Complex PTSD : Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Complex PTSD is closely related to PTSD and borderline personality disorder. Unlike PTSD which arises from a single traumatic event, complex PTSD is a result of chronic, interpersonal trauma. In this blog, we’ll explore different symptoms of complex PTSD, and how they impact individuals.  

What is Complex PTSD? 

Complex PTSD is a form of mental health condition that develops after experiencing prolonged or repeated traumatic events. Complex PTSD is a result of chronic, interpersonal trauma, such as childhood abuse or domestic violence. 

Definition and Distinction from PTSD 

One of the prominent difference between PTSD and complex PTSD is the length of exposure to trauma and intensity of the symptoms. PTSD stems from short-term trauma, like accidents or natural disasters. Researchers have found that individuals who have experienced long-term or repeated trauma have additional symptoms apart from traditional symptoms of PTSD.  

Historical Context and Recognition 

Outlines of complex PTSD were developed in recent times which recognised the unique challenges individual's face, unlike traditional PTSD. While diagnosis of PTSD emerged in the 1980s, it fell short in addressing the specific challenges posed by chronic, interpersonal trauma. The recognition for the disorder has also grown in recent years, however it remains an area requiring further research.  

Symptoms of Complex PTSD 

According to international classification of diseases-11 Symptoms associated with complex PTSD are similar to the core symptoms of PTSD however the severity and length differ. The symptoms involves a more pervasive and enduring impact on the individual. 

Core Symptoms Similar to PTSD 

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories: Individuals with complex PTSD experience frequent triggers by a wide range of stimuli which may include seemingly unrelated events.  

• Avoidance: Individuals put efforts to avoid people, places, or activities associated with the trauma which can be emotionally numbing for them. 

• Hypervigilance: They’s often live is a state of alertness, get easily irritated and experience sleep disturbances. 

• Negative thoughts and emotions: They experience persistent feelings of guilt, shame, anger, or hopelessness.  

Additional Unique Symptoms 

In addition to the traditional symptoms of PTSD, individuals with complex PTSD experience the following symptoms: 

Intense emotional reactions to unsetting situations, which can lead to anger outburst or aggressive behaviour. 

 They have a persistent negative self-image which puts them in a turmoil of difficult emotions such as shame, guilt, and worthlessness. 

Challenges in relationships are quite a common sign of complex PTSD. Individuals find it extremely difficult to form and maintain close relationships. 

Causes of Complex PTSD 

The root cause of complex PTSD is exposure to a traumatic event or a series of events that can be extremely frightening. According to the ICD-11, these exposure to a situation spans over a prolonged period which might be impossible for an individual to escape. The emotional trauma from repetitive exposure leaves an unforgettable memory.  

Types of Traumatic Events Leading to Complex PTSD 

Prolonged domestic violence involves enduring patterns of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse within a relationship over an extended period. 

Experiencing childhood sexual or physical abuse can have profound and long-lasting effects. 

Torture, which is intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain and suffering a form of punishment can be a significant traumatic event for someone. 

Witnessing genocide or systematic extermination of a group of people based on their ethnicity, nationality, religion, or other shared characteristic.  

Slavery is one such event which can have deep emotional trauma on someone. It is the condition of being owned by another person and forced to work without freedom. 

Psychological Impact of Prolonged Trauma 

Prolonged trauma alters the brain chemistry affecting the structure and functions of the brain. The key regions which get affected after an event involve emotions, memory, and decision-making. 

• Amygdala: This brain region helps process emotions, particularly fear, which can become overactive after experiencing trauma. 

• Hippocampus: This region crucial for storing memory and learning, may show structural changes, affecting memory formation and recall. 

• Prefrontal cortex: Responsible for higher thinking and emotional regulation, this region can be severely impacted, leading to challenges in decision-making, impulse control, and social interactions.  

Diagnosis of Complex PTSD 

Diagnosing complex PTSD can be complex as it often overlaps with other mental health conditions. A thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional is essential.  

