What are The 17 Symptoms of Complex PTSD? Complex PTSD Symptoms.

What are The 17 Symptoms of Complex PTSD?

Complex PTSD symptoms can vary, but here’s a simplified list of potential symptoms associated with the condition:

• Emotional Dysregulation: Intense, unpredictable emotions and difficulty managing them.
• Negative Self-Concept: Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness.
• Distorted Self-Perception: Altered self-identity or self-concept, feeling flawed or damaged.
• Interpersonal Difficulties: Challenges forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
• Chronic Feelings of Emptiness: Ongoing inner void or lack of fulfillment.
• Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories: Repeatedly re-experiencing traumatic events.
• Avoidance Behaviors: Efforts to evade reminders of trauma or distressing situations.
• Hypervigilance: Constant alertness and heightened startle response.
• Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from oneself, others, or reality.
• Impaired Trust: Difficulty trusting others due to past betrayals or abuse.
• Loss of Meaning: Sense of purposelessness or loss of meaning in life.
• Difficulty Regulating Emotions: Struggles with managing anger, anxiety, or other emotions.
• Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or other somatic complaints.
• Changes in Self-Perception: Feeling different from others, altered worldview.
• Feeling Stuck: Feeling trapped in patterns of behavior or thought.
• Impaired Concentration: Difficulty focusing and concentrating.
• Self-Destructive Behavior: Engaging in self-harm or risky behaviors as a coping mechanism.

Not everyone with complex PTSD will experience all these symptoms, and individuals may have varying combinations and intensities. A qualified mental health professional should determine a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Top Complex PTSD Symptoms (CPTSD)

PTSD symptoms, as well as an additional set of symptoms, are frequently present in CPTSD patients. The top symptoms may include the following:

• Disturbing thoughts or feelings.
• Dreams related to the events.
• Mental or physical distress to trauma-related cues.
• Attempts to avoid trauma-related alerts.
• Changes in how a person thinks and feels.
• Increased fight-or-flight response.

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CPTSD vs PTSD Explained

C-PTSD is a type of PTSD with more intense and long-lasting symptoms. It is often caused by prolonged or repeated trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or multiple traumatic events. When comparing CPTSD vs PTSD, professionals distinguish the heightened level of intense emotions people feel with a CPTSD vs PTSD diagnosis.

People suffering from C-PTSD may have more prolonged symptoms of PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and depressed moods. They are also more likely to suffer from chronic physical symptoms such as migraines and to have a history of abuse, neglect, or other trauma-related experiences.

C-PTSD can lead to difficulties in personal functioning, such as difficulty forming relationships or attachments or functioning effectively in everyday life. Sufferers will often experience a sense of being emotionally numb or disconnected from their emotions and experiences. They may also experience difficulty regulating their emotions and will often withdraw into themselves cope. C-PTSD can also lead to guilt and shame, with sufferers feeling like something is wrong with them or that they have done something wrong. Sufferers may also experience fear, anxiety, anger, and irritability.

Complex Trauma and CPTSD Statistics

Chronic trauma refers to trauma following a series of events (unlike acute trauma, which refers to a single event). These events have happened multiple times, including experiences such as prolonged child abuse, prolonged exposure to war and combat, and repeated sexual abuse. Complex trauma is exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature. Complex trauma refers to experiencing chronic trauma with long-term emotional and physical symptoms.

According to the National Center for PTSD, people with CPTSD are more likely to experience PTSD symptoms for extended periods and symptoms of depression or anxiety. They are also more likely to be hospitalized for mental health issues. Additionally, people with CPTSD are more likely to suffer from chronic physical symptoms such as migraines and to have a history of abuse, neglect, or other trauma-related experiences.

C PTSD Symptoms

C-PTSD, or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition that can develop after experiencing prolonged and repeated trauma, often in interpersonal relationships or situations where escape is difficult. The symptoms of C-PTSD can be more complex and varied than those of traditional PTSD, which typically arises from a single traumatic event.

Remember that while these symptoms are common in C-PTSD, not everyone will experience all of them, and the severity can vary

Here are some common symptoms associated with C-PTSD:

1. Emotional Dysregulation: Individuals with C-PTSD often experience intense and fluctuating emotions. They might have difficulty managing their emotions, which can lead to outbursts of anger, sadness, or irritability.
2. Negative Self-Concept: People with C-PTSD might have a negative view of themselves, feeling guilty, worthless, or ashamed. They may struggle with low self-esteem and self-blame.
3. Distorted Self-Perception: C-PTSD can lead to a distorted sense of self, where individuals may perceive themselves as damaged, unlovable, or fundamentally flawed due to their traumatic experiences.
4. Difficulty Trusting Others: Due to experiences of betrayal or repeated trauma, individuals with C-PTSD may have trouble trusting others, leading to difficulties forming and maintaining relationships.
5. Changes in Beliefs: C-PTSD can cause a shift in an individual’s belief system, leading to feelings of hopelessness, despair, or a distorted sense of safety in the world.
6. Detachment and Dissociation: Dissociation is a common symptom of C-PTSD. It involves feeling disconnected from oneself or the world, as if observing from a distance. This can lead to memory gaps or a sense of unreality.
7. Avoidance Behaviors: People with C-PTSD may avoid situations, people, or places that remind them of the trauma. This can lead to social isolation and interfere with daily activities.
8. Hyperarousal: Similar to traditional PTSD, individuals with C-PTSD may experience hypervigilance, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and being easily startled.
9. Difficulty Regulating Emotions: C-PTSD can lead to difficulties in managing and regulating emotions, leading to mood swings and intense emotional reactions.
10. Interpersonal Problems: Relationships can be challenging for those with C-PTSD due to trust issues, emotional volatility, and difficulty in forming close connections.
11. Recurrent Traumatic Memories: Individuals with C-PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks related to their traumatic experiences.
12. Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, somatic symptoms, and other physical manifestations of stress can be present in individuals with C-PTSD.

