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Complex PTSD
Normal stress reaction
Under normal circumstances, a violent event only leads to a normal stress reaction. During a normal stress reaction, you may experience headaches, muscle tension or pain. But fatigue, digestive problems and increased heart rate are also familiar symptoms. This is a reaction to a stressful event that occurs before PTSD. However, it is important to note that it does not automatically lead to PTSD.
You are normally able to handle a normal stress reaction well with the support of people you trust and perhaps a few therapy sessions (if necessary). After a few weeks, you should see marked improvement.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is very different from a normal stress reaction. It results from one or more traumatic events and causes long-term noticeable effects on the body. PTSD can occur when you are directly or indirectly exposed to a life-threatening situation, death, sexual assault or serious injury in one (or more) different ways. Check out our page on PTSD for more information. One of the subtypes of PTSD is Complex PTSD, which we will explain here.
Complex PTSD
Causes
Complex PTSD, or CPTSS, differs from other types in intensity and duration. Often the traumatic event or multiple events that cause it are more intense, last longer or occur repeatedly. The most common causes are:
- repeatedly experiencing (domestic) abuse or violence;
• experiencing child abuse or neglect;
• repeatedly witnessing war, abuse or violence
• being forced or manipulated into prostitution.
This type of PTSD can cause you to have problems maintaining healthy relationships. It can also cause behavioral problems. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as fatigue and chronic pain. Because of its complex nature, this type of PTSD requires intensive and often longer treatment than other types of PTSD.
Comorbidity
Some complex PTSD patients are also diagnosed with substance addiction (drugs or alcohol) or depression, meaning these mental disorders may co-occur with complex PTSD. In addition, it can also co-occur with borderline personality disorder or dissociative disorder. However, this does not mean that having complex PTSD automatically leads to having another (comorbid) mental disorder.
U-center is a specialized clinic for patients with co-occurring mental disorders. Our experts specialize in comorbidity and have the knowledge to help you take the first important steps toward recovery.
predisposition or susceptibility to Complex PTSD
You are more likely to be diagnosed with CPTSS if you experienced trauma in childhood or if you experienced repeated traumatic events over a long period of time. If you felt escape was impossible or if the perpetrator was someone you trusted, you are also more likely to be diagnosed with CPTSS.
Symptoms of Complex PTSD
CPTSS is a subtype of PTSD, so of course the two symptoms will share. Therefore, some of the symptoms are the same as PTSD, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have CPTSS. Don't hesitate to contact a healthcare professional if you think one or more of these symptoms of CPTSS apply to you
Symptoms:
– Feeling detached from yourself or the environment (depersonalization)
– Feeling like you are living in a dream or haze (derealization)
– Unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, avoidance of people/situations, violent behavior, self-harm or overworking.
– A fundamental loss of ‘sense’ of security
– Feeling worthless and like no one can relate to your situation
– Not feeling a connection with other people: feeling different, avoiding others, etc.
– Headachem abdominal pain or feeling dizzy
– Feeling inexplicable (sometimes intense) physical pain
– Having difficulty controlling your emotions
– Feeling shame or guilt
– Having difficulty concentrating
Other types of PTSD
This page focuses primarily on complex PTSD or CPTSS. However, that does not mean that this type is the only way PTSD occurs. The other forms in which PTSD can manifest are:
- Single PTSD: linked to a single traumatic event and treatment of this is fairly unambiguous and generally effective;
• PTSD that manifests later: in this case, the PTSD does not develop until at least six months after exposure to a traumatic event;
• PTSD with dissociative symptoms: known for its dissociative symptoms and emotional detachment, requiring a specific mix of treatments;
• Comorbid PTSD: when PTSD co-occurs with other mental disorders. U-center specializes in comorbidity.
U-center works with PTSD clients every day. Complex PTSD is one of the mental health disorders we regularly encounter, so we know how to help you recover. At U-center, you work with a team of treatment providers to create your own treatment plan.
Depending on your needs and goals, your treatment plan will include a variety of therapies. Together, we build trust and help you not only process your trauma, but also with underlying causes and problems (such as depression, addiction, etc.).
Please feel free to contact us for more information or view the application process at U-center. We will be happy to help you.