Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Symptoms, Triggers, Treatment, How to Help

CPTSD, or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (Complex PTSD or C-PTSD), is a type of PTSD that can occur after someone experiences prolonged or repeated trauma. This can include things like being a victim of domestic abuse, living in a war zone, or being held captive.

People with Complex PTSD often have trouble regulating their emotions, may feel constantly on edge, and may have flashbacks or nightmares about the traumatic events they experienced. They may also have difficulty trusting other people and may feel detached or numb.

CPTSD Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (Complex PTSD can be divided into three main categories: psychological symptoms, physical symptoms, and social symptoms.

Psychological symptoms of CPTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, dissociation, and avoidance. Flashbacks are vivid, often upsetting memories of the trauma that can come on without warning. Nightmares are recurring, distressing dreams that are often related to the trauma. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, threatening thoughts or images that are related to the trauma. Dissociation is a feeling of being detached from oneself or the world around them. Avoidance is when a person tries to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma.

Physical symptoms of CPTSD can include fatigue, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and headaches. Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness that is not relieved by rest. Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Difficulty concentrating is having a hard time focusing on tasks or conversations. Muscle tension is feeling tightness or pain in the muscles. Headaches are a common symptom of CPTSD and can be either tension headaches or migraines.

Social symptoms of CPTSD can include social isolation, difficulty trusting others, and feeling disconnected from others. Social isolation is withdrawing from social activities or relationships. Difficulty trusting others is feeling like you can’t trust anyone, even people you know well. Feeling disconnected from others is feeling like you’re not really connected to anyone, even people you’re close to.

CPTSD Triggers

Some common Complex PTSD triggers include:

• sounds that remind the person of their trauma
• smells that remind the person of their trauma
• certain places that remind the person of their trauma
• seeing someone that reminds the person of their abuser
• certain words or phrases that remind the person of their trauma
• certain behaviors that remind the person of their abuser

These triggers can cause a person to feel a range of emotions, from anger and fear to sadness and anxiety. They can also cause physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing CPTSD, it is important to be aware of your triggers and to have a plan in place for how to deal with them when they occur.

It’s important to remember that not everyone will have the same triggers. What might trigger one person’s symptoms may not have the same effect on another. It’s also important to remember that triggers can be different at different times. What might not trigger symptoms at one point may do so at another.

CPTSD vs PTSD

There are a few key differences between CPTSD and PTSD. First, CPTSD typically results from long-term exposure to trauma, while PTSD can occur after a single traumatic event. Secondly, CPTSD is characterized by a feeling of powerlessness and entrapment, while PTSD is characterized by feelings of fear and anxiety. Finally, CPTSD can lead to difficulties in regulating emotions, while PTSD can lead to difficulty in recalling the trauma.

CPTSD Treatment

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for CPTSD. CBT can help you to understand your thoughts and feelings about the trauma, and to change the negative thinking and behavior patterns that can keep you stuck in a cycle of distress.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is another effective treatment for CPTSD. EMDR can help you to process and heal the memories of the trauma, and to develop more positive beliefs about yourself and the world.

Medication can also be an important part of treatment for CPTSD. Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and can make it easier to participate in therapy.

How to Help Someone with Complex PTSD

First, educate yourself about the condition. This will help you understand what your friend is going through and how you can best support them.

Secondly, be a good listener. This means being patient, non-judgmental, and respectful. Allow your friend to share as much or as little as they want, and be there to offer a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear.

Finally, encourage your friend to seek professional help. This is often the most effective way to treat C-PTSD, and you can help by being a supportive sounding board and helping to find resources.

Conclusion

Complex PTSD is a condition that can develop after someone has experienced prolonged or repeated exposure to a traumatic event. It can cause a range of symptoms, including intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance of triggers, emotional numbing, and difficulty regulating emotions. CPTSD can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function in everyday life and can be very debilitating. C-PTSD can be difficult to treat, but there are treatments available that can help.

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