Simply put, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-known mental health condition that can develop once a person experiences a traumatic event. However, there is a more complicated form of PTSD called complex-post traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) that arises from long-term or repeated traumas. This article will detail the basics of complex PTSD, how it differs from traditional PTSD, and its connection to addiction.
What is Complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) develops after prolonged exposure to complex trauma. A complex trauma is typically characterized by events that are repeated, reoccurring, or ongoing. While regular Ptsd develops from a single traumatic moment, C-PTSD results from reoccurring events of trauma like childhood abuse, sexual assault, or being in the military, even a prisoner of war. People with C-PTSD may struggle to regulate their emotions, leading them to face challenges in relationships. This all contributes to dealing with low self-esteem and diminished confidence.
How does Complex PTSD differ from regular PTSD?
While both C-PTSD and PTSD are forms of traumatic stress disorder, there exist some important divergences. Traditional traumatic stress disorder is usually tied to a single, shocking event like a car accident, natural disaster, or sudden death of a loved one. In contrast, complex post-traumatic stress disorder develops after a series of traumatic events or a sustained period of trauma.
Here are the key differences:
- Emotional regulation. People who have C-PTSD have more difficulty controlling their emotions than those with regular PTSD.
- Low self-worth. Individuals with C-PTSD may have persistent negative thoughts, often feeling helpless or ashamed of their struggles.
- Relationships. There are sometimes difficulties in forming healthy relationships due to trust issues and unfortunate history in various relationships.
What are the symptoms of Complex PTSD?
The symptoms of Complex PTSD include:
- Difficulty managing emotions (emotion regulation issues)
- Deep feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
- Challenges in forming or maintaining relationships
- Flashbacks and nightmares related to the trauma
- Avoidance of situations that remind them of the trauma
- Difficulty trusting others
- Suicidal thoughts
These symptoms should be taken seriously. They can grow in intensity and eventually interfere with daily life, work, and relationships if not brought to the attention of a health practitioner.
How is Complex PTSD diagnosed?
A mental health professional can diagnose Complex PTSD. They do this through careful evaluation and understanding of the individual’s trauma history. During the diagnosis, the professional will assess the severity of the trauma and its impact on the mental and emotional well-being of the person. Understanding the difference between traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What are the causes of Complex PTSD?
The primary causes of Complex PTSD are long-term and reoccurring traumatic events. Childhood abuse, domestic violence, prolonged emotional abuse, and situations of captivity are common causes. Not like regular PTSD, Complex PTSD develops over time due to repeated exposure to trauma.
How does Complex PTSD affect daily life?
The impact of living with Complex PTSD can be incalculable.
The difficulties can be:
- Difficulty managing work and personal responsibilities
- Challenges in maintaining close relationships
- Emotional outbursts or shutting down emotionally
- A sense of hopelessness or being trapped
These issues lead to isolation, frustration, and self-blame, all of which can be cyclical and detrimental to one’s mental health.
What are the treatment options for Complex PTSD?
Several treatment options are available for managing Complex PTSD. Therapy is probably the most effective way to address the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns. Another effective and cutting-edge treatment is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which helps individuals process and heal from traumatic memories.
Treatment options for Complex PTSD include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Medication–antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs
- Trauma-focused therapy
- Group therapy or support groups
How can therapy help with Complex PTSD?
Therapy can play an important role in helping individuals with Complex PTSD regain control of their lives. By working with a mental health professional, individuals can learn to manage their emotions, reduce the intensity of their symptoms, and rebuild their self-esteem and confidence.
Therapy helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies that allow them to avoid harmful behaviors such as substance abuse.
What is the relationship between Complex PTSD and addiction?
There is a strong connection between Complex PTSD and addiction. Individuals who turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to numb their pain are often seeking to escape their trauma-related symptoms. Over time, this coping mechanism may lead to addiction.
The lack of emotional regulation often drives people with Complex PTSD to seek relief through substances. This creates cyclical episodes of reliance on substances to isolate and relieve themselves. This will ultimately lead to a worsening of their traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and addiction if left unchecked.
How can addiction impact Complex PTSD?
Addiction is complicated already. Now add the further intricacies of Complex PTSD to mix, and you increase the potential risks of many concerns. Substances like alcohol or drugs may provide temporary relief, but they often worsen instead of helping the underlying trauma. Addiction simply makes it more challenging to manage emotions, increases isolation, and disrupts relationships, further aggravating the symptoms of Complex PTSD.
For this reason, seeking treatment for both Complex PTSD and addiction is necessary. Self-treating is not what one should do unless they are looking to compound problems already being experienced. A dual approach that treats both conditions is better, even necessary for full recovery.
What are the common triggers for Complex PTSD?
Triggers for Complex PTSD include:
- Reminders of traumatic people, places, and events.
- Sudden and surprise noises
- Unexpected touch
- Stressful, fast-paced, or intense situations
- Rejection
- Perceived abandonment
Whatever triggers heightened emotional responses, such as panic, anger, or withdrawal from a situation, may also trigger their condition.
How can family and friends support someone with Complex PTSD?
Family and friends are the first line of defense when it comes to supporting someone with Complex PTSD.
They may help by:
- Encouraging them to seek professional help
- Providing a safe and supportive environment
- Educating themselves about the complexities of trauma
- Being patient and understanding during emotional outbursts
What are the coping strategies for managing Complex PTSD?
In order to manage Complex PTSD, the individual requires a combination of professional treatment and self-care strategies. Some effective coping strategies include:
- Practicing mindfulness or prayer
- Take breaks and relax
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Unwind, journal, or express emotions creatively
- Develop a strong support network like a school, church, or sports organization
- Avoid drugs and alcohol and anyone that would tempt you to partake
What are the long-term effects of Complex PTSD if left untreated?
If left untreated, Complex PTSD may lead to long-term consequences.
These may include, but are not limited to:
- Chronic depression or anxiety
- Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Treatment for PTSD at Fifth Avenue Psychiatry
At Fifth Ave Psychiatry, we offer mental health treatment for those who have experienced one or reoccurring traumatic events. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, we recommend getting help from our expert psychiatrists and psychologists. We know everyone’s experiences are unique, so every treatment plan is personally adjusted to each person so that their well-being might be prioritized.
Reach out to us today to begin your recovery journey.
Inquire at (212) 734-0506.
