Differences between PTSD and CPTSD

In addition to the symptoms of CPTSD noted above, other symptoms may also include those associated with PTSD:

  • Re-experiencing the traumatic event – visual flashbacks in which the sufferer feels as though the traumatic events were happening again; frequent upsetting thoughts or memories about the traumatic event; recurrent nightmares; strong feelings of distress when reminded of the traumatic event
  • Avoidance - avoiding thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic event; avoiding places or people that are reminders of the traumatic event; difficulty remembering important parts of the traumatic event; loss of interest in important, once positive, activities; feeling distant from others; difficulties having positive feelings such as happiness or love.
  • Hyperarousal - having a difficult time falling or staying asleep; feeling more irritable or having outbursts of anger; having difficulty concentrating; feeling constantly on guard or like danger is lurking around every corner; being jumpy or easily startled.

Treatment of CPTSD

The literature on the treatment of CPTSD identifies three or four basic stages of treatment for CPTSD which involve both cognitive and relational approaches, including:

  • Assessment, stabilization and development of self-care and protection skills – this may include: identification of other disorders/issues such as substance addiction; education about the causes and effects of trauma; development of skills such as setting healthy boundaries and managing flashbacks/toxic shame/self-criticism;  and, medication for physical and/or emotional symptoms
  • Processing of trauma – this stage involves bringing the trauma to the surface and working through it cognitively (how the sufferer perceives or thinks about the trauma), and affectively (how the sufferer deals emotionally with the trauma), with an emphasis on the self-care and self-protection skills the sufferer can now use to manage pain, grief, abandonment fears, and anger
  • Integration of trauma and adjusting to one’s new sense of self -  emphasis in this stage is on openly acknowledging trauma and letting it blend into one’s sense of who one is, and of learning to be more comfortable with what this integration can bring to one’s life (e.g., more intimacy with others, joy, increased energy, ability to deal with pain and stress in a healthier way)

A Note about Terminology

It should be noted that the term Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) has yet to be recognized as a separate diagnosis by the American Psychological Association in the current edition of the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It was, instead, included as a subsection under the more well-known Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  CPTSD is also known as Complex Trauma, Developmental Trauma Disorder (when the sufferer is a child), and Disorder of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified (DESNOS).

Given the fact that the term CPTSD has been (and continues to be) used extensively by both professionals (i.e., traumatologists, researchers, therapists) and the public, it has been adopted here so that those of us who are dealing with it -- by whatever name -- can begin our journey “out of the storm” that is CPTSD, to share our knowledge and experiences and support and encourage one another along the way. 

(For a discussion of the various terms/diagnoses used in relation to this disorder see Vedat Sar’s article: 
Developmental trauma, complex PTSD, and the current proposal of DSM-5.

More Information & Support...

If you have CPTSD or are in a relationship with someone who has this disorder, we encourage you to check out our Support Forum. Read about the experiences of others, ask questions, and receive support and encouragement from our online community. 

Further Information about CPTSD