Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is something that comes into existence as an outcome of a prolonged period or repeated occurrence of trauma, usually during the most tender stages of development.
CPTSD is different from PTSD.
PTSD is usually caused by a single traumatic event that causes a person to be disturbed.
CPTSD is quite different from PTSD, the reason behind it being the fact that a person has gone through a number of repeated, distressing situations of emotional, physical or sexual abuse, to mention a few.
The primary and, above all, other things to be done in order to treat complex PTSD is to identify the symptoms.
What Are the 17 Symptoms of Complex PTSD?
CPTSD sufferers often find themselves burdened with several symptoms which interfere with their daily lives.
Here are the 17 often-mentioned complex PTSD symptoms:
- Emotional Flashbacks: Bursts of sudden, intense re-experience of past events that can feel overwhelming.
- Memory Lapses: Recalling certain remembered events/periods becomes a subject of complexity, mainly related to the traumatic time.
- Distorted Sense of Self: Thinking negatively of yourself, feeling like you are not likeable or worthy at all.
- Inability to Control Emotions: Feeling the utmost negative emotions, such as anger or extreme sadness, with little success in management.
- Hyperarousal: Sleep disorders and reduced concentration are the consequences of being in a constant state of alertness or watching for danger constantly.
- Unexplained Physical Symptoms: The individual is subject to developing somatic symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, and stomach aches.
- Sleep Disturbances: Problems with sleeping or dreams of the event cannot stop occurring.
- Challenged Interpersonal Relationships: A person can develop the habit of not wanting to get too close as a protective measure due to the serious trust issues that arise.
- Avoidance of Certain Circumstances/Places: Sometimes, people avoid people or places that remind them of the trauma, and they re-experience the event/s or panic for the most part.
- Substance Use: Drug or alcohol consumption to alleviate the pain.
- Low self-esteem: A feeling of uselessness and guilt might be attached to you.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Due to stress and traumatic events, the body suffers from an ailment of diseases.
- Depersonalization or Derealization: The self feels as if it is not really there, and the world doesn’t seem real either.
- Negative Self-Perception and Thoughts of Suicide: Thinking negative beliefs about oneself, leading to suicidal ideation.
- Unexplained Headaches: Frequent headaches with no clear reason for them.
- Difficulty Trusting Others: A distinct unease of trust, even to those nearest to one, maybe possible during this situation.
- Avoiding Triggers: Consciously avoiding thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the trauma.
The first thing to do is to become aware of the CPTSD symptoms so that a person can seek appropriate treatment and help.
What Causes CPTSD?
Understanding what causes CPTSD involves mainly recognizing the types of trauma that result in its development. Some of the causes are:
- Childhood Abuse or Neglect: Childhood abuse or neglect involves a young child who experiences emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
- Domestic Violence: Enduring ongoing abuse from a partner or family member.
- Sexual Abuse: Being sexually assaulted/abused or exploited in any other way.
- Torture or Slavery: Undergoing extreme forms of abuse and exploitation.
- War: Living in a war zone or being a prisoner of war.
These long-lasting events can devastate an individual’s mental health and mind by taking away their sense of safety and identity, resulting in the formation of CPTSD.
What Does Complex PTSD Feel Like?
Living with CPTSD is an extremely difficult experience to deal with on a daily basis.
People can often feel like they are permanently on the edge, feel low all the time and are unable to let people into their lives.
The emotions coming out may be intense and uncertain, causing the individuals to have difficulty to make through daily activities.
Recognizing the feelings of complex PTSD is crucial not only for those affected but also for their families—it fosters empathy and support.
Is CPTSD Real?
Yes, Complex PTSD is real.
Though this issue might not appear in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5, it still is identified in ICD-11.
Psychiatric experts confirm that CPTSD is a genuine condition due to prolonged trauma, which can be distinct from PTSD.
Does Complex PTSD Go Away?
The question of whether complex PTSD will go away is challenging to answer.
Through the right treatment, patients can ultimately manage and reduce the symptoms of PTSD. Therapeutical conducts like trauma-focused therapy and psychological support can be very helpful.
Nevertheless, some individuals may still encounter the effects and should take responsibility for ongoing coping skills.
Finding Help and Support for CPTSD
If you or someone you know suffers such symptoms of complex PTSD, it is a must to get professional help.
Early intervention brings about better results and improves the quality of life.
At Timely Psychiatry, we specialize in giving efficient care to people who have complex PTSD.
We have a professional team of experts who can listen and provide you with the care you’re looking for. Reach out and discuss everything you need to.
Your Next Steps
- Contact Us: Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals.
- Assessment: We will do a thorough analysis to obtain an in-depth view of your specific situation and needs.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: We will propose a strategy that would fit your needs completely.
Remember to ask for help; it is a courageous move to feel better. We aim to support and assist you during this process.
FAQs
How can you tell if someone has complex PTSD?
The warning signs of complex PTSD can basically be identified by showing the symptoms of emotional numbness, emotional dysregulation, poor self-esteem, and relational problems besides avoiding the triggers.
Generally, a person usually develops these concerns only after having undergone extreme trauma. Professional evaluation is necessary if these are the symptoms they are having.
What is the most severe form of PTSD?
The most severe form of PTSD that we often hear about is complex PTSD (CPTSD).
The lasting exposure to the trauma is the reason for the sufferer having symptoms like emotional numbness, chronic hyperarousal, as well as a difficult time with relationships and self-concept.
What is the best treatment for complex PTSD?
The following modalities are most recommended for the treatment of complex PTSD:
- Therapies focused on trauma, such as EMDR and CBT.
- Medication (for anxiety or depression).
- Somatic therapy (healing the body from the trauma by addressing it).
Getting back to a normal life is a possibility; however, at times, it takes time, and you have to do it with the guidance of a professional.
Does complex PTSD go away?
Yes, with the right medication and your doctor’s help, many of the symptoms can either be diminished or managed effectively.