The complex post-traumatic stress disorder, referred to as C-PTSD, is more traumatic than those symptoms associated with a typical case of PTSD. The main difference is that PTSD is related to one traumatic event. At the same time, C-PTSD is developed from prolonged or repeated exposure to trauma, especially interpersonal trauma such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, captivity, or living in a war zone. The psychological impact of C-PTSD can be quite profound, affecting a person’s emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. In this blog, we will discuss in detail “What are the 17 Symptoms of Complex PTSD “.

What are the 17 symptoms of Complex PTSD?

These can be generally categorized into three groups: emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, negative sense of self, and dissociation.

1. Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts

As in traditional PTSD, flashbacks may also be present in C-PTSD. Flashback is the reliving of the traumatic experience as if it is happening all over again. Usually, these flashbacks are prompted by visual, auditory, olfactory, or other sensory cues that remind them of the traumatic experience. They are very distressing and could even trigger intense emotional reactions like fear, panic, or feelings of helplessness.

2. Nightmares

Individuals suffering from C-PTSD usually have frequent and distressing nightmares involving past traumatic experiences. In the majority of such cases, it is an assault, abandonment, or confinement. For such patients, sleep does not become rest. The sleep does not get to be restorative, leading to a cycle of anxiety and exhaustion.

3. Avoidance of Trauma Reminders

Individuals with C-PTSD try to avoid anything that would remind them of the trauma. This may involve avoiding certain places, people, activities, or memories. This avoidance interferes with daily life and social interactions, causing them to become isolated and disconnected from others.

4. Emotional Dysregulation

People with C-PTSD often cannot control their emotions. So, they experience severe mood swings or irritability and sometimes anger outbursts because of some minor provocations. Sudden emotional shifts, which seem largely unrelated to the situation, can result in difficulties with relationships and self-concept.

5. Feelings of Emptiness or Hopelessness

A general feeling of emptiness, hopelessness, or despair is typical in people with C-PTSD. The individual may feel as if they are “broken” or that their life has no meaning or purpose. This sense of hopelessness can contribute to depression and feelings of disconnection from others.

6. Negative Self-Perception

One hallmark symptom of C-PTSD is a distorted or negative sense of self. Survivors may feel extremely ashamed or guilty about the trauma they have been through, sometimes blaming themselves for what happened. This internalized shame can look like feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, or belief that they are fundamentally flawed or unlovable.

7. Difficulty Trusting Others

People with C-PTSD can have extreme distrust, especially in close relationships. Survivors may find it hard to believe that others have their best interests at heart after prolonged exposure to betrayal or abuse. This makes it hard to form or maintain healthy relationships, and many survivors experience social withdrawal.

8. Distorted Perception of the Perpetrator

Survivors might develop an altered perception of their abuser or perpetrator. They could feel a mixture of hatred and dependence, or they could idealize the abuser when they are at their emotional most vulnerable. Such confusion would generate considerable internal conflict, bringing them feelings of guilt or self-doubt.

9. Hypervigilance

Hypervigilance is the condition of increased vigilance; they are constantly ready to defend themselves against some threats. They will always be “on guard,” even in save situations, which might make it challenging to relax or feel at ease. Chronic anxiety can result in exhaustion and irritability.

10. Excessive Guilt and Shame

Survivors of complex trauma often feel intense levels of shame or guilt, even when they were not responsible for the trauma they experienced. They may feel that they could have done something to prevent the trauma or that they are innately bad or unworthy because of what they have been through.

11. Self-Harming Behaviors

In trying to control the overwhelming emotional pain, some persons with C-PTSD may resort to self-harming behaviors, for example, cutting, burning, or other kinds of self-injury. These acts may give a false impression of regaining control or experiencing some release from emotional numbness, but they lead downward toward the vicious cycle of self-hate and isolation.

