kelly@mytherapymylife.com
(469) 513-1112

Schedule an Appointment

Kelly Freeman, LPC

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Services
    • CBT Therapy
    • Counseling for Anxiety
    • Counseling for Trauma
    • Therapy for Depression
  • Getting Started
    • FAQs
    • Client Forms
    • Rates & Insurance
    • Good Faith Estimate
    • Appointment Request
    • Pay My Bill
  • Resources
    • In The News
    • Mental Health Links
    • Physical Health Links
  • Contact
  • Blog

Do You Have C-PTSD?

May 5, 2020 by Kelly Freeman Leave a Comment

You have most likely heard the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – also known as PTSD. It is used to describe the mental and emotional anguish suffered by those who have experienced sudden trauma. PTSD is often experienced by soldiers as well as those who have been victims of rape and other crimes, and even victims of house fires and car accidents.

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) describes a condition that very much presents like PTSD, the difference being the sufferer experienced prolonged periods of abuse or neglect. This could happen as a result of childhood neglect or the abuse suffered at the hands of a narcissistic partner.

Diagnosing C-PTSD

Diagnosing C-PTSD is tricky because the symptoms are usually not very unique. That is to say, someone who is suffering from C-PTSD may be experiencing anxiety and lethargy, but these symptoms match other mental health issues.

But it is very important to accurately diagnose C-PTSD because of the necessary treatment measures. The main difference between C-PTSD and other mental health issues – say, bipolar disorder – is that C-PTSD is a result of things that were done TO an individual, and not an intrinsic problem. In other words, someone suffers from C-PTSD because of abuse and neglect at the hands of another and not because of genetically determined brain chemistry.

To help correctly identify C-PTSD, a therapist must uncover an accurate history to understand if:

  • The individual has experienced multiple prolonged traumas that have lasted for months (or even years)
  • The traumas were caused by someone the individual had a deep interpersonal relationship with and/or someone who was part of their primary care network (most commonly a parent or caregiver)
  • These traumas were experienced as permanent features of life, with the individual unable to see any end in sight
  • The individual had no control or power over the person traumatizing them

Symptoms of C-PTSD

As I just mentioned, the outward symptoms of C-PTSD may match other mental health disorders. Those symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks and nightmares in which the trauma is relived.
  • Avoiding people, places, and situations that remind them of the trauma.
  • Dizziness or nausea when remembering the trauma.
  • Hyperarousal. This is a state of high alert and one they often lived in.
  • A belief that the world is a dangerous place.
  • A loss of trust in self or others.
  • Difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
  • Being startled by loud noises.

Treatment for C-PTSD

There are a few different treatment options for people suffering from C-PTSD:

Psychotherapy

Therapy can take place on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. The focus will be on addressing feelings, improving connections with others, and dealing with anxiety and flashbacks. Many therapists have had success using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helping people cope with the symptoms of C-PTSD.

EMDR

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. This is a process that uses eye movement to help a person desensitize their reactions to a specific traumatic event. The result is the person can eventually recall the memory but have no emotional reaction to it.

Medication

Some individuals may need to be on medications for a while to reduce their anxiety. A therapist can work with you to determine if this is the best course of action.

 

If you believe you are suffering from C-PTSD and would like to explore treatment options, please be in touch. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Anxiety, General, Trauma / PTSD

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Kelly Freeman

Live, Love, Life Therapy

(469) 513-1112
kelly@mytherapymylife.com

2500 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 300,
Houston, TX 77573

Message Me

Live, Love, Life Therapy

(469) 513-1112

kelly@mytherapymylife.com

Proud Member of TherapyDen

Connect with Me

Helping You Discover and Cultivate The Real You

 

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Get Started

Click on the button below to schedule an appointment with Kelly Freeman.

Click Here to Schedule an Appointment

Substance Abuse Therapists and Counselors
View My Profile
Depression Therapists and Counselors
View My Profile

Privacy Policy

A bright site by Brighter Vision