By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: February 20, 2023

C PTSD vs PTSD Statistics

According to the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, cumulative adulthood trauma was associated with PTSD and CPTSD; however, cumulative childhood trauma was more strongly associated with CPTSD than PTSD. Among traumatic stressors occurring in childhood, sexual and physical abuse by caregivers were identified as events related to risk for CPTSD. In contrast, sexual assault by non-caregivers and abduction were risk factors for PTSD. Adverse childhood events were associated with both PTSD and CPTSD, and equally so. Individuals with CPTSD reported substantially higher psychiatric burdens and lower levels of psychological well-being compared to those with PTSD and neither diagnosis. [4]

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Brain C PTSD Symptoms & C-PTSD and Relationships

What is C PTSD symptoms? These are among the factors that distinguish it from PTSD. Some C PTSD symptoms are familiar: panic attacks caused by C-PTSD can happen, just as they can with PTSD. But complex traumas can dig deeper into mental and emotional scars than singular traumas.

A person who is experiencing C PTSD symptoms may encounter precise changes in the way they see themselves and others. This can include:

Problems Controlling Emotions: An individual struggling with C PTSD symptoms may have a hard time managing their emotions. This can lead to issues controlling anger, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Repression of Memories: A person experiencing C PTSD symptoms may avoid thinking about places or people connected to the events.

Dissociation or Flashback Experiences: In some circumstances, a person with C PTSD symptoms may undergo flashbacks that relate to memories beyond their understanding or control; they might respond to a specific situation instinctively because of those repressed memories and not fully understand their reaction.

Forgetfulness: People may react or take action in times of extreme stress and not fully remember how and why they did so.

Negative Feelings: A person may feel detached, helpless, or guilty, struggling to connect with others or constantly feeling different from the people around them.

Obsessive Thoughts: A person may become distracted by the individual or people who caused their trauma; with regular PTSD, they may feel a loss of power associated with that individual, but C PTSD can lead to an obsessive passion for revenge.

Difficulty Trusting Others: Someone may have difficulty trusting others, so they self-isolate and avoid relationships and friendships.

Feeling of Hopelessness: Someone may not be able to acknowledge that people, overall, are good or enjoy positive thoughts about the future.

How C PTSD Differs From PTSD? C-PTSD vs PTSD

C-PTSD and PTSD resulting from the experience of something profoundly traumatic and can cause nightmares, flashbacks, and insomnia. Both mental health conditions can also make someone feel extremely afraid and unsafe even though the danger has passed. However, despite these similarities, there are characteristics that differentiate C-PTSD from PTSD.

The main distinction between the two disorders is the frequency of the trauma. While a single traumatic event causes PTSD, C-PTSD is caused by long-lasting trauma that continues or repeats for months, even years (commonly referred to as “complex trauma”).

When it comes to C PTSD, the harmful effects of racism and oppression can add layers to complex trauma experienced by individuals. This is further compounded if the justice system is involved.

The developmental and psychological impacts of complex trauma early in life are often more severe than a single traumatic experience—so different that many experts believe that the PTSD diagnostic criteria don’t adequately describe the long-lasting and wide-ranging, consequences of C-PTSD.

Complex PTSD vs. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): CPTSD vs BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has very similar almost identical symptoms to C-PTSD. BPD is a disorder that affects individuals differently.

CPTSD vs BPD Common Symptoms Include:

Complex PTSD is a mental condition rooted in shame. Typically, it is characterized by flashbacks to traumatic events and intense feelings of sadness, fear, guilt, and worthlessness.

Understanding CPTSD vs BPD

C-PTSD and BPD are not fully understood. BPD is connected to a history of neglect or trauma, though there could also be a genetic connection. However, Complex PTSD is formed through long-term exposure to trauma. These two conditions can be confused because of their overlapping causes and symptoms, but they differ slightly.

CPTSD vs BPD Symptoms

CPTSD vs BPD symptoms with both disorders includes difficulty with interpersonal skills. However, this symptom arises with BPD because of a fear of abandonment. People with C-PTSD struggle with relationships because they are broken or unlovable. Overall, BPD is primarily made up of fear as the root cause, while C-PTSD may have shame as the root cause.

CPTSD often includes symptoms of persistent fear, ongoing emotional distress, changes in moods and difficulties in regulating emotions, flashbacks, and intrusive memories. People with BPD may experience wildly fluctuating emotions, have difficulty regulating those emotions, and display impulsive behavior, unstable interpersonal relationships, and a distorted sense of self-image. In either case, treatment may involve talk therapy, medication, and other strategies to manage symptoms.

Diagnosis of Complex PTSD C&P Exam Tips

The C&P exam sometimes called the VA’s PTSD test, verifies that the veteran has PTSD, even if he or she has already received a PTSD diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. Additionally, the C&P determines whether PTSD is service-related and the severity of the condition. No C&P exam for PTSD can be done outside accredited platforms. To pass the exam, Give examples of problems you had with work, school, or relationships. Describe your difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Talk about if you were no longer interested in activities you once enjoyed. Give specific examples of your C PTSD symptoms.