12. Dissociation

Dissociation is a psychological defense mechanism that leaves the individual feeling separation from self, body, or even reality. Such states vary in range from mildly expressed as being “spacy” or not connected to very extreme, such as dissociative identity disorder. Frequently, it opens an opportunity for evading the pain related to memories associated with the trauma.

13. Inability to connect Intimacy

Due to the deep-seated feelings of mistrust and emotional numbing associated with C-PTSD, developing intimate, close relationships is very challenging. Survivors often are unable to feel connected to others on an emotional level, and the fear of vulnerability or rejection keeps them from opening up. This can cause isolation and an inability to sustain romantic or close friendships.

14. Chronic Physical Pain and Health Problems

People with C-PTSD often present with unexplained physical symptoms, like chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, or fatigue. It is thought that these somatic symptoms are the body’s reaction to ongoing emotional trauma. The mind-body connection is strong, and unresolved trauma often presents itself through physical discomfort.

15. Detachment from Reality or “Numbness”

Another symptom is emotional numbing. Patients with C-PTSD usually feel distant or disconnected from their emotions and other people. Such a sense of numbness may be a protection mechanism against overburdening emotions. Yet, it does not allow a person to enjoy the pleasure or feeling of being connected, making them even more isolated.

16. Poor boundary setting

Since many survivors of trauma experience boundary violations, which are emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, they might have difficulty in setting appropriate boundaries for relationships. They may let people cross their boundaries or be too rigid, thereby preventing others from getting close to them and not being hurt again.

17. Lack of Concentration and Memory

C-PTSD may cause the patient to be inattentive and forget many things due to mind fogginess, such as the inability to focus on the right task or even forget; they feel disorganized or display confusion. Trauma affects and disorganizes the normal pattern of the activities of the hippocampus, the brain part used in memory and learning. Consequently, the person will have difficulty memorizing new information.

Is PTSD a Disability? Complex PTSD Compared with PTSD

PTSD can be regarded as a disability when its symptoms interfere with day-to-day living, including flashbacks, nightmares, and a state of always being on alert. It normally occurs following one traumatic event. Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), in contrast, originates from prolonged or repeated trauma where interpersonal abuse occurs. Apart from the symptoms commonly associated with PTSD, C-PTSD has constant feelings of shame, guilt, and distrust in others. Both conditions can impair functioning, but C-PTSD often requires more intensive treatment because of its complexity. Learn more about Is PTSD a Disability? Click here

How Pharmacogenetic Testing Can Help Identify the Appropriate Medication for Complex PTSD

Pharmacogenetic, or PGx testing kit, can play a major role in determining how genetic makeup influences metabolism and effectiveness in diagnosing and prescribing proper medication for patients suffering from Complex PTSD. People suffering from C-PTSD tend to react slightly differently to medicines due to various genetic differences related to how one’s body metabolizes drugs, particularly most antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and mood stabilizers. PGx testing can offer individually tailored insights into which medication will likely work best, decrease the incidence of side effects, and reduce trial and error treatment, which has often been used in selecting the most appropriate treatment. This allows clinicians to tailor treatment based on individual genetic profiles, improving treatment and helping manage symptoms efficiently.

Conclusion

Complex PTSD deeply affects a person’s life at the emotional-psychological and physical levels. The 17 symptoms quoted above portray how much trauma determines one’s life, from flashbacks and nightmares to emotional numbness and chronic pain. Treatment commonly involves a combination of therapy, support, and medication. Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing can make medicines more specific to an individual’s genetic profile, making treatment more effective and less harmful.
Recovery from C-PTSD can be very slow, but with proper care and treatment, individuals are back in charge. If you are a victim or you know a friend who has a problem suffering from C-PTSD, the first action to take before healing occurs is to seek professional help.

References

https://www.emedicinehealth.com/what_are_the_17_symptoms_of_complex_ptsd/article_em.htm
https://www.cumberlandheights.org/blogs/what-are-the-17-symptoms-of-ptsd/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24881-cptsd-complex-ptsd

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