{"id":20618,"date":"2023-07-12T09:42:06","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T14:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20618"},"modified":"2023-09-06T07:18:21","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T12:18:21","slug":"how-to-seek-support-and-management-for-c-ptsd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/explainer\/how-to-seek-support-and-management-for-c-ptsd\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Seek Support and Management for C-PTSD"},"content":{"rendered":"

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is surprisingly common. Recent research found this specific condition, caused by chronic trauma, <\/span>affects 3.8% of the population<\/span><\/a>, with 3.4% of people suffering from standard PTSD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the latest version of the International Classification for Diseases (ICD-11), C-PTSD is <\/span>listed as its own condition<\/span><\/a>. In previous ICD systems, there was no distinction between it and standard PTSD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As many as <\/span>70% of adults<\/span><\/a> experience some form of trauma during their lifetime, so the estimates may actually be low. Also, <\/span>diagnosis may be difficult<\/span><\/a>, with some people unable to link their symptoms to traumatic events and others confusing them for a different mental illness, such as clinical depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A wide range of treatment options are available, including cognitive behavioral and exposure therapies and medications. With support from mental health specialists, people with C-PTSD can overcome their symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is C-PTSD?<\/h2>\n

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder<\/span><\/a> is a relatively new designation. Mental health researchers found that people who experience repetitive trauma, such as ongoing abuse or torture, suffer from additional symptoms not experienced with standard PTSD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

C-PTSD often comes from childhood trauma. Symptoms can be similar to other dissociative or personality disorders, sometimes making diagnosis difficult. Also, because the patient may be years removed from trauma, defining the cause of C-PTSD can be a challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of the different causes and symptoms, C-PTSD requires unique treatment approaches. However, with proper assistance, a C-PTSD patient can deal with the symptoms and address the underlying causes of their condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of C-PTSD<\/h2>\n

Though there is an overlap between PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms, the latter also has distinct features associated with emotional development and exposure to long-term trauma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the symptoms common to both PTSD and C-PTSD.<\/span><\/p>\n