What Are the Symptoms of C-PTSD?

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) can develop in response to prolonged trauma, often in situations where one feels trapped, like in ongoing domestic violence, childhood abuse, or captivity.  C-PTSD encompasses many of the symptoms of PTSD but also includes additional difficulties related to emotion regulation and self-identity. 

Individuals with C-PTSD often experience difficulties in managing strong emotions, such as anger, sadness, and anxiety, leading to severe mood swings. They may struggle with a negative self-concept, characterized by persistent feelings of worthlessness or shame and a sense of being damaged or broken.

Additionally, individuals may experience dissociation, feeling disconnected from themselves or reality, and alterations in consciousness, such as difficulty remembering aspects of the trauma (dissociative amnesia) or feelings of unreality regarding themselves or their environment. Somatic symptoms, which manifest as physical symptoms without a medical cause and are often related to the trauma, can also occur.