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  • PTSDPTSD
  • C-PTSDC-PTSD
  • C-PTSD Vs. PTSDC-PTSD Vs. PTSD
  • Treatment DifferencesTreatment Differences
  • Can You Have Both?Can You Have Both?
  • Is It Something Else?Is It Something Else?
  • DiagnosisDiagnosis
  • How to CopeHow to Cope
    • 12 Ways to Cope12 Ways to Cope
  • When to Seek HelpWhen to Seek Help
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics
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PTSD Articles PTSD PTSD Treatment Types of PTSD Best Online Therapy

C-PTSD Vs. PTSD: Understanding the Differences

Dianne Grande PhD

Author: Dianne Grande, Ph.D.

Dianne Grande PhD

Dianne Grande Ph.D.

Dr. Dianne focuses on anxiety, PTSD, depressive disorders, personality disorders, and couples counseling with EFT, enhancing communication and self-esteem.

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Headshot of Kristen Fuller, MD

Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD Licensed medical reviewer

Headshot of Kristen Fuller, MD

Kristen Fuller MD

Kristen Fuller, MD is a physician with experience in adult, adolescent, and OB/GYN medicine. She has a focus on mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health.

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Published: July 30, 2024
  • PTSDPTSD
  • C-PTSDC-PTSD
  • C-PTSD Vs. PTSDC-PTSD Vs. PTSD
  • Treatment DifferencesTreatment Differences
  • Can You Have Both?Can You Have Both?
  • Is It Something Else?Is It Something Else?
  • DiagnosisDiagnosis
  • How to CopeHow to Cope
    • 12 Ways to Cope12 Ways to Cope
  • When to Seek HelpWhen to Seek Help
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

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

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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

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.

Trauma Workbook
The Complete Workbook Download
Identifying Trauma Triggers Worksheet
Identifying Trauma Triggers Download
Self-Care for Trauma Worksheet
Self-Care for Trauma Download
Cognitive Restructuring for Trauma Worksheet
Cognitive Restructuring Download
Setting Smart Goals for Trauma
Setting SMART Goals Download
Personal Strengths Inventory Worksheet
Personal Strengths Inventory Download
How to Set Boundaries Worksheet
Setting Healthy Boundaries Download
Shame - Trauma Worksheet
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

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In My Experience

Dianne Grande PhD Dianne Grande, Ph.D.

“Knowing the differences between trauma disorders can help you receive appropriate treatment. Whether you are aware of ongoing trauma or an isolated event, a therapist can guide you in recovery and post-traumatic growth.”

C-PTSD Vs. PTSD Infographics

12 Ways to Cope With PTSD or C-PTSD  What Are the Differences Between PTSD and C-PTSD?    C-PTSD vs PTSD: How Does Treatment Differ?

Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com 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.

  • American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

  • 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

  • National Center for PTSD (2021). Complex PTSD. Retrieved from: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/complex_ptsd.asp

  • National Institute of Mental Health (2019). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/

  • 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

  • Medical News Today (February 2022). Complex PTSD (CPTSD): Causes, symptoms, behaviors, recovery. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322886#treatment

  • 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/

  • 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

  • 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/

Show more Click here to open the article sources container.

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.

July 30, 2024
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.
March 21, 2022
Author:Dianne Grande, Ph.D.
Reviewer:Kristen Fuller, MD
Show more Click here to open the article update history container.

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