While the concept of C PTSD is longstanding, it is not in the fifth edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), and therefore isn’t officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

Although C PTSD comes with its symptoms, a few mental health professionals believe it is too similar to PTSD (and other trauma-related disorders) to warrant a separate diagnosis. As a result, the DSM-5 combines symptoms of C-PTSD with PTSD.

Still, there are mental health professionals who do recognize complex PTSD as a particular condition because the classic symptoms of PTSD do not fully grasp some of the unique features shown in people who have experienced repeated trauma.

Do I have PTSD or CPTSD Quizzes?

Complete the following quizzes to get an assessment of the likelihood that you are showing signs of CPTSD or PTSD. The questions below relate to problems and complaints that people sometimes have in response to traumatic life experiences, sometimes diagnosed as either PTSD or CPTSD. When the underlying trauma is repeated or ongoing, mental health professionals may diagnose C-PTSD. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder shares many of the symptoms of PTSD. However,  there are additional symptoms that are unique to C-PTSD.  If your Childhood Trauma questions responses score 50 points or more, feel free to reach out to one of our specialists for further support.  If your Do I have PTSD or CPTSD Quizzes questions responses score 50 points or more for each quiz, feel free to reach out to one of our specialists for further support.

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Complex PTSD and Substance Abuse

The more traumatic or distressing an experience or symptom is, the greater the association with substance abuse. Individuals with Complex PTSD who lack proper social support or psychological treatment often turn to substances to ease their symptoms. 

Individuals with such severe symptoms are usually desperate for comfort. Alcohol, stimulants, opioids – whatever helps lessen the pain. The tendency to reach for something to get through a challenging moment is understandable – as a society, we are taught that alcohol and other drugs are the answer to almost every problem. So if we look to a drink at the end of a hard day, the reaction of numbing oneself in response to overwhelming trauma makes sense.

Self-medicating, however, can lead to worsening symptoms and the development of new symptoms. Insomnia, anxiety, and depression, for instance, all tend to decline in the aftermath of mind or mood-altering substances. This is because the brain’s biological processes are thrown off balance by introducing drugs and alcohol, causing a short-term high followed by a more extended recovery period.

The use of mind and mood-altering substances frequently leads to dependence and addiction. There is hope regardless of the substance of choice or length of using them.

Programs, services, and treatments vary. We Level Up rehab facilities do not provide EMDR therapy. Because patient stability should come before EMDR treatment. That’s why EMDR therapy to process trauma for patients actively drinking and abusing drugs should await their stability phase of treatment. EMDR phases 3 – 8 therapy is best enacted for patients that feel and experience a safer, trustful connection with their treatment team.

We Level Up rehab centers treat all behavioral health disorders, including related secondary illnesses, to improve long-term recovery outcomes. Get a free substance abuse and mental health assessment and determine the treatment options that most suit you. Call to learn more.

Treatments for Complex PTSD and Substance Use Disorder

It is crucial to seek treatment for co-occurring substance use disorder complex post-traumatic stress disorder. There are several different types of treatment options that someone can pursue.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) “is an interactive psychotherapy technique to relieve psychological stress. During these sessions, the therapist has the patient relive traumatic experiences while directing the patient’s eye movements. This kind of therapy allows a person to be exposed to memories without having a strong psychological response.

Trauma Recovery Model

The trauma recovery model was initially intended to help children work through C-PTSD. There are four levels of the trauma recovery model.

The first level is based on the fact that every person is redeemable. The second level follows Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, ensuring every person has support. The third level involves staff members working with young people to build strong relationships. Finally, young people can engage with and disclose current or historical trauma once those bridges are built.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care is a psychological approach that assumes an individual most likely has a history of trauma. This approach focuses on responding appropriately to trauma’s effects. Instead of asking, “What is wrong with this person?” they will ask, “What has happened to this person?.” Trauma-informed care aims to provide necessary services to support the patient and avoid triggering the patient.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic treatment that helps clients identify and change destructive thought patterns that negatively influence their behaviors or emotions. CBT focuses on flashbacks, triggers, and the persistent feeling of shame that happens with Complex PTSD. CBT replaces these adverse reactions with positive ones and beneficial coping methods.

Exposure Therapy

The main goal of exposure therapy is to help individuals confront their fears. Individuals tend to avoid things when they are afraid of them. During exposure therapy, psychologists create a safe environment to help “expose” individuals to what they are afraid of. Over time, exposure decreases avoidance and reduces fear.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally defined as simultaneously treating someone diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder and a mental health disorder. There is no distinction of whether the mental condition led to substance abuse or vice versa. 

Addiction treatment professionals understand that mental health and substance abuse have a complex relationship that is difficult to extricate from.

While there is no single best treatment for comorbid complex PTSD and addiction, research has shown that successful dual-diagnosis treatment uses an integrated approach. Standard therapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and prolonged exposure therapy (PET).

10 Most C-PTSD Meaning & C-PTSD Test Frequently Asked Questions