Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, sometimes called C-PTSD, is a mental-health condition created by ongoing or repeated exposure to trauma. It creates a number of symptoms in its victims, and it is treated by a mental-health professional or a team of mental-health professionals through long-term counseling.

Differences between C-PTSD and PTSD

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is different from regular Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is caused by a single, short-lived, trauma or stress. PTSD is caused by things like a car accident, a single, war-related battle, a rape or another event that occurs quickly. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is caused by repeated traumas, such as an ongoing abusive relationship, months of battle in a war zone or other prolonged traumatic events.

Symptoms

Diagnosis can only occur when symptoms are experienced and documented over a long period of time. Common symptoms which occur in those suffering from C-PTSD include difficulty regulating emotions, feelings of detachment and physical memory loss, changes in self-perception or valuation and changes in one's relationship with others.

Treatment

Treatment is different for adults and children who suffer from C-PTSD; both typically occur in six steps. First, physical safety is ascertained. Victims must then manage self-regulation. The third stage of treatment is to self-reflect. Step four is an introspective evaluation of the traumatic events. Step five is relational engagement, and the last step involes positive-affect enhancement.

Evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of C-PTSD is essential to the victim gaining mental and emotional stability and putting the trauma behind him or her. If there is reason to believe that a person might have C-PTSD, then he or she should seek medical attention.