C-PTSD and PTSD share many similar characteristics but are two distinct disorders. C-PTSD develops over time with ongoing exposure to traumatic events, while PTSD can occur after a single incident. Additionally, C-PTSD results in more symptoms not necessarily associated with PTSD, such as poor self-image, poor emotional regulation, and relationship problems.
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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
Treatment for Trauma & PTSD
Therapy for PTSD – Get help recovering from trauma from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp offers online therapy starting at $65 per week. Free Assessment
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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
12 Ways to Cope With PTSD or C-PTSD
Below are 12 ways to cope with PTSD or C-PTSD:
- Acknowledge the trauma
- Stay socially active
- Practice coping skills that quiet your nervous system
- Get some movement or exercise
- Try trauma journaling
- Talk to a friend
- Visualization or guided imagery
- Allow yourself to take a break when needed
- Talk to your physician if symptoms interfere with sleep or appetite
- Try a creative outlet like art or music
- Listen to music
- 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
In My Experience
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
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Cloitre, M., Stolbach, B. C., Herman, J. L., Kolk, B. van der, Pynoos, R., Wang, J., & Petkova, E. (2009). A developmental approach to complex PTSD: Childhood and adult cumulative trauma as predictors of symptom complexity. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22(5), 399–408. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26861871_A_developmental_approach_to_complex_PTSD_Childhood_and_adult_cumulative_trauma_as_predictors_of_symptom_complexity
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National Center for PTSD (2021). Complex PTSD. Retrieved from: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/complex_ptsd.asp
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National Institute of Mental Health (2019). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/
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Mayo Clinic (2022). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967?p=1
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Medical News Today (February 2022). Complex PTSD (CPTSD): Causes, symptoms, behaviors, recovery. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322886#treatment
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Karatzias, T. & Cloitre, M. (2019). Treating adults with complex posttraumatic stress disorder using a modular approach to treatment: Rationale, evidence, and directions for future research. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32, 870-876. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31730720/
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Out of the Fog (2015). Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). https://outofthefog.website/toolbox-1/2015/11/17/complex-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-c-ptsd
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National Institutes of Mental Health (2014). Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services, Chapter 3: Understanding the impact of trauma. Rockville, MD; SAMHSA. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: (No Change)
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “What Is PTSD?”, “What Is C-PTSD?”, “C-PTSD Vs. PTSD: What’s the Difference?”, “Can You Have Both PTSD & C-PTSD?”, Is it PTSD, C-PTSD, or Something Else?”, “How Are PTSD & C-PTSD Diagnosed?”, “Coping With PTSD & C-PTSD”. Revised “When to Seek Professional Help”. New content written by Michelle Risser, LISW-S and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD. Fact checked and edited for improved readability and clarity. Added Free Trauma Worksheets.
Author:Dianne Grande, Ph.D.
Reviewer:Kristen Fuller, MD
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9 Types of Therapy for Trauma
Experiencing trauma can result in distressing and debilitating symptoms, but remind yourself that there is hope for healing. If you or a loved one is suffering from the aftereffects of trauma, consider seeking therapy. Trauma therapy can help you reclaim your life and a positive sense of self.