Complex post- traumatic stress disorder (c- PTSD or cPTSD) describes a set of disruptive symptoms that emerge after experiencing inescapable traumatic life events, especially those of a horrific or threatening nature or which recur or accumulate over a period of time. Such events are typically interpersonal, often involving abusive relationships with parents, caregivers, or other responsible adults at a young age. It may also be sparked by torture, the experience of being a refugee or asylum see
What Is Complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD is not a recognized diagnosis in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), partly due to its overlap with symptoms of PTSD. However, it is recognized in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Post- traumatic stress disorder can emerge after surviving a powerfully disturbing experience of any kind, such as a physical attack, sexual assault , or car accident, or witnessing a death or surviving a natural disaster. Complex PTSD is understood as more likely to develop after a repeated or chronic series of abusive or hurtful incidents lasting months or even years, especially during childhood , and the symptoms of c-PTSD tend to be more severe, and longer-lasting, than for those living with PTSD.
People living with c-PTSD tend to experience greater intrapersonal strife: They have a more negative perception of themselves; they may feel shame and have a sense that they are different from everyone else. They may also experience more volatile or chaotic personal relationships and greater emotional dysfunction—for example, they can be more prone to rage . And they are more likely than those with PTSD to engage in impulsive, risky, or self-destructive behavior.
According to the ICD, complex PTSD may be present when someone experiences, for a period of at least several weeks, all three of the core elements of post-traumatic stress disorder:
Explore More About Complex PTSD
For a comprehensive understanding of complex ptsd, read our complete guide: