Traumatic experiences can be devastating to those who are exposed to them. They can lead to significant mental health problems and changes in how a person functions and copes—even long after the trauma has passed. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) are 2 types of diagnoses people may be given, based on symptoms that result from significant emotional and/or physical trauma.
Generally speaking,
PTSD can develop after a single traumatic event that is life-threatening—or perceived to be—by the person who experiences it. Common examples of such situations include:
- Military combat
- Being in a destructive natural disaster
- Sexual assault
- Being held at gunpoint during a robbery
Complex PTSD is somewhat different in that it usually evolves from prolonged
trauma that goes on for months or years and from which escape (or rescue) seems impossible. Childhood sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, as well as neglect and related maltreatment, are among the more common causes of CPTSD.
This condition may also be diagnosed in people who have survived other types of horrific situations, such as having been:
- A prisoner of war
- Subjected to torture
- Kidnapped
- Living in a war-torn area
- A victim of human trafficking
- Abused by a domestic partner over an extended period of time
Symptoms in PTSD and Complex PTSD
Right now, the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) does not separate PTSD from CPTSD in its classifications; however, the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases) identifies these as 2 separate conditions. While both PTSD and CPTSD share some of the same symptoms, there are specific characteristics in complex PTSD that are not seen in regular PTSD.
To be diagnosed with PTSD, a person must have significant problems in functioning due to the following core symptoms that last for at least several weeks:
- Have nightmares or flashbacks during which the fear of the traumatic event is vividly re-experienced
- Avoidance of activities, situations—or even thoughts and memories—of the traumatic event
- Being in a state of hypervigilance or being easily startled because of an ongoing perceived sense of threat (even though the traumatic event has passed)
A person with PTSD can also have other symptoms, such as
sleep problems, difficulty with, concentration and
memory,
anger issues,
depressive symptoms, and even
suicidal thoughts.
According to the
ICD-11, a person with complex PTSD is likely to have the same core symptoms of PTSD listed above, but in addition, has the following symptoms that are persistent and severe in nature:
- Problems controlling their emotions
- Believe they are worthless or a failure and inferior to others
- Have feelings of profound shame and guilt related to the traumatic event that distorts their perspective of themselves and the traumatic event(s)
- Have difficulty getting close to others and sustaining relationships
People with CPTSD may also have periods of amnesia about what happened and periods of dissociation (feeling removed from themselves). The combination of all of these symptoms can lead to significant problems functioning in many aspects of their lives, including personally, with family, socially, and at school or work.
Interestingly, there may be some mitigating factors that can reduce the number and degree of symptoms a person develops from a chronic traumatic situation. For example, some
research has found that there may be protective factors for certain people, such as a genetic predisposition for resilience and/or familial support that may help a person to develop PTSD, rather than extra challenges associated with complex PTSD.
Complex PTSD vs. Borderline Personality Disorder
From a clinical perspective, there are some similarities between complex PTSD and
borderline personality disorder (BPD), particularly with regard to emotional stability, and so a person may get diagnosed with PTSD plus BPD. However, as explained in a 2020 article published in the
British Journal of Psychiatry, people with BPD have a fluctuating (good/bad) perception of themselves, whereas, with CPTSD, self-perception is typically only negative. Also, those with CPTSD tend to avoid relationships or have a difficult time maintaining them, while those with borderline personality tend to jump into relationships quickly and create a lot of instability with their partners.
Treatment for Trauma Makes a Difference
People with complex PTSD often have difficulty trusting others. Given the horror of what they must have gone through at the hands of another person (or multiple people), it is understandable. Finding a
mental health professional who is skilled in working with CPTSD is very important so that some level of trust and emotional comfort can develop. When that happens, additional therapeutic modalities can be included in a person’s healing journey, such as:
EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been one of the more successful treatments for PTSD. It involves less talking than other therapies and generally allows for traumatic memories to be addressed in a way that feels safer to the person working through them.
DBT: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which has a strong mindfulness component, can be helpful for learning to regulate emotions as well as managing stress and self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-injury.
With the right kind of compassionate support and treatment, symptoms of complex PTSD and PTSD and really can get better over time.
PTSD and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.
At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
