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Complex PTSD | Psychology Today United Kingdom

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-GB" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <head> <title>Complex PTSD | Psychology Today United Kingdom</title> <meta charset="utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" /> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"":"Psychology Today","entityLangcode":"en","page_type":"node","drupal_node_type":"reference","drupal_node_nid":"5015434","drupal_node_title":"Complex PTSD","userUid":0,"event":"drupal_node_view","ContentWeb":"Basics"});</script> <meta name="description" content="Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD or cPTSD) describes a set of disruptive symptoms that emerge after experiencing inescapable traumatic life events, especially those of a horrific or threatening nature or which recur or accumulate over a period of time. Such events are typically interpersonal, often involving abusive relationships with parents, caregivers, or other responsible adults at a young age." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/complex-ptsd" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Psychology Today" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/complex-ptsd" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Complex PTSD" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD or cPTSD) describes a set of disruptive symptoms that emerge after experiencing inescapable traumatic life events, especially those of a horrific or threatening nature or which recur or accumulate over a period of time. Such events are typically interpersonal, often involving abusive relationships with parents, caregivers, or other responsible adults at a young age." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" /> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="220580041311284" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=0" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta http-equiv="x-dns-prefetch-control" content="on" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#191C1F" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#F2F2F2" media="(prefers-color-scheme: light)" /> <meta name="alexaVerifyID" content="ruuD3Gzrr-EaY185APFbxF69Va4" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="G-wasBQCXXJoehIaVW5BsO9VYKt4oqmWGo155wSSakQ" /> <meta name="y_key" content="0f29d521db0a2863" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="9AD6650A37790044983CFB6B27D77607" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-title" content="Psych Today" /> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "dateCreated": "2024-01-11T08:49:41-0500", "dateModified": "2024-10-07T10:12:32-0400", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/complex-ptsd", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/complex-ptsd", "name": "Complex PTSD", "alternateName": [ "Complex PTSD" ], "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Complex PTSD" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics", "name": "Complex PTSD", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/complex-ptsd" }, "mainContentOfPage": { "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": null, "text": "Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD or cPTSD) describes a set of disruptive symptoms that emerge after experiencing inescapable traumatic life events, especially those of a horrific or threatening nature or which recur or accumulate over a period of time. Such events are typically interpersonal, often involving abusive relationships with parents, caregivers, or other responsible adults at a young age. It may also be sparked by torture, the experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker, being held in a concentration camp or as a slave, or living through a genocidal campaign or other organized campaigns of violence.\r\n\r\nSomeone experiencing complex PTSD may struggle to control their anger, may make self-destructive decisions, have low self-esteem, find it difficult to trust others or find intimacy in relationships, or generally feel guilt, hopelessness, worthlessness, or despair. Any or all of these symptoms can hamper their everyday functioning.\r\n\r\nFor more, see Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.\r\n" }, "relatedLink": [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/trauma", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/therapy-types/trauma-focused-cognitive-behavior-therapy", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/bipolar-disorder", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/bipolar-disorder" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Psychology Today", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com", "logo": "https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/psychology-today-logo-blue-AMP-left-cropped_0.png", "publishingPrinciples": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/docs/editorial-process" } } ] }</script><link rel="preconnect" href="//cdn.psychologytoday.com" crossorigin /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" 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<div class="td_fat_subheader__verified"> <p><img width="18" height="18" loading="lazy" alt="" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/theme-assets/icons/icon-check-circle-gray.svg"/> Verified by <span class="font-weight-semi-bold">Psychology Today</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> <div class="outer-layout-container"> <main class="layout-content layout-container" > <div class="layout-content-full"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--grid layout-container--has-left-rail layout-container--has-right-rail retain-ltr-area-order"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div> <div id="block-pt-content" class="block"> <!-- is_first_page: 1 --> <!-- recent_posts_offset: 0 --> <!-- recent_posts_items_per_page: 10 --> <!-- recent_posts: 1 --> <!-- recent_posts_argument: 5024147+5022062+5020165+5016876 --> <!