Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is caused by experiencing prolonged trauma and includes more symptoms than PTSD. It’s often caused by chronic abuse, neglect, or violence.
Understanding this is very important as it helps you heal from your trauma and it promotes long-term recovery.
This article will explain to you CPTSD causes, symptoms, the differences between CPTSD and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), treatments, and the importance of taking care of yourself.
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What is C-PTSD?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is caused by going through prolonged trauma in situations where you feel like escape is impossible, such as going through childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity.
It has symptoms of PTSD but also has different symptoms like emotional dysregulation and negative self-perception.
According to the National Center for PTSD, it’s caused by repeated traumatic events, especially those involving interpersonal harm.1
CPTSD vs PTSD
Understanding the differences between CPTSD and PTSD will help you understand the unique challenges of complex trauma.
| Aspect | Differences |
|---|---|
| Cause | PTSD stems from a single traumatic event, like an accident or assault. C-PTSD arises from repeated or prolonged trauma, such as ongoing abuse or captivity. |
| Emotional Impact | PTSD often involves fear and anxiety in response to trauma. C-PTSD includes emotional dysregulation, chronic sadness, and hopelessness. |
| Self-Perception | PTSD typically leaves self-perception intact. C-PTSD often results in feelings of worthlessness or guilt. |
| Relationship Issues | PTSD may cause trust issues. C-PTSD frequently leads to struggles with intimacy and maintaining boundaries. |
| Core Symptoms | PTSD includes flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. C-PTSD adds dissociation and difficulty managing emotions. |
| Coping Mechanisms | PTSD coping mechanisms often involve avoidance. C-PTSD can also include people-pleasing or isolation. |
| Treatment Needs | PTSD responds well to trauma-focused therapy. C-PTSD requires treatment addressing trauma’s impact on identity and relationships. |
Symptoms of CPTSD
CPTSD affects your emotions, relationships, and your daily life.
Some of the symptoms include:2
- Emotional Regulation Issues: Frequent anger outbursts, persistent sadness, suicidal thoughts.
- Dissociation: Feelings of detachment or unreality.
- Negative Self-Perception: Persistent shame, guilt, feelings of worthlessness.
- Relationship Difficulties: Problems with trust, intimacy, and social isolation.
- Distorted Views of Perpetrator: Preoccupation with revenge or power dynamics.
- Loss of Meaning: Loss of hope, faith, or previous beliefs.
- Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders of the trauma.
- Flashbacks: Recurring, vivid memories of traumatic events.
- Depression: Prolonged emptiness and hopelessness.
- Physical Complaints: Unexplained headaches, dizziness, or stomachaches.
- Hypervigilance: Excessive alertness to potential threats.
- Sleep Issues: Insomnia or frequent nightmares.
Causes of C-PTSD
C-PTSD typically arises from prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, especially in contexts where the individual feels powerless and there is little hope of escape.
Here are some common causes of C-PTSD:
- Childhood Abuse: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse during childhood is a frequent cause.
- Domestic Violence: Prolonged exposure to domestic violence, including physical or emotional abuse.
- Chronic Neglect: Long-term neglect in childhood, where basic emotional and physical needs are not met.
- Living in a War Zone: Extended exposure to war, including being a victim of or witness to violence, threats, and death.
- Captivity: Experiences of being kidnapped or held captive, where the victim feels intense fear and helplessness.
- Forced Labor: Being forced into labor camps or slavery can result in C-PTSD.
- Long-Term Exposure to Community Violence: Living in areas with high rates of violence and gang conflicts.
- Repeated Trauma as an Adult: Such as ongoing exposure to sexual or physical assault or severe workplace bullying.
- Human Trafficking: Victims of human trafficking often endure prolonged abuse and extreme exploitation.
- Complex Grief: Long-lasting grief due to sudden, repeated, or traumatic losses, especially in contexts that involve violence or unexpectedness.
Treatment Options for C-PTSD
Healing from C-PTSD often involves doing a combination of therapies that are tailored to you.
Effective treatments are:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thoughts and develop healthier coping skills. - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy helps you process traumatic memories and reduce your emotional triggers. - Somatic Experiencing
Body-based therapies help you release trauma inside your body and bring physical and emotional balance to your life. - Group Therapy or Peer Support
Sharing your experiences with others who understand you can help you feel less alone.
Quick Tip: Take it One Step at a Time
Healing from C-PTSD takes a lot of time and effort. Start with small steps like mindfulness or journaling to manage symptoms and build yourself a foundation for recovery. If you need help finding specialized treatment for CPTSD or PTSD, Cornerstone can help!
Self-Care Tips for Complex PTSD
Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to manage symptoms alongside professional treatment.
Ways you can practice self-care might include journaling to process your emotions, mindfulness to reduce distress, and having healthy routines to create stability in your life.3
Having creative outlets and supportive relationships reduces isolation and promotes your emotional well-being.
Know When To Get Professional Help
Recognizing when to seek professional help is important for effectively managing Complex PTSD.
If you find your symptoms increasingly interfering with your daily life and relationships, or if self-care strategies are no longer sufficient, it might be time to consult a mental health professional.
Additionally, if you experience persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, these are urgent signs that professional intervention is necessary to ensure your safety and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD?
PTSD usually is caused by going through a single traumatic event, like an accident or assault. C-PTSD comes from repeated or prolonged trauma, like abuse or captivity. It has additional symptoms like emotional dysregulation, chronic relationship problems, and a negative self-image. These symptoms are often widespread and impact multiple areas of your life, including your emotional stability and relationships.
What are the main symptoms of C-PTSD?
Symptoms of C-PTSD include feelings of worthlessness, extreme mood swings or shame, and difficulty with healthy relationships. Chronic hypervigilance and intrusive memories or flashbacks are also common. These symptoms disrupt your daily life and make it hard for you to trust others or feel safe in familiar places. Dissociation is another common experience that can make you feel isolated.
What are the treatments for C-PTSD?
Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the most effective treatments for you. Somatic experiencing helps you release trauma stored in the body, and group therapy provides you with a safe space to connect with others who understand you. Combining these approaches usually leads to the best and most long-lasting outcomes.
When should I get help for C-PTSD?
Get yourself help if C-PTSD symptoms are stopping you from having relationships, doing daily activities, or feeling safe. Therapists trained in trauma recovery can help you develop coping strategies and work towards healing. The sooner you start, the better the chances of minimizing the long-term effects of unresolved trauma and getting your life back.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- C-PTSD stands for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Complex PTSD is caused by prolonged trauma and is different from regular PTSD.
- Symptoms include emotional dysregulation, negative self-talk, and relationship problems.
- Treatment includes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Therapies.
- Self-care and professional help are very important to overcome complex PTSD.
- Recovery takes time, but healing is possible with the right support.
Start Your Trauma Healing Journey with Cornerstone
Understanding Complex PTSD is the first step toward healing and recovery.
By recognizing the symptoms and the impact they have on daily life, individuals can begin to seek the necessary support and treatment.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we offer specialized PTSD treatment options, including an online trauma therapy option that caters to your specific needs from the comfort of your home.
Reach out to us today, and let us help you transform your life!