Diagnostic Criteria and Challenges 

Complex PTSD is a newly recognised condition and healthcare providers might not be aware of it. Additionally, there’s no test that can accurately diagnose complex PTSD, a professional needs to make the diagnosis after evaluating your symptoms. They make a diagnosis based on certain criteria like symptoms, medical history, mental health history, and exposure to trauma. 

Tools and Techniques for Diagnosis 

Healthcare providers heavily rely on clinical judgement and a combination of various techniques to make a diagnosis. Initially they gather information about the patient’s medical history, including the traumatic events. Then they evaluate the symptoms experienced by the individual. They also evaluate the current emotional state, cognitive functioning, of the patient.  

Treatment Options for Complex PTSD 

Treatment and managing complex PTSD can be challenging, however with a combination of therapeutic and medication approach recovery is possible. In this section we’ll explore different treatment approaches to effectively address the condition.  

Psychotherapy Techniques 

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a form of psychotherapy that supports, educates, and guides an individual to improve overall well-being. Through CBT a psychologist helps you identify and reframe negative thought patterns. Another technique is exposure therapy where a therapist exposes an individual to a traumatic situation in a controlled setting to help them cope with the situation. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing is another type of trauma-focused therapy where the therapist introduces different sounds and movements when you think about the event, to make it less upsetting over time. 

Medications and Their Uses 

As of now, there is no medication that is approved by FDA for PTSD or complex PTSD. Although, some healthcare providers prescribe medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety to help manage certain symptoms of the condition. Antidepressants help manage the depressive mood or hopelessness associated with complex PTSD. Sleep medications help an individual sleep peacefully without any disturbances. Anti-anxiety medication supports an individual keep their hypervigilance in control.  

Managing and Coping with Complex PTSD 

Apart from seeking treatment one can practice certain things to help themselves to aid the condition. Living with the condition can be challenging but with the right coping strategies one can effectively manage the symptoms of complex PTSD. 

Self-help Strategies 

Self-help strategies can prove to be a significant aid in the treatment process. Here are some strategies you can inculcate in your life 

- Practice mild exercises to reduce stress and enhance your mood.  

- Set realistic goals for yourself to avoid situations leading to anxiety.  

- Spend quality time with friends and family, educate them about the condition and open up to them about your emotions  

- Explore situations or places that provides comfort 

- Seek help from support groups, who have similar experience as yours 

Importance of Social Support and Therapy 

For someone who’s struggling with complex PTSD, life can be hard. However, social support can be particularly helpful for such individuals. They can provide emotional support, help with daily tasks, reduce feelings of isolation, and increase resilience.  

Whereas therapy is a vital component of the treatment process. It is a tailored intervention strategy to address the unique challenges of complex PTSD. One can learn coping strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and interpersonal skills to live a healthy life.  

Embracing MindTalk Strategies for Overcoming complex PTSD 

As complex PTSD is a newly recognised condition, the intensity of the symptoms varies from person to person. At MindTalk, we understand the condition and can help you overcome your trauma. With the right treatment and coping strategies, you can live a healthy life and with the help of our professionals can recover. We employ evidence-based approach that will address the root cause of your trauma and allow you to overcome your stress.  

FAQs 

What does a complex PTSD trigger feel like? 

Complex PTSD triggers are like reminders of past trauma that cause intense emotional and physical reactions. They can feel like sudden, overwhelming emotions. Common reactions to these triggers are fear, anger, flashbacks, numbness.  

How does someone with complex PTSD behave? 

Common complex PTSD behaviours include difficulty controlling emotions, avoiding social situations, constant alertness, trust issues, low self-esteem, impulsive actions, and feeling disconnected. 

What does a complex PTSD episode look like? 

An episode can look like it portrays intense emotions like fear, anger, sadness, or shame. It is also accompanied by physical reactions like rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling. Sometimes individuals feel detached from reality, they might also get intense flashbacks.