Most likely, you’ve heard of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). You probably know about causes like living in a war zone or enduring a major disaster. But there is a parallel condition that is similar in some ways while remaining quite different. Complex PTSD is the result of complex trauma. In a nutshell, this term describes a chronic form of trauma usually endured during childhood. 

When a therapist talks about “complex trauma,” they are using a term that describes both the repetitive events and the long-term effects. This is not a form of ranking trauma vs. complex trauma. Instead, it’s about identifying clear differences between the two experiences. 

Symptoms and Causes of Complex PTSD

The symptoms often intersect with the symptoms of PTSD, e.g., flashbacks, nightmares, and more. But with complex trauma, the survivor is more likely to also experience:

• Inability to regulate their emotions 

• Intense feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame

• A sense that no one understands what they feel

• Unwillingness to fully trust others 

• Trouble connecting with others on a deep level

• Dissociation and other challenges in recognizing reality

• Loss of one’s belief system 

What Can Cause Complex PTSD?

Again, the type of terrible experiences that are endured and/or witnessed is ongoing. For example: 

• Emotional, sexual, and physical abuse

• Neglect and abandonment 

• Growing up in a home in which substance abuse is the norm

• Living in a war zone

• Domestic abuse

• Kidnapping

• Being trafficked, prostituted, or enslaved

• Any scenario in which you feel trapped and unable to escape your abuser

The impact is heightened if this happened to you in childhood — especially when the abuser was someone you trusted. 

What Can Trigger Complex PTSD?

People with Complex PTSD quickly learn that their symptoms can be triggered by situations, places, or emotions that feel related to the original trauma cycle. 

Common Complex PTSD triggers include:

• Sensory input via sound, taste, smell, etc.

• Any abrupt ending to a situation (like divorce or leaving a job)

• Consuming any kind of content that reminds you of the trauma

• Specific anniversaires 

• Anything that sparks fear or anger can be triggering 

What Does Complex PTSD Happen So Often During Childhood?

When the victim is a young child, they can be left not understanding what is happening. The people they depend upon to attend to their basic needs are behaving in a way that is painful. They feel powerless to stop it and frequently blame themselves. This sets up complex interpersonal dynamics that can shape their cognitive development well into adulthood, e.g.:

• They may not trust themselves while believing others know what is best for them 

• A trauma bond can be created by which the victim strives to please the abuser in the hope that the negative treatment will stop 

• They learn how to say and do what is expected of them to lessen the abuse

Complex PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Complex PTSD and BPD present with many similar symptoms. These include:

• A sense of worthlessness

• Impulsive behavior

• Inability to connect with others

BPD can also be caused by childhood trauma. Thus, it is crucial to connect with a therapist who is experienced in differentiating between these two disorders. 

Getting the Help You Need and Deserve

Considering that as many as eight percent of the world’s adult population struggles with complex trauma, any treatment options exist. In addition, there are self-help steps (like healthy eating, relaxation techniques, and more) you can incorporate into your life. Hence, a powerful first step is to reach out to a mental health practitioner who understands your situation. With that in mind, I invite you to set up a free and confidential consultation at your earliest convenience. 

Learn more about Trauma Therapy.