PTSD was first recognized as a condition affecting soldiers, but it is now understood that anyone who experiences a traumatic event can develop PTSD. When trauma is repeated and ongoing, some medical professionals make a distinction between PTSD and C-PTSD.
Most people have heard of PTSD, but fewer are familiar with complex PTSD or C-PTSD, which is caused by chronic or prolonged trauma. Individuals with C-PTSD have the core symptoms of PTSD—re-experiencing, hyperarousal, and avoidance—along with other symptoms. Complex PTSD treatment can help with these symptoms.
The experienced mental health professionals at Harmony Hills understand the challenges those living with this condition face and have designed PTSD treatment programs and services to help. We encourage you to learn more about our programming and how it could support you in overcoming your symptoms.
Complex PTSD vs. PTSD
Complex PTSD and PTSD are mental health conditions caused by trauma. Both can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, sleep issues, and feelings of fear even after the danger is gone. The key difference is the type of trauma. PTSD stems from a single event, while complex PTSD is caused by repeated or ongoing trauma, known as complex trauma.
Unlike PTSD, which can occur at any age, complex PTSD often stems from childhood trauma. Its psychological and developmental impacts are deeper than those of a single traumatic event. Many mental health professionals believe PTSD alone does not fully capture the lasting effects of complex trauma.
Veterans, in particular, are at risk for developing complex PTSD due to prolonged and repeated exposure to traumatic events during their time in service. This is why it is crucial for veterans to seek out specialized treatment that addresses both PTSD and C-PTSD. Our Heroes Program offers specialized treatment options to address these unique and nuanced needs.
Treatment for PTSD and C-PTSD differs due to the unique nature of each condition. PTSD is often treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to address specific traumatic events. C-PTSD typically requires a longer, more detailed approach, focusing on trauma processing, emotional regulation, self-identity, and relationships. Phase-based trauma therapy for C-PTSD starts with safety and stability before addressing trauma. Support systems and holistic methods like mindfulness and somatic therapies are also key to helping survivors rebuild self-worth. Tailored care is essential for both conditions to meet individual needs.
Symptoms of complex PTSD and PTSD
People who experience a traumatic event will often feel the effects for several days. If the symptoms last for weeks or longer and impact your functioning, you could have PTSD. The main symptoms of PTSD fall into three categories:
- Re-experiencing symptoms: Memories of the trauma can trigger powerful emotions. Individuals can relive sights, sounds, or smells associated with the trauma or have flashbacks and nightmares.
- Hyperarousal symptoms: Individuals feel hypervigilant, jumpy, easily startled, and always on their guard.
- Avoidance symptoms: Individuals expend a lot of energy avoiding triggers that remind them of their trauma, including people, places, and things. They might self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to avoid their thoughts and feelings.
In addition to these core PTSD symptoms, individuals with complex PTSD can have additional issues, such as:
- Difficulty controlling emotions: Explosive anger, persistent sadness, depression, and suicidal thoughts are common
- Negative self-view: Helplessness, shame, and guilt contribute to a low sense of self-worth
- Relationship difficulties: An inability to trust can lead to problems in relationships
- Detachment: Disconnecting from themselves or their environment
- Loss of a system of meanings: Losing one’s core beliefs and values or hope in the world or other people
Often, complex PTSD is diagnosed as borderline personality disorder. C-PTSD is, in general, a newer term used by therapists to more accurately describe the symptoms that develop in response to long-term exposure to trauma.
Treating complex PTSD
Treatment for complex PTSD takes time, so teaching coping skills to manage symptoms should also be a part of treatment. It is also essential to have a strong support network. Some of the risk factors for C-PTSD include:
- Trauma from an early age
- Childhood abuse, neglect, or abandonment
- Abuse by a close family member or friend
- Long-term domestic violence
- Multiple traumas
- Being kidnapped, enslaved, tortured, or trafficked
- Witnessing repeated acts of violence
There is still research being done on how to best treat complex PTSD, but the same methods used to treat PTSD are effective, such as:
- Talk therapy to process the trauma
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address thought patterns
- Exposure therapy to face trauma in a safe setting
- Trauma-informed therapy
While healing from complex PTSD takes time and patience, with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible. It’s important to seek professional help and surround yourself with a comfortable and nurturing environment to begin the healing process.
Important considerations when finding the best C-PTSD treatment center for you
If you or a loved one is struggling with complex PTSD, it’s essential to find the right treatment center for your needs. When searching for a C-PTSD treatment center, here are some important factors to consider:
- Specialization in complex PTSD: Look for a treatment center that specifically lists complex PTSD as one of the conditions they treat. This shows that they have experience and expertise in treating this type of trauma.
- Evidence-based treatments: Make sure the treatment center utilizes evidence-based therapies such as CBT or EMDR.
- Individualized treatment plans: Each person’s experience with complex PTSD is unique, so it’s crucial to find a treatment center that creates personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
- Trauma-informed care: This means the staff at the treatment center is trained in understanding and treating trauma and its effects on individuals.
- Support for co-occurring disorders: Many individuals with complex PTSD also struggle with other mental health concerns, such as depression or substance abuse. Look for a treatment center that can address these co-occurring conditions simultaneously.
Ultimately, the best complex PTSD treatment center will be one that offers compassionate and comprehensive care to help individuals heal from their trauma.
Contact Harmony Hills for treatment for complex PTSD
The PTSD treatment program at Harmony Hills offers evidence-based therapies proven to be effective in treating the condition and alleviating symptoms. Additionally, because trauma affects the mind, body, and spirit, we offer holistic therapies to treat the whole person. If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of untreated complex PTSD, our trauma therapy and PTSD treatment programs can help you find the relief you have been seeking. Call 855.494.0357, contact us online, or send us a chat today.