-- recent_posts_argument: 5015434 --> <article data-history-node-id="5015434" role="article" class="basics-full"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--image"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_75x75/public/2024-01/shutterstock_2341703805.jpg?itok=zu3ThKJ-" width="75" height="75" alt="Dani D.G/Shutterstock" title="Dani D.G/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> </div> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">Complex PTSD</h1> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/gb/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="reference__body"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p>Complex post-<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/trauma" title="Psychology Today looks at traumatic" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">traumatic</a> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress" title="Psychology Today looks at stress" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">stress</a> disorder (c-<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder" title="Psychology Today looks at PTSD" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">PTSD</a> or cPTSD) describes a set of disruptive symptoms that emerge after experiencing inescapable traumatic life events, especially those of a horrific or threatening nature or which recur or accumulate over a period of time. Such events are typically interpersonal, often involving abusive relationships with parents, caregivers, or other responsible adults at a young age. It may also be sparked by torture, the experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker, being held in a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at concentration" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">concentration</a> camp or as a slave, or living through a genocidal campaign or other organized campaigns of violence.</p> <p>Someone experiencing complex PTSD may struggle to control their <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anger" title="Psychology Today looks at anger" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">anger</a>, may make self-destructive decisions, have low <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/self-esteem" title="Psychology Today looks at self-esteem" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">self-esteem</a>, find it difficult to trust others or find <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/relationships" title="Psychology Today looks at intimacy" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">intimacy</a> in relationships, or generally feel <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/guilt" title="Psychology Today looks at guilt" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">guilt</a>, hopelessness, worthlessness, or despair. Any or all of these symptoms can hamper their everyday functioning.</p> <p><em><strong>For more, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder">Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.</a></strong></em></p> </div> </div> <div class="table-of-contents border-top"> <h4 class="table-of-contents--title">Contents</h4> <ul> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#what-is-complex-ptsd"> What Is Complex PTSD? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#treating-c-ptsd"> Treating c-PTSD </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="what-is-complex-ptsd" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> What Is Complex <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder" title="Psychology Today looks at PTSD" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">PTSD</a>? </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> </article> <p>Complex PTSD is not a recognized diagnosis in the latest edition of the <em><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/dsm" title="Psychology Today looks at Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</a></em> (DSM-5), partly due to its overlap with symptoms of PTSD. However, it is recognized in the World Health Organization&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/international-classification-of-diseases-icd" title="Psychology Today looks at International Classification of Diseases" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">International Classification of Diseases</a> (ICD).</p> <p>Post-<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/trauma" title="Psychology Today looks at traumatic" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">traumatic</a> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress" title="Psychology Today looks at stress" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">stress</a> disorder can emerge after surviving a powerfully disturbing experience of any kind, such as a physical attack, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/sexual-abuse" title="Psychology Today looks at sexual assault" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">sexual assault</a>, or car accident, or witnessing a death or surviving a natural disaster. Complex PTSD is understood as more likely to develop after a repeated or chronic series of abusive or hurtful incidents lasting months or even years, especially during <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/child-development" title="Psychology Today looks at childhood" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">childhood</a>, and the symptoms of c-PTSD tend to be more severe, and longer-lasting, than for those living with PTSD.</p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How are the symptoms of c-PTSD different from PTSD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>People living with c-PTSD tend to experience greater intrapersonal strife: They have a more negative perception of themselves; they may feel <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/shame" title="Psychology Today looks at shame" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">shame</a> and have a sense that they are different from everyone else. They may also experience more volatile or chaotic personal relationships and greater emotional dysfunction&mdash;for example, they can be more prone to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anger" title="Psychology Today looks at rage" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">rage</a>. And they are more likely than those with PTSD to engage in impulsive, risky, or self-destructive behavior.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are the most common symptoms of complex PTSD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>According to the ICD, complex PTSD may be present when someone experiences, for a period of at least several weeks, all three of the core elements of post-traumatic stress disorder:</p> <p>* Re-experiencing the event through vivid intrusive memories, flashbacks, or repeated <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/dreaming" title="Psychology Today looks at dreams" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">dreams</a> or nightmares, accompanied by feelings of being overwhelmed or terrified, with strong physical sensations</p> <p>* Avoidance of anything that might lead to re-experiencing aspects of the traumatic event, including people, places, or media. Someone might avoid conversations that remind them of the experience, or strain to avoid thoughts of it, or they may try to change their environment; for example, by moving or changing jobs.