How is Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) similar to or different from PTSD?
If you’re even reading this blog post, odds are you have a good enough understanding that trauma comes in various shapes and forms. In this blog, learn a little bit more about the similarities and differences between PTSD and C-PTSD.
PTSD vs. Complex PTSD
Trauma can cause two forms of the same psychological concern, complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Trauma is a mental and emotional reaction to something very upsetting or disturbing, making it hard for a person to cope.
Many experts in the trauma field refer to trauma as anything that has overwhelmed one’s ability to cope.
There are many kinds of traumatic events, such as physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, serious accidents, combat, and exposure to violence or danger for a long time.
Most people with post-traumatic stress disorder have been through or seen a single traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a terrible accident, or an act of violence. Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, and negative mood and cognitive shifts are all potential symptoms.
On the other hand, complex post-traumatic stress disorder is caused by long-term or repeated trauma or abuse, most often as a child. People with C-PTSD may also have trouble keeping their emotions in check, have problems with their relationships, and have a low opinion of themselves.
C-PTSD is very similar to PTSD, but it is more complex and has more far-reaching effects on a person's emotional, psychological, and relationship health.
Similarities
Symptoms might include:
Flashbacks/nightmares
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling distant from others
Irritability or feeling on edge
Being overwhelmed by your emotions
Negative thoughts about yourself and/or others
Avoidance of things/people associated w/ the trauma
Primary differences
While events that lead to developing PTSD may have long-lasting impacts on us, we can generally resolve the symptoms within a matter of weeks-months with the proper forms of treatment (e.g., Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, Cognitive Processing Therapy).
Because the events that lead to developing C-PTSD are more chronic and repetitive, coping with its after-effects may be a life-long journey. Again, appropriate forms of treatment are critical (like those named above), as some forms of therapy might miss addressing the unique symptoms of C-PTSD, which are:
Difficulty building and maintaining relationships
Struggling with managing emotions
Excessive feelings of guilt and worthlessness
You can also have both PTSD and C-PTSD.
A number of people who have experienced either childhood trauma or trauma in adulthood say they feel like they walk around with a target on their back. Like things just keep happening to them.
Unfortunately, this is pretty common.
Consider this: if you grew up having a fairly enmeshed relationship with a parent, or one parent frequently berated or belittled you, you likely have a certain expectation of how relationships are “supposed to go,” or what you consider a red flag may be different that others who did not have experiences of trauma in childhood.
Most commonly, a lot of people present to therapy because they are having difficulty in relationships when they have a secure attachment to them. They’ve gotten so used to the roller coaster and push-pull of relationships, that something that is stable, consistent, and secure actually seems wrong.
Most importantly, whether you have struggle with C-PTSD and/or PTSD, therapy can help!
Whether you’re looking for online therapy in Oregon, or you’d rather enjoy a one-on-one session with a local therapist in your area, starting therapy can be your starting point if you want to work towards healing from your trauma.
As you’re looking for a therapist, make sure they have experience working with trauma. Particularly if you have C-PTSD, it is important your therapist specializes in working with the unique symptoms that can present with this mental health challenge.
As a therapist, I’ve spent years studying, researching, and working with childhood trauma and attachment-related concerns.
Interested in learning more about the most effective forms of therapy for healing from trauma?
Stay tuned for the next blog post on therapies that are most helpful for healing from trauma, as well as additional resources you’ll want to save!
Are you looking to connect with a therapist who specializes in working with C-PTSD and PTSD?
(Oregon & Washington residents only)
About the author
Amanda Buduris is a licensed psychologist providing virtual therapy services in Oregon and Washington. She is trained in multiple modalities of trauma-focused healing to best support clients who are looking to feel better faster.
