The symptoms of PTSD apply well to people who have
experienced a discrete or short-lived traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle
accident, natural disaster, or rape. However, the symptoms of PTSD do not
always completely map onto the experiences of people who have experienced
chronic, repeated, or long-lasting traumatic events, such as childhood sexual
and/or physical abuse, domestic violence, or captivity (such as being in a
prisoner of war camp).
The traumatic events connected to Complex PTSD are long-lasting
and generally involve some form of physical or emotional captivity, such as
childhood sexual and/or physical abuse or domestic violence. In these types of
events, a victim is under the control of another person and does not have the
ability to easily escape.
Symptoms
of Complex PTSD
The following symptoms stem from exposure to a chronic
traumatic event where a person felt captive.
1. Emotion
Regulation Problems- People with Complex PTSD experience
difficulties managing their emotions. They may experience severe depression,
thoughts of suicide, or have difficulties controlling their anger.
2. Changes
in Consciousness- Following exposure to a chronic traumatic
event, a person may repress memories of the traumatic event, experience
flashbacks, or experience dissociation.
3. Changes
in How a Person Views Themselves- Symptoms in this category
include feelings of helplessness, shame, guilt, or feeling detached and
different from others.
4. Changes
in How the Victim Views the Perpetrator- A person with Complex PTSD
may feel like he has no power over a perpetrator (the perpetrator has complete
power in a relationship). In Complex PTSD, people might also become preoccupied
with their relationship with a perpetrator (for example, constant thoughts of
wanting revenge).
5. Changes
in Personal Relationships- These symptoms include problems with
relationships, such as isolating oneself or being distrusting of others.
6. Changes
in How One Views the World- People exposed to chronic or repeated
traumatic events may also lose faith in humanity or have a sense of
hopelessness about the future.
7. Complex
PTSD can be a debilitating condition. Most people with Complex
PTSD also meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. They may also be at greater
risk for abusing substances as a way of trying to cope with severe emotional
pain. Many people with Complex PTSD also engage in deliberate self-harm. If you
have been exposed to a chronic traumatic event, it is important to seek out
help.
Image source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/954134
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