posted 1st May 2025
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-documented mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event. However, there is another condition, known as complex PTSD (CPTSD), which is less well understood, yet equally debilitating. In this article, we will explore the differences between PTSD and CPTSD, examining the diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and treatment options for each condition.
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event, such as a car accident, physical or sexual assault, or combat. The condition is characterised by three main symptom clusters: re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Re-experiencing symptoms include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares related to the traumatic event
- Intrusive memories or thoughts about the traumatic event
- Physical sensations or reactions when reminded of the traumatic event
Avoidance symptoms include:
- Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of the traumatic event
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
- Feeling detached or disconnected from others
Hyperarousal symptoms include:
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling irritable or angry
- Being easily startled or on edge
Complex PTSD: A More Complex Picture
CPTSD, also known as complex trauma disorder, is a condition that can develop after a person experiences prolonged and repeated traumatic events, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or human trafficking. The condition is characterised by a range of symptoms that are more complex and varied than those experienced in PTSD (Herman, 1992).
The symptoms of CPTSD can include:
- Emotional dysregulation: difficulty managing emotions, leading to mood swings, irritability, or explosive anger
- Dissociation: feeling disconnected from oneself or the world around them
- Shame and guilt: feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt related to the traumatic events
- Relationship difficulties: difficulty forming or maintaining healthy relationships due to trust issues or intimacy problems
- Somatisation: physical symptoms or complaints related to the traumatic events, such as chronic pain or gastrointestinal problems
Diagnostic Criteria
The diagnostic criteria for PTSD and CPTSD differ slightly. PTSD is diagnosed using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). CPTSD, on the other hand, is not yet officially recognised in the DSM-5, but is included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) (World Health Organization, 2018).
Treatment Options
Treatment for PTSD and CPTSD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and self-help strategies. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused CBT are commonly used to treat PTSD (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2018). For CPTSD, trauma-focused therapies such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) may be more effective (Cloitre et al., 2013).
PTSD and CPTSD are two distinct mental health conditions that can develop after a person experiences traumatic events. While PTSD is a well-documented condition, CPTSD is less well understood, yet equally debilitating. By understanding the differences between these two conditions, we can better diagnose and treat individuals who have experienced trauma.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Cloitre, M., Garvert, D. W., Brewin, C. R., & Bryant, R. A. (2013). Evidence for proposed ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD: A latent profile analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 4, 1-11.
Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery. New York, NY: Basic Books.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
World Health Organization. (2018). International Classification of Diseases (11th ed.).
