Home / Health / Beyond PTSD: The Deeper Scars of Long-Term Trauma
Beyond PTSD: The Deeper Scars of Long-Term Trauma
19 Feb
Summary
- CPTSD stems from prolonged trauma like child abuse or domestic violence.
- It shares PTSD symptoms but adds severe emotional regulation issues.
- Adults with chronic trauma also develop CPTSD, not just children.
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a serious mental health condition linked to prolonged and repeated trauma. Experiences such as long-term child abuse or ongoing domestic violence are primary causes. While adults can also develop CPTSD from similar chronic trauma, it is often associated with childhood adversities.
CPTSD shares core symptoms with traditional post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks and hypervigilance. However, CPTSD is distinguished by additional, more pervasive challenges. These often manifest as significant and chronic difficulties with emotional regulation, a disrupted sense of self and identity, and severe problems in interpersonal relationships.
