#CPTSD (Complex PTSD)
A mental health condition resulting from prolonged, repeated trauma (often in childhood), distinct from single-incident PTSD.
Recognition Journey
While Judith Herman first proposed C-PTSD in Trauma and Recovery (1992), it wasn’t formally recognized until:
- 2018: WHO included C-PTSD in ICD-11
- Still not in DSM-5 as of 2023 (controversial omission)
Key Differences from PTSD
PTSD symptoms:
- Flashbacks, nightmares
- Hypervigilance
- Avoidance
Additional C-PTSD symptoms:
- Emotional dysregulation
- Negative self-concept (deep shame, worthlessness)
- Interpersonal difficulties (trust issues, relationship patterns)
Common Causes
- Childhood abuse/neglect
- Domestic violence
- Human trafficking
- Prolonged captivity
- Cult involvement
Online Communities
r/CPTSD (200K+ members by 2021) became a crucial support space, as many with C-PTSD felt misunderstood by standard PTSD frameworks.
Treatment
- Trauma-focused therapy (EMDR, IFS, Somatic Experiencing)
- DBT for emotional regulation
- Emphasis on building safety before processing trauma
Resources
- Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving (Pete Walker, 2013)
- The Body Keeps the Score (van der Kolk, 2014)
- https://www.beautyafterbruises.org