What is CPTSD?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a type of psychological condition that is characterised by a prolonged and severe exposure to traumatic events or situations. Unlike traditional Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), CPTSD often results from repeated experiences of trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or prolonged captivity. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including emotional dysregulation, dissociation, hypervigilance, and interpersonal difficulties. You may find you experience symptoms such as feelings of shame, guilt, worthlessness, self-destructive behaviour, difficulty with regulating emotions, and challenges with forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
According to recent estimates, around 5% of the Australian population may be affected by CPTSD. This equates to around 1.25 million people in Australia. However, due to the complex and varied nature of the disorder, it can often be difficult to accurately diagnose and treat. Many individuals with CPTSD may not even be aware that they are experiencing symptoms, or may not seek help due to the stigma and shame associated with trauma.
What are the probable causes?
Trauma can take many different forms, but some of the most common types of trauma that can lead to CPTSD include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, violence, war, captivity, and exposure to natural disasters.
One of the key factors that distinguishes CPTSD from PTSD is the repeated or prolonged exposure to trauma. You often experience ongoing or repeated trauma, such as living with an abusive partner or being trapped in a war zone for an extended period of time. This ongoing exposure can make it more difficult to recover from trauma and can result in a range of chronic symptoms.
Another factor that can contribute to CPTSD is the lack of a supportive environment or caregiver during your childhood. If you experience trauma and do not have access to safe, supportive, and nurturing relationships, this can significantly impact your ability to cope with and recover from trauma. The lack of healthy relationships can also lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from others, which can further exacerbate symptoms of CPTSD.
Additionally, genetics may play a role in the development of CPTSD. You may be more predisposed to developing the disorder due to genetic factors that influence how your body and brain respond to stress and trauma. However, the exact role of genetics in CPTSD is still being studied and is not yet fully understood.
What treatments are available?
There are a variety of treatments available for CPTSD, including both talk therapies and medications. However, it's important to note that not all treatments will be effective for every person, and it may take time and experimentation to find the right combination of treatments for you.
One of the most effective talk therapies for CPTSD is trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This type of therapy helps you to identify and change negative patterns of thought and behaviour that are associated with your trauma.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is another type of talk therapy that can be helpful for you. DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy that focuses on improving emotional regulation and interpersonal skills. It can be particularly helpful for you if you struggle with impulsive behaviour or self-harm.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that involves using rapid eye movements to help you process traumatic memories and reduce the intensity of their emotional reactions.
In addition to talk therapies, medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may be helpful for managing symptoms of CPTSD. However, medications are typically used in conjunction with talk therapy rather than as a standalone treatment.
Other complementary treatments that may be helpful for managing symptoms of CPTSD include mindfulness meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. It's important to work with a mental health professional to determine the best combination of treatments for an individual's unique needs.
Our support team can help you in your everyday life to experience a greater quality of life by ensuring you’re eating healthy, nutritious meals, attending appointments, keeping yourself and home clean and hygienic, as well as accessing the community and rebuilding interpersonal skills.
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