Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that affects persons who have experienced a terrible incident. They may have witnessed a terrible accident, tragedy, or natural disaster, or the incident may have jeopardized their life or safety. Complex PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop as a result of prolonged and recurrent trauma, such as child abuse or domestic violence.
The majority of people who experience a traumatic event will experience shock, anger, anxiety, dread, and even guilt. These are common responses, and for the most part, they fade away with time. These sensations, on the other hand, persist and even intensify in people with PTSD, becoming so powerful that they prevent them from going about their daily lives as they should. Trauma may alter a person's identity, capacity to manage emotions, and ability to build connections with others, as well as produce memory difficulties. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (complex PTSD, also known as c-PTSD or CPTSD) is a condition in which you have certain PTSD symptoms as well as other symptoms, such as:
You have trouble regulating your emotions
Sensation as if you are unique from others
Feeling very enraged or suspicious of the world
Feelings of emptiness or sadness regularly
Avoiding or finding connections and partnerships extremely difficult
Feeling as if no one understands what you've gone through
Difficulty expressing emotions – it's not uncommon to lose control of your emotions, such as in an outburst of rage or a long period of grief.
Problems sustaining good relationships owing to a lack of trust – you may shun relationships altogether or create destructive ones.
Feelings of emptiness that don't seem to go away
What causes complex PTSD - Complex PTSD can be brought on by any form of long-term trauma, but it is most commonly associated with situations in which the sufferer has little control and is unable to flee. The following causes of traumatic experiences that might lead to Complex PTSD:
Abuse, neglect, or abandonment as a child
Domestic violence or abuse that continues
Witnessing violence or abuse regularly
Being compelled or coerced into prostitution
Torture, abduction, and enslavement
Being imprisoned as a prisoner of war
Long-term physical or sexual abuse as a child
Prostitution, brothels, and sex trafficking are all examples of involuntary prostitution.
Child exploitation on a large scale
PTSD Treatment - The objective of PTSD therapy is to alleviate mental and physical symptoms, enhance everyday functioning, and assist the person in better managing the triggering incident.
Psychotherapy (a type of counseling), medicine, or both may be used to treat PTSD.
Medication – Certain antidepressant drugs are used by doctors to treat PTSD, as well as to reduce anxiety and its symptoms.
Psychotherapy - Psychotherapy for PTSD includes assisting the patient in developing coping skills and learning how to control symptoms. Therapists also try to educate the individual and their family about the disease, as well as to assist the individual in overcoming the concerns connected with the traumatic incident.
If you or a member of your family is suffering from depression or anxiety, certified psychologists at Coast Psychological Service, Los Angeles, can provide you and your loved ones with aid and support.
Dr. Liana Georgoulis
Coast Psychological Services
3600 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 912
Los Angeles, CA, 90010
(310) 801-1711
