to struggle with forming and maintaining relationships.
4. Flashbacks and dissociation: C-PTSD often causes repeated flashbacks or intrusive memories of traumatic experiences. An individual may feel like they are reliving the traumatic experiences.
5. Hypervigilance: Individuals with C-PTSD may feel constantly on guard or hyper-vigilant, always ready for a threat or danger.
6. Physical symptoms: C-PTSD can result in physical symptoms, such as chronic pain, headaches, or gastrointestinal problems.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s experience with C-PTSD can be different. It’s not unusual to relate to some of the symptoms and not all of the symptoms.
Treatment Options for C-PTSD
While living with C-PTSD can be challenging, there are treatment options available to help manage and alleviate symptoms. These may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and group therapy. Additionally, self-care practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and healthy food choices can help individuals with C-PTSD feel better physically and emotionally.
If you think you may have C-PTSD, talk to your doctor or therapist.
For more information on PTSD visit the National Center for PTSD.
Amy Gamble
Amy Gamble is an author and National Award winning Mental Health Advocate. She’s taught hundreds of hours of classes in Mental Health First Aid and has been a sought after speaker on topics related to mental health. Amy lives in remission from PTSD.