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Complex PTSD Residential Treatment

Residential rehab can be particularly beneficial for individuals with severe or complex symptoms of CPTSD, those who haven’t responded well to outpatient treatments, or those who require a safe and structured environment to work through their trauma. Researching and choosing a reputable residential treatment center with experienced staff knowledgeable about trauma-focused care is essential. As always, seeking guidance from mental health professionals is crucial in determining the most suitable treatment approach.

Residential rehab for CPTSD often includes:

We Level Up FL mental health rehab center treats all behavioral health disorders, including corresponding secondary illnesses, to improve long-term recovery outcomes. Get a free mental health assessment and determine the most suitable treatment options. Call to learn more.

Where Can I Find Support For C-PTSD Symptoms?

Having an under-recognized condition like CPTSD can be isolating. It might be lonely to have a disorder like CPTSD that is not well understood. The National Center for PTSD includes several services, including a PTSD coaching app for your phone if you need additional help. Even though many of these materials are intended for those with PTSD, many of your symptoms might benefit from them. A forum, fact sheets, and book suggestions are just a few of the online services provided by the nonprofit group Out of the Storm for CPTSD sufferers.

Suggested Reads

• “The Body Keeps Score” is a must-read for anyone recovering from trauma.
• “The Complex PTSD Workbook” contains exercises and examples designed to empower you to take control of your physical and mental health.
• “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” is an excellent resource for breaking down complex psychological concepts related to trauma. Also, the author has CPTSD and is a certified psychotherapist.

We Level Up FL Complex PTSD Inpatient Treatment

CPTSD is a severe mental health condition that can take some time to treat; for many people, it’s a lifelong condition. However, combining therapy and medication can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If starting treatment sounds overwhelming, consider joining a support group, first in person or online. The first step in recovery is frequently talking with folks in similar circumstances about your experience. We Level Up Florida mental health treatment center provides world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals to help you cope with complex PTSD episode symptoms. We work as an integrated team providing services and information about every aspect of treatment.

Symptoms of C PTSD

Complex PTSD Somatic Symptoms

Somatic symptoms of Complex PTSD can include:

• Chronic pain or body aches.
• Headaches or migraines.
• Gastrointestinal issues.
• Fatigue or low energy.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Muscle tension or stiffness.
• Heart palpitations or racing heartbeat.
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Sensitivity to sensory stimuli (light, sound, touch).
• Nausea or dizziness.

These somatic symptoms can arise due to the body’s response to ongoing stress and trauma associated with Complex PTSD.

Severe PTSD Symptoms

Severe PTSD symptoms refer to the intense and debilitating manifestations of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These symptoms are characterized by their significant impact on an individual’s daily life, emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being. Severe PTSD symptoms can include:

1. Intense Flashbacks: Individuals may vividly relive the traumatic event as if it were happening again, often causing extreme distress and emotional upheaval.
2. Distressing Nightmares: Frequent and distressing nightmares related to the trauma can disrupt sleep and exacerbate feelings of fear and helplessness.
3. Emotional Numbing: Severe symptoms can lead to a sense of emotional detachment and numbness, making it difficult to experience joy, love, or other positive emotions.
4. Hypervigilance: Individuals might be in a constant state of high alert, always scanning their environment for potential threats. This heightened state of arousal can be exhausting and anxiety-inducing.
5. Exaggerated Startle Response: A severe startle response can lead to being easily startled by even minor stimuli, contributing to a sense of constant unease.
6. Avoidance Behavior: Those with severe symptoms often avoid situations, places, or people that trigger memories of the trauma, which can lead to social isolation and withdrawal.
7. Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood: A person’s thought patterns and beliefs about themselves, others, and the world can become overwhelmingly negative and pessimistic.
8. Difficulty Concentrating: Severe symptoms can impair concentration and memory, affecting an individual’s ability to focus on tasks and perform well in work or school.
9. Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and other physical symptoms may manifest as a result of the stress and anxiety associated with severe PTSD.
10. Suicidal Thoughts: In the most severe cases, individuals might experience suicidal ideation due to the overwhelming distress and emotional pain caused by their symptoms.
11. Impaired Relationships: The impact of severe PTSD symptoms on mood, emotions, and behavior can strain relationships and hinder one’s ability to connect with others.

It’s crucial to recognize that severe PTSD symptoms can be profoundly challenging to manage alone. Seeking professional help from mental health experts, such as therapists or psychiatrists, is essential for proper assessment and effective treatment. With appropriate support, individuals with severe PTSD symptoms can work towards healing and improved well-being.

How To Find Complex PTSD Treatment Centers Near Me?

To find complex PTSD treatment centers near you, search online using terms like “complex PTSD treatment near me” or “complex PTSD therapist near me,” along with your location. Contact local mental health organizations, clinics, or hospitals to inquire about their services and recommendations for trauma-focused treatment. Ask your primary care physician for referrals or guidance based on your needs. The We Level Up FL mental health treatment center can also help you explore treatment options and mental health resources. Call us today to get started!

We Level Up FL mental health rehab center treats all behavioral health disorders, including corresponding secondary illnesses, to improve long-term recovery outcomes. Get a free mental health assessment and determine the most suitable treatment options. Call to learn more.

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