Is Complex Trauma the Same as PTSD?
There are a lot of terms out there to describe trauma. One of the most well-known ones is PTSD. But when we look at other types of trauma, it can be hard to distinguish how they're different. One example is complex trauma (sometimes called complex post-traumatic stress disorder, or C-PTSD).
At a glance, you might wonder, "Isn't complex trauma the same thing as PTSD?"
The confusion is understandable, especially since they have some similarities. However, it's important to know the differences, so you can better understand your trauma and find a treatment plan that works.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is usually caused by a traumatic incident or event. This could be combat, sexual assault, a car accident, a natural disaster, etc. PTSD occurs when we get stuck in fight-or-flight mode. This is great to keep us safe from immediate danger, but staying in that state for an extended period can impair our day-to-day functioning.
Symptoms include:
Avoiding reminders of a traumatic memory
Flashbacks or nightmares
Hopelessness about the future
Feeling lonely and isolated
Trouble maintaining relationships
Feeling detached from others
Diminished interest in hobbies
Feeling "numb"
Being easily startled
Substance abuse
Irritability or angry behavior
Reckless behavior
Sleep issues
In PTSD, the key difficulties for a person center on:
Flashbacks and recurring thoughts/memories. It's very common for someone with PTSD to have recurring nightmares or flashbacks about the event, affecting sleep quality and thus overall quality of life.
Avoidance. This is a big one for PTSD. A person may unintentionally avoid any reminders of the trauma. For instance, someone who was in a car accident may refuse to drive, even if it means missing work.
Being on edge. We often describe people experiencing PTSD as "tense" and sometimes "jumpy." Because they're in a heightened state of arousal, they are never truly relaxed.
Feelings of loneliness. After a traumatic experience, they may feel isolated and lonely. People often lose interest in things that once brought them joy.
What Is Complex Trauma?
Complex trauma (or C-PTSD), on the other hand, is a little different from PTSD. Complex trauma is a result of chronic exposure to traumatic events or situations. This can sometimes occur over a span of years. Some causes can include domestic abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, prisoner of war scenarios, etc.
Some symptoms of complex trauma overlap with those of PTSD, including:
Being easily startled
Hypervigilance
Reckless behavior
Substance abuse
Detachment
Sleep issues
Irritability and anger
Guilt and shame
A negative self-perception
Changes in worldview
Trouble maintaining relationships
In complex trauma, the key difficulties for a person center on:
Difficulty regulating emotions. People with complex trauma may experience bouts of anger or sadness and may be prone to emotional outbursts.
Being unable to maintain close relationships. They may have trouble trusting others and interacting with them. They may tend to fall into unhealthy relationship patterns inspired by their traumatic past. Self-esteem can also play a role.
Having a negative self-perception. As mentioned above, a negative self-perception can cause someone to feel "othered." They may feel worthless, helpless, guilty, or shameful.
Detachment. In order to protect themselves, they may detach or dissociate themselves from the trauma. In some cases, people report amnesia that blocks out traumatic memories.
Preoccupation with an abuser. This is a key differentiator from PTSD. Some people may fixate on their relationship with an abuser and may even become fixated on getting revenge.
In both PTSD and complex trauma, lack of support, limited coping skills, and pre-existing conditions all play a role in determining if trauma sticks around. Even if someone may know they're safe in a situation that reminds them of their trauma, they still feel unsafe.
If you're experiencing any kind of trauma, don't hesitate to reach out to see how trauma therapy can help you. Together, we can help you feel safe again and live a more positive life.
