Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a mental health condition resulting from chronic, repeated trauma—such as abuse or neglect—often over months or years, rather than a single event. While sharing PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, it uniquely includes severe emotional dysregulation, a negative self-concept, and extreme relationship difficulties
Key Aspects of C-PTSD:
Cause: Prolonged, inescapable trauma (e.g., child abuse, domestic violence, captivity).
Key Symptoms (Disturbances of Self-Organization):
Emotional Dysregulation: Intense anger, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Negative Self-Concept: Persistent feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt.
Relationship Difficulties: Challenges in trusting others or maintaining connections.
Core PTSD Symptoms: Flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance.
Unlike PTSD, which is often tied to specific, acute events, C-PTSD fundamentally impacts a person’s sense of self and their ability to regulate emotions.