Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) are mental health disorders that can develop after a person survives a traumatic event. Though the two conditions are similar, there are important distinctions between them, in both their development and the most effective treatments available. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between PTSD and CPTSD.
How trauma affects the brain
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD or CPTSD, but for those who do, the conditions begin with the “fight, flight or freeze” response that is a natural part of our survival instincts. We all have these instincts, which are triggered by the limbic system in the brain during a traumatic experience. After some time, when the nervous system quiets down and the traumatic event is emotionally resolved, the experience is moved to the part of the brain that holds long-term memory. Once this shift happens, the feelings associated with these memories are no longer triggered by internal or environmental cues.
PTSD and CPTSD develop when the traumatic experience is not resolved and remains in the limbic system. When this happens, internal and external cues continue to trigger the “flight, fight or freeze” response, retraumatizing the person over and over again. PTSD and CPTSD can also result from a traumatic event happening in conjunction with pre-existing stressors or mental health conditions.
Causes of PTSD vs CPTSD
The main difference between PTSD and CPTSD is that PTSD usually occurs after a single traumatic event, while CPTSD is associated with long-term or repeated trauma. Examples of events that can lead to PTSD include:
- Serious accident
- Physical or sexual assault
- Traumatic childbirth experience
- Serious health problem or hospitalization
Examples of events or situations that can lead to CPTSD include:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Ongoing domestic violence
- Repeatedly witnessing violence or abuse
- Torture or kidnapping
In general, victims of trauma are more likely to experience CPTSD instead of PTSD if the trauma occurred at a young age, or if the trauma was inflicted by someone close or someone the victim sees on a regular basis.
Symptoms of PTSD vs CPTSD
PTSD and CPTSD share many of the same symptoms, such as re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares. Other similar symptoms can include avoiding people or places that are reminiscent of the trauma, drastic changes in mood and thinking patterns, and feeling on edge all the time or being easily frightened. However, people with CPTSD also report other symptoms that are not common with PTSD, including:
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Periods of dissociation or loss of concentration
- Losing memories
- Severely low self esteem and feelings of worthlessness
- Long-term difficulty maintaining relationships
- Inability to trust others
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pains, and stomach aches
- Self harm, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts
Treatment of PTSD vs. CPTSD
Different symptoms require different treatments, so what works for a PTSD patient might not work for someone with CPTSD. PTSD is usually treated with trauma-focused therapies, including talk therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which uses a series of eye movements to help the brain change how it processes traumatic memories. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another common treatment for PTSD, which helps patients transform negative thoughts and feelings into healthier alternatives. In addition to therapy, many PTSD patients also benefit from antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication.
For CPTSD, treatment typically involves all the options for PTSD treatment, along with an element of skill-building necessary to overcome long-term trauma. Skills and strategies can include:
- Managing strong emotions
- Addressing feelings of worthlessness
- Creating supportive relationships
- Establishing trust in relationships
CPTSD treatment usually takes longer than standard PTSD treatment because it involves developing new habits and ways of thinking.
New effective treatments for PTSD in San Diego
PTSD and CPTSD can severely interrupt your life if left untreated, and while there are several treatment options available, medical science is always looking for more effective treatments through research and clinical studies. At Synergy Research Centers in San Diego, we are currently enrolling participants in clinical trials for PTSD treatments. For more information or to apply for a study, fill out our contact form or call us at (619) 304-1726.