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Relationships with others (e.g., isolation, distrust, seeking a ‘rescuer’).Distorted perceptions of the perpetrator (e.g., becoming preoccupied with the relationship to the perpetrator or preoccupied with revenge).Self-perception (e.g., helplessness, shame, guilt, feeling different from others).
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Dissociation (i.e., forgetting traumatic events, periods of feeling detached from one’s body, emotions, thoughts, etc.).Emotion regulation (e.g., anger outbursts, inhibited anger, chronic sadness, suicidal thoughts).For those who endure prolonged periods of victimization (e.g., long term sexual, emotional, physical abuse) can also develop difficulties in the following areas: In addition to PTSD, chronic trauma or complex PTSD can be associated with other comorbidities including substance use, mood disorders, and personality disorders. A persistent sense of current threat (i.e., hypervigilance, feeling on edge, irritability).Avoidance of traumatic reminders (e.g., thoughts, objects, memories, people, places, activities).Re-experiencing the traumatic event(s) (e.g., nightmares, unwanted memories, flashbacks).How Is It Different Than PTSD?Ī diagnosis of complex PTSD shares similar criteria with PTSD including: Some of these characteristics involve 1) relational betrayal 2) repetitive, prolonged, or pervasive trauma 3) harm or neglect by individuals who are in the role of a caregiver or adult in charge of protecting and caring for a child 4) occur at a vulnerable time in the victim’s life, such as when the victim if of young age 5) and have the potential to significantly compromise the child’s psychological development (Ford, et al., 2005). While complex PTSD is not currently recognized as a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is now included as a distinct diagnosis in the ICD-11 (WHO’s International Classification of Diseases 11 th Revision).Ĭomplex PTSD has been associated with specific types of traumas that encompass more severe characteristics as compared to single traumatic stress events. In her book, Trauma and Recovery (1992), she coined the term “complex PTSD”. You might be thinking, trauma is trauma, how could it make such a difference? Psychiatrist, Judith Herman was the first to propose a new perspective on the complicated symptoms observed in survivors of prolonged, repeated trauma. It has been suggested that the current PTSD diagnosis does not fully capture the complete psychological impact that can occur with prolonged, repeated exposure to trauma as compared to a singular traumatic event (Herman, 1992). However, a PTSD diagnosis is typically given if symptoms last for more than one month and continue to impact the ability to tend to daily activities (e.g., work, school, social activities). While it is normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have difficulty sleeping following a traumatic event, most people may recover from initial symptoms naturally. It is likely by now you have become familiar with the term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While you may recognize others looking forward to the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ it is often a very different experience for someone with complex PTSD. If you are a survivor of trauma, this time of year can bring up even more complex emotions as you contemplate spending time with family who may have been a source of your trauma, witnesses to it, or lacking in understanding of its symptoms. With the winter season quickly approaching, it is natural to anticipate the stresses that come along with the endless festivities celebrating holiday cheer.