Complex PTSD

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) results from prolonged, repeated trauma, often occurring in childhood, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. In addition to standard PTSD symptoms, individuals experience difficulties with emotional regulation, a negative self-concept, and problems maintaining relationships. C-PTSD is recognized in the ICD-11 and requires specialized, often longer-term therapeutic approaches.

⚠️Symptoms

• Re-experiencing the traumatic event (flashbacks, nightmares)
• Avoidance of trauma reminders
• Persistent sense of threat (hypervigilance)
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• Negative self-concept (shame, guilt, feeling permanently damaged)
• Difficulty maintaining relationships

🔍Causes

• Prolonged or repeated trauma (childhood abuse, domestic violence)
• Captivity or entrapment situations
• War and conflict exposure
• Human trafficking

💊Treatment Options

• Phase-based trauma therapy
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Narrative exposure therapy
• Medication for symptom management