PTSD and CPTSD: Insights into Trauma and Recovery
‘‘‘The conflict between the will to deny horrible events and the will to proclaim them aloud is the central dialectic of psychological trauma’’
-Judith Herman, a psychiatrist and author of Trauma and Recovery
This article provides a basic overview of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(CPTSD), with insights relating to trauma and recovery.
What is PTSD OR CPTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) are two profound and challenging mental health conditions that arise from traumatic experiences. While they share common features, they differ significantly in their origins, symptoms, and treatment approaches. This article aims to delineate these disorders, clarifying their impacts and guidance on support and recovery.
Understanding PTSD: Sudden TRAUMATIC impact
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a terrifying event. This disorder was first recognised in war veterans but has since been identified in survivors of various types of trauma, including natural disasters, violent assaults, and serious accidents.
Symptoms: PTSD is characterised by intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. People with PTSD may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear, or anger, and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.
Triggers: Individuals with PTSD may have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch, which can serve as triggers, reminding them of the trauma.
Exploring CPTSD: Prolonged Traumatic impact
CPTSD, or Complex PTSD, is a relatively recent concept used to describe a more severe form of PTSD typically caused by prolonged exposure to traumatic contexts, such as long-term abuse, chronic childhood neglect, or captivity.
Symptoms: Beyond the core symptoms of PTSD, CPTSD includes additional symptoms such as difficulties controlling emotions, feeling very hostile or distrustful towards the world, feeling as if you are completely different from other people, and severe issues with relationships.
Identity and Relationships: People with CPTSD often experience disturbances in their sense of self and have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. They may struggle with feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and persistent shame or guilt.
The primary distinction between PTSD and CPTSD
The primary distinction between the conditions is not their severity but rather the symptoms’ complexity and causes.
PTSD typically results from a single event or a series of events of limited duration, while CPTSD is associated with chronic, repeated trauma over an extended period. This prolonged exposure impacts the individual’s personality and emotional regulation, leading to a different treatment approach.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for PTSD and CPTSD can involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support from peers. The most used therapies include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals reframe negative thinking patterns about themselves and the world.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This aims to reduce the long-lasting effects of distressing memories by engaging the brain’s natural adaptive information processing mechanisms.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Involves repeated, controlled exposure to trauma-related stimuli.
Group Therapy: Provides support and deepens understanding of personal interactions and trauma.
Summary
Both PTSD and CPTSD are complex and delicate conditions that can significantly affect every aspect of an individual's life. However, with appropriate intervention and support, recovery is possible. Understanding the nuances between these conditions is essential for effective treatment and better support systems. Awareness, compassion, and professional guidance can lead individuals toward healing and reclaiming their lives after trauma.
We recommend that Counselling or Coaching for these conditions should only be carried out in the later stages of recovery by a Trauma-Aware Counselling or Coaching Service, with the express permission of your doctor or mental health intervention service.