C-PTSD also can share signs and symptoms with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Although BPD doesn’t always have its roots in trauma, this is often the case. Treatment for the two conditions is similar, but you may want to discuss some of your additional symptoms of complex trauma that your doctor or therapist may also need to address.
Medications may help reduce symptoms of C-PTSD, such as anxiety or depression. They are especially helpful when used in combination with psychotherapy. Antidepressants are often used to treat complex PTSD, including Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline). In these types of events, a victim is under the control of another person and does not have the ability to easily escape. It may help to attend a support group, either in person or online, to connect with others who have had similar experiences.
What Is Complex PTSD?
It is part of CBT and centers around the idea that people with PTSD will unconsciously avoid anything that reminds them of their traumatic experiences. The therapist may use certain types of trauma-focused therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). For example, they may diagnose a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD) due to this condition’s close relationship with a history of trauma.
The American Psychiatric Association determined there was not enough evidence to conclude that the additional symptoms of C-PTSD were distinct enough from the symptoms of PTSD to warrant its own designation. Instead, the DSM-5 includes some of the distinct symptoms of C-PTSD under the criteria for PTSD. There is evidence to suggest that repeated can ptsd cause blackouts exposure to racism causes lasting traumatic effects for Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color. More research is being conducted to determine how to categorize this trauma. World-renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk is a proponent of rewiring the brain and reestablishing trust in the physical body through practices like yoga.
Special Events
If you feel that trauma plays a role in your symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out to a trauma specialist. Try to find a doctor who understands CPTSD and the multitude of ways it can impact your life. It presents many of the same symptoms as PTSD, but it can also change how you view yourself, how you control your emotions, and how you relate to others. If you decide to see a mental health professional, you might receive a C-PTSD diagnosis if you complete the International Trauma Questionnaire. In this manual, C-PTSD includes symptoms of PTSD but focuses on the group of traits often seen with chronic trauma. Your response to trauma won’t always look the same as someone else’s.