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Read articles from Journey to Wellness Counseling, LLC offers counseling therapy in southern CT and throughout Connecticut. Individual, Couple, Family, Group therapy, specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, family systems therapy, bilingual services, hospice, end of life, and various mental health issues. via Telehealth, Zoom available.

Do I Have Complex PTSD?

While PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can arise after a single traumatic episode such as a natural disaster, car crash, sexual assault, or other extremely upsetting event, complex PTSD is typically caused by a a prolonged event or series of traumatic events over time. Here is an overview of complex PTSD including common causes, symptoms and what to do if you suspect you or a loved once may be suffering from this disorder.

Potential Causes of Complex PTSD

When you experience prolonged physical, emotional or sexual abuse, there is a potential that you will develop complex PTSD. Since one of the hallmarks of complex PTSD is prolonged trauma, it can often begin in early childhood known as ACEs (adverse childhood experiences). According to the CDC, over 60% of adults surveyed report having experienced at least one ACE during childhood with one in six reporting four or more ACEs. While this is not a definitive indicator of developing complex PTSD, the more ACEs a person experiences, the better the chances of disorder development. Typical ACEs can include:

  • exposure to violence, abuse, or neglect

  • growing up in an unsafe or crime-heavy environment

  • death by suicide by someone close or in the family

  • substance dependence in the family

  • various mental health disorders in the family

  • having incarcerated family members

  • chronic poverty or housing instability

Symptoms

Not everyone has the same symptoms or reactions to complex PTSD. They can vary or change over time. People with the condition may also experience symptoms other than the ones listed below.

  • Avoidance - you may avoid any situation that reminds you of the trauma

  • Dizziness or nausea - when thinking about or remembering the trauma

  • Sleep difficulties - either going to sleep or staying asleep

  • Hyperarousal - feeling like you are in a constant state of high alert

  • Changes in worldview matter - believing the world is dangerous

  • Loss of trust - both in yourself and others

  • Concentration difficulties - unable to perform routine tasks

  • Amnesia of the trauma - you may not be able to recall the actual event

  • Feeling helpless, guilty, or ashamed

  • Difficulty with emotional regulation - you may experience intense anger, sadness, or thoughts of suicide

  • Relationship issues - you may have negative relationship changes due to changes of self-view or form new unhealthy relationships

  • Abuser fixation - you may over-focus on the abuser or getting revenge for the abuse

Typical Coping Behaviors

If you have complex PTSD, you may attempt to alleviate symptoms by adopting certain behaviors. These can include:

  • Substance abuse

  • Becoming a “people-pleaser” to avoid unpleasant situations

  • Lashing out at perceived minor criticisms

  • Self-harm

Diagnosis and Treatment

Complex PTSD can sometimes be misdiagnosed as BPD (borderline personality disorder) so an experienced clinician must have the background and experience to understand the differences. While both may stem from a history of trauma, people with BPD tend to have unstable and changing self-conceptions. Complex PTSD sufferers have a more consistent negative self-conception. In any case, diagnosis can be challenging.

For those with complex PTSD, treatment may be longer than for those with traditional PTSD and in-depth trauma-focused therapy may be used. A psychotherapist will focus on addressing distrustful and negative worldviews, improving relationship skills, and providing coping skills for flashback and anxiety.

What to Do if You Suspect You or a Loved One Has Complex PTSD?

Having complex PTSD can be frightening and can cause feelings of alienation and isolation. Please know that you are not alone and together, we will travel your unique path to a life of balance, abundance, and joy. Please feel free to reach out to me at (203) 415-5162 or visit my website at www.journeyct.com.

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