Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a set of symptoms that results from a short but impactful traumatic event, such as a car accident or assault. Conversely, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) results from long-term traumatic experiences that last months or years.
What Kind of Events Can Cause CPTSD?
CPTSD is associated with chronic trauma, which can include the following situations:
- Living in a community with frequent violence
- Long-term abuse in childhood
- Long-term domestic abuse
Many people with CPTSD experience chronic trauma in childhood. However, CPTSD can also affect adults.
What Are the Symptoms of CPTSD?
CPTSD and PTSD share many symptoms. People can experience reminders of traumatic events in the form of nightmares and flashbacks. You may feel the need to avoid certain situations and people that trigger these feelings. CPTSD can also cause problems within interpersonal relationships and facilitate intense emotional responses when faced with triggers.
Is CPTSD a Formal Diagnosis? How Is It Treated?
While there is debate on whether CPTSD is a distinct condition, addressing underlying trauma can have a positive impact on symptoms. A trauma-centered form of psychotherapy can help address the circumstances that contributed to CPTSD. And while there is no approved medication for treating this disorder, symptoms can be managed by antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
How Medical Records Access Can Benefit Mental Health
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