You can't self-diagnose PTSD or CPTSD; a mental health professional must diagnose it, but you might have CPTSD if you experienced prolonged, repeated trauma (like abuse or neglect) and struggle with emotional regulation, self-worth, and relationships, in addition to typical PTSD symptoms (flashbacks, hypervigilance) from single-event trauma like accidents. CPTSD involves deeper issues with identity and emotional control beyond standard PTSD's focus on fear/avoidance.
While both PTSD and CPTSD stem from trauma, the nature and duration of the trauma differ. PTSD typically results from a single event, whereas CPTSD is linked to ongoing trauma. Moreover, CPTSD includes additional symptoms related to emotion regulation, self-perception and interpersonal relationships.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) feels like being trapped in a perpetual state of threat, marked by intense emotional dysregulation (anger, emptiness, shame), distorted self-perception (worthlessness, being permanently damaged), severe relationship difficulties (distrust, isolation), and feeling detached or unreal (dissociation), all stemming from prolonged trauma. Survivors often struggle with flashbacks, hypervigilance (always feeling on edge), hopelessness, and destructive behaviors, creating a fundamental disconnect from themselves and others.
PTSD includes symptoms of reliving the event, avoiding trauma reminders, and feeling on edge. Complex PTSD includes those symptoms but also requires additional symptoms like difficulty with managing emotions, feeling worthless, and withdrawing or feeling distant from others.
This means that you might not even notice. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), a condition born from prolonged or repeated trauma like childhood abuse or ongoing stress, often hides in plain sight. Its symptoms can feel like “just who you are” rather than signs of a deeper struggle.
Pete Walker's “Complex Trauma: From Surviving to Thriving,” explores the four F's of complex trauma, fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, to help survivors understand their coping mechanisms and reactions, and begin to work towards actions that may better serve them in their life and relationships.
Relaxation and sleep may become difficult, leading to symptoms such as insomnia or restless sleep. Additionally, hyperarousal can manifest as irritability, anger, aggressive behaviour, and difficulty concentrating due to racing thoughts or distractibility.
Common Symptoms of a CPTSD Episode
Intense feelings of anxiety or panic. Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event. Overwhelming feelings of sadness or despair. Heightened emotional sensitivity or irritability.
PTSD flashbacks are often triggered by things that remind the person of the traumatic event they experienced. These triggers can be external, such as sights, sounds, smells, or locations that are associated with the trauma.
A comprehensive review of the litera- ture on complex trauma suggests seven primary domains of impairment ob- served in exposed children: attachment, biology, affect regulation, dissociation (ie, alterations in consciousness), behav- ioral regulation, cognition, and self-con- cept.
Misdiagnosis with BPD
Some of the symptoms of complex PTSD are very similar to those of borderline personality disorder (BPD). And not all professionals are aware of complex PTSD. As a result, some people are given a diagnosis of BPD or another personality disorder when complex PTSD fits their experiences more closely.
This test is for anyone who has experienced trauma or thinks they have symptoms of C-PTSD. It's designed for adults and is not intended to be diagnostic.
10 Things Not To Say To Someone With CPTSD
Individuals with complex PTSD may experience a range of emotional symptoms, including intense fear, shame, guilt, anger, sadness, and a diminished sense of self-worth. These emotions can arise in response to trigger situations or even seemingly unrelated events, making them difficult to manage.
Doctors may misdiagnose people with CPTSD as having BPD. Both conditions involve emotional instability and fear of abandonment.
The highest form of PTSD is considered extreme PTSD, often manifesting as Complex PTSD. It involves chronic symptoms, emotional detachment, and deep psychological distress from prolonged trauma.
The symptoms of complex PTSD resemble those of conventional PTSD, but they are more painful and often dominate the lives of those who experience them. Complex PTSD is one of the most debilitating mental health disorders, and yet it remains largely unknown and is only now beginning to receive the attention it deserves.
Trauma Response (The 4 F's – Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn)
Changes in arousal and reactivity: People with PTSD may describe being irritable and having angry outbursts, behaving recklessly or in a self-destructive way, being overly watchful of their surroundings in a suspecting way, being easily startled, or having problems concentrating or sleeping.
The symptoms of complex PTSD are similar to symptoms of PTSD, but may also include:
Symptoms of a PTSD Episode
Some of the most common symptoms include: Flashbacks or vivid re-experiencing of the traumatic event. Sudden bursts of anger or irritability. Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response.
Symptoms and signs of dissociation
It can appear to be the loss of the sense of self or denial of personal history. The person may have difficulty remembering information about themselves or sometimes switch to different voices and names, and display erratic behaviour. They may have substantial gaps in recollection.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) physical symptoms stem from chronic stress, involving digestive issues (stomachaches, IBS), chronic pain (headaches, muscle tension), sleep problems (insomnia), heightened senses, fatigue, and circulatory issues (cold hands/feet), all reflecting the body's overactive threat response, leading to physical distress alongside emotional turmoil.
Key Actions: Cut down on sugar and processed foods and replace them with more complex carbohydrates, such as wholegrain bread, porridge or brown rice. It is helpful to eat what is called a low Glycemic Load (GL) diet that avoids sugar and refined carbohydrates.
It's worth noting that with PTSD and C-PTSD, 'feeling irritable and having angry or aggressive outbursts' and 'overwhelming negative emotions, such as fear, sadness, anger, guilt, or shame' are diagnosable symptoms or PTSD and C-PTSD – and therefore listed in the health professional resource, the Diagnostic and ...