Everyone experiences daily stress. People may feel stressed when sitting in traffic, after an argument, or when facing a looming deadline. In most cases, people can use effective coping strategies to manage short-term stress and move on.
However, experiencing a highly stressful event can lead to trauma. People who experience a traumatic event may develop conditions called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).
This article will explore the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD. You will learn:
- The symptoms of PTSD
- The symptoms of C-PTSD
- The differences between C-PTSD and PTSD
- How to treat PTSD and C-PTSD
- Where to find mental health treatment
If you or someone you love needs mental health treatment, you can find effective, compassionate care at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
What is PTSD?
Trauma is an emotional response to a highly distressing or frightening event. People may develop trauma after experiencing:
- A natural disaster
- Long-term abuse or neglect
- Living in a war zone
- Being the victim of a physical or sexual assault
- The death of a loved one
- Military combat
These and other events can overwhelm a person’s coping abilities. They can leave a lasting impact on a person’s mental health.
Some people with traumatic experiences develop a mental health condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), PTSD symptoms fall into four categories:
- Avoidance
- Intrusive memories
- Negative changes in mood and thinking
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Some common PTSD symptoms include:
- Having frequent memories of the event
- Experiencing flashbacks of the event
- Nightmares
- Avoiding people, places, or things related to the traumatic event
- Feeling overly alert most of the time
- Shame and guilt
- Feeling hopeless about the future
- Feeling emotionally “numb”
- Difficulty making or maintaining healthy relationships
- Having a poor self-image
- Sleep trouble
- Angry outbursts or aggression
Symptoms may change, worsen, or improve throughout a person’s life. Symptoms may occur immediately after the event or a long time afterward.
PTSD symptoms can significantly impair a person’s functioning and quality of life. People with PTSD must work with mental health professionals to develop an effective treatment plan. Getting treatment for PTSD can help people reduce their symptoms and improve functioning.
Agape Behavioral Center accepts many private insurance plans
What is C-PTSD?
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a mental health condition that may occur in people who have experienced long-term or repeated trauma. Some examples of traumatic events that may cause C-PTSD include:
- Repeated or long-term domestic violence
- Prolonged child abuse or neglect
- Being the victim of ongoing sexual abuse
- Ongoing community violence
- Living in a war zone
- Being the victim of human or sex trafficking
People may develop C-PTSD after experiencing ongoing trauma as a child or adult. The symptoms of C-PTSD include:
- Difficulty in interpersonal relationships
- Dissociation and other changes in self-awareness
- Negative self-image
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Despair about the world
- Complex feelings about faith or other institutions
- Chronic shame and guilt
There is some disagreement among mental health professionals about diagnosing C-PTSD. It is a relatively new diagnosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) first recognized C-PTSD as a disorder in 2019. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) added it to their diagnostic manual in 2018.
Some mental health experts believe this condition is related to borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other trauma responses.
Some risk factors for C-PTSD include:
- A family history of mental health conditions
- A personal history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Hormone or neurotransmitter dysregulation
- Lacking a strong support system
People with C-PTSD require proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
C-PTSD vs PTSD: What are the Differences?
There are several important differences between PTSD and complex PTSD. First, PTSD typically develops after experiencing a single traumatic event. People may develop PTSD after an accident, natural disaster, or other singular event. C-PTSD develops after prolonged trauma, such as repeated abuse or living in a war zone.
Second, PTSD and C-PTSD have some different symptoms. People with C-PTSD are more likely to develop relationship difficulties, poor self-image, and difficulty regulating their emotions.
Next, PTSD can occur at any age. People typically develop C-PTSD related to childhood trauma.
While there are some differences between these conditions, treatments for PTSD and C-PTSD are similar. Treatment typically includes:
- Medications to reduce depression, anxiety, and other symptoms
- Behavioral and talk therapies
- Education
- Lifestyle changes
- Support groups
- Holistic therapies, like mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition
Overcoming the effects of trauma can be challenging. However, getting the right treatment and ongoing support can help people significantly improve their functioning and quality of life.
Find Mental Health Treatment Now
If you or someone you love needs mental health treatment, you are not alone. Find compassionate, effective therapies at Agape Behavioral Health. Reach out to our specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
