C-PTSD Vs. PTSD: Understanding the Differences

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from exposure to one or more life-threatening, distressing, or scary events. Individuals can develop PTSD after personally experiencing an event or via secondary trauma. Symptoms last more than four weeks and cause problems with daily functioning.¹

What Is C-PTSD?

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a group of symptoms caused by repeated trauma. For example, childhood emotional neglect, abuse, or abandonment can trigger C-PTSD. In addition to the typical symptoms of PTSD, C-PTSD includes difficulty regulating emotions, low self-esteem, and a pattern of unhealthy relationships.

C-PTSD Vs. PTSD: What’s the Difference?

The primary difference between C-PTSD and PTSD is the frequency of exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD can occur after one single event, whereas C-PTSD occurs when a person experiences repeated traumatic events over time.This could include ongoing childhood trauma, an extended event that lasts weeks or months, or a job that requires someone to be exposed to trauma on a daily basis.

Causes of Trauma

PTSD commonly occurs after experiencing a significant, life-changing event. Common examples of traumatic events include natural disasters, car accidents, violence, or sexual assault.

Conversely, an environment in which someone feels threatened or unsafe for an extended time might result in C-PTSD, such as being held hostage or having an abusive partner. Other situations, including violent communities, refugee camps, or war zones, can be risk factors for development.³

Type & Duration of Symptoms

C-PTSD and PTSD share symptoms including intrusive thoughts, avoidance, changes to thinking and mood, and changes to behaviors. In PTSD, these symptoms develop after a specific traumatic event and usually begin within 3 months of the trauma. In C-PTSD, symptoms can be more all encompassing and chronic. Symptoms can affect a person’s sense of meaning, relationships, identity, or perceptions about the world.

C-PTSD Vs. PTSD: Does Treatment Differ?

Treatments for PTSD and C-PTSD are generally similar, with both focusing on psychotherapy, medication, or a combination. However, some evidence suggests those with C-PTSD may benefit most from a flexible therapeutic approach, such as Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR).⁷

Regardless, many trauma survivors improve with evidence-based therapies, like CBT for PTSD or EMDR for PTSD.^{3, 4} Medication may help reduce the intensity of symptoms while individuals work toward gradually healing from trauma.⁶

Can You Have Both PTSD & C-PTSD?

It is possible for a person to have both PTSD and C-PTSD, if they have experienced prolonged and ongoing traumatic events, as well as single–incident traumas. An example of this would be someone who has a history of childhood trauma, and was later in a car accident and developed PTSD. In fact, a chronic trauma history puts a person at greater risk of developing PTSD from later events.

Can PTSD Turn Into C-PTSD?

PTSD does not typically turn into C-PTSD, because they are caused by different types of events. A person with a history of prolonged or repeated trauma will have a diagnosis of C-PTSD, whereas a person with a single event trauma or even multiple single events is more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD.

Is It PTSD, C-PTSD, or Something Else?

Symptoms of both PTSD and C-PTSD can resemble depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Many of the symptoms, such as changes in mood, feelings of anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness may be present in many different conditions. Some of the defining characteristics of PTSD and C-PTSD, however, are that both cause symptoms of hypervigilance and avoidance, which are characteristic of trauma-related disorders.

How Are PTSD & C-PTSD Diagnosed?

These conditions are diagnosed by a psychiatrist based on specific criteria in the DSM-5 including symptoms and exposure to trauma. Diagnosis usually includes a thorough clinical interview including medical, social, and emotional history, assessments, and sometimes other diagnostic tools and questionnaires.

Coping With PTSD & C-PTSD

Coping starts with acknowledging the trauma and being aware of the symptoms and the effect it is having on one’s life. Many effective coping skills are based on slowing down and allowing the nervous system to regulate. These coping skills include talking with a friend or getting movement, as well as more reflective activities like art or journaling.

You may find the following trauma worksheets helpful in your journey to coping with PTSD or C-PTSD

Free Trauma Worksheets

This collection of worksheets provides practical tools and strategies for managing trauma symptoms. Find the right one for you, or download the entire workbook here.

The Complete Workbook Download

Identifying Trauma Triggers Download

Self-Care for Trauma Download

Cognitive Restructuring Download

Setting SMART Goals Download

Personal Strengths Inventory Download

Setting Healthy Boundaries Download

Overcoming Shame Download

12 Ways to Cope With PTSD or C-PTSD

Below are 12 ways to cope with PTSD or C-PTSD:

1. Acknowledge the trauma
2. Stay socially active
3. Practice coping skills that quiet your nervous system
4. Get some movement or exercise
5. Try trauma journaling
6. Talk to a friend
7. Visualization or guided imagery
8. Allow yourself to take a break when needed
9. Talk to your physician if symptoms interfere with sleep or appetite
10. Try a creative outlet like art or music
11. Listen to music
12. See a therapist

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek help for PTSD or C-PTSD as soon as you recognize symptoms, including hypervigilance, intrusive memories, or avoidance behavior. Many mental health professionals specialize in caring for trauma survivors. They can provide a safe, welcoming space to process your experience.

Below are signs to consider seeking support for C-PTSD or PTSD:

• Suicidal ideation
• Self-harm
• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes to appetite or weight
• Difficulty functioning at work or school
• Problems in relationships
• Anxious or depressed mood that continues for more than 2 weeks