Most people have heard of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but a lot of people have never heard of Complex PTSD. The type and length of the trauma is generally what differentiates them. Let’s discuss some more specifics about what makes them different.
With both PTSD and CPTSD, it starts with a traumatic event, and a traumatic event can affect anyone. Typically PTSD is triggered by a single event. Examples can include a car accident, an isolated act of violence or a near death experience. CPTSD is from prolonged trauma or repeated traumatic events over months or years, such as those experienced by children who are abused over many years, prisoners of war or emergency service workers. Since the experiences have happened more frequently and over a longer period of time, it is usually more severe.
Typical symptoms of PTSD are flashbacks, nightmares, changes in mood, and avoidance of things that may be a reminder of the trauma.
“CPTSD symptoms encompass those of PTSD and extend to include disturbances in self-identity, difficulties with emotional regulation, and challenges in forming and maintaining relationships.”
(Eshaghian, Maythal [mindful_psyche]. “CPTSD vs. PTSD.” *Instagram, April 16, 2024, https://www.instagram.com/p/C51JSv-PxIf/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA%3D%3D)
Those experiencing CPTSD may have negative feelings about themselves due to shame or guilt that is associated with what they have been through. They may feel like they are different from other people or they cannot relate to others. It’s not uncommon for them to lose hope. These symptoms contribute to the major difference between CPTSD and PTSD which is the impact on relationships and in daily functioning.
It may take years for the symptoms of CPTSD to start becoming evident which is different than PTSD, as those symptoms usually begin shortly after the traumatic event.
PTSD is a recognized mental health diagnosis, however, CPTSD is not recognized as a diagnosis as it is relatively new. There is no specific test to differentiate between the two, so doctors or therapists may just make the diagnosis of PTSD. Tracking symptoms by writing them down and then discussing with a mental health professional, can be a way to determine if it is complex PTSD.
“Many mental health professionals do recognize C-PTSD as a separate condition, because the traditional symptoms of PTSD do not fully capture some of the unique characteristics shown in people who experienced repeat trauma.”
(Tull, Matthew. “How Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) Differs from PTSD.” Very Well Mind. May 21, 2024. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-complex-ptsd-2797491)
Similar strategies can be used to treat both, including medications and psychotherapy. Additional therapies or interventions can be explored to help with CPTSD.
Whether a person suffers from PTSD or CPTSD, it’s important to develop tools to manage the symptoms because they have a significant impact on daily life. Working towards feeling safe and free from fear is the goal. If you need help working through PTSD or CPTSD, contact us, we can help.