</p> <p>* A heightened perception of threat leading to hypervigilance or making someone easily startled. A person experiencing c-PTSD may constantly feel under threat and may worry that those close them are as well.</p> <p>Along with these core symptoms of PTSD, someone with c-PTSD may be highly reactive to minor stressors, have violent outbursts, or engage in reckless, self-destructive behavior. In some cases of c-PTSD, a person may be emotionally numb, unable to experience pleasure or other positive emotions. The person may come to believe that they are flawed or worthless and feel deep <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/guilt" title="Psychology Today looks at guilt" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">guilt</a> or shame because they blame themselves for falling victim to their trauma or for failing to protect others who experienced it. People experiencing c-PTSD may also have <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/suicide" title="Psychology Today looks at suicidal" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">suicidal</a> thoughts.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Will everyone who experiences a childhood trauma develop complex PTSD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>No. Not every person who endures experiences that may lead to c-PTSD develop symptoms themselves. Most people will experience acute stress after a trauma, but for many the symptoms may pass in a period of weeks; typically, within three months. The presence of another mental health disorder, a lack of social or emotional support, intergenerational trauma, and chronic physical ailments could increase one&rsquo;s risk of c-PTSD. Estimates suggest that between 1 and 8 percent of the population will experience complex PTSD.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How can c-PTSD affect relationships? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Someone living with complex PTSD may avoid social connections or struggle to establish intimate relationships or to trust or fully commit to a romantic partner or close friend. If they experienced abuse or other forms of betrayal from intimate family members or other responsible adults as a child, their symptoms may be most triggered by others attempting to get close to them. Their hypervigilance, or reluctance to be vulnerable, can also jeopardize connection with others.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--5 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Are men or women more likely to experience c-PTSD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p><a href="https://id.who.int/icd/entity/585833559">Women have higher rates of complex PTSD</a> than men, research suggests, and in women, the condition tends to be accompanied by a wider range of severe symptoms.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--6 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Are children more likely to experience c-PTSD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Complex PTSD can emerge at any age, but it can also present differently at different ages. Still, children and adolescents are more vulnerable to the condition than others. In children, c-PTSD is more likely to involve cognitive challenges such as difficulty with <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at attention" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">attention</a> or organization; emotional <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/regression" title="Psychology Today looks at regression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">regression</a>; and reckless and aggressive behavior including substance use, unsafe <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/sex" title="Psychology Today looks at sex" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">sex</a>, unsafe driving, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/self-harm" title="Psychology Today looks at self-harm" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">self-harm</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--7 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How difficult is it to diagnose complex PTSD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>It can be difficult, especially if a clinician does not know that an individual has experienced a specific trauma such as child abuse, as someone may resist discussion of it. In children, symptoms of c-PTSD may overlap with common symptoms of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/depression" title="Psychology Today looks at depression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">depression</a>, eating disorders, sleep disorders, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd" title="Psychology Today looks at ADHD" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">ADHD</a>, oppositional defiant disorder, and separation <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anxiety" title="Psychology Today looks at anxiety" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">anxiety</a>. Also, other disorders, especially <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/bipolar-disorder" title="Psychology Today looks at bipolar disorder" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">bipolar disorder</a>, can develop after extreme traumatic experiences.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--8 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Is borderline <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/personality-disorders" title="Psychology Today looks at personality disorder" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">personality disorder</a> a form of complex PTSD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>No, but the conditions may have similar symptoms: Both typically lead to difficulty with <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/emotion-regulation" title="Psychology Today looks at emotional regulation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">emotional regulation</a>, impulsivity, and chaotic interpersonal relationships, and both may be influenced by experiences of trauma. According to some research, borderline <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/personality" title="Psychology Today looks at personality" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">personality</a> disorder could actually be considered one of a set of conditions influenced by trauma, especially childhood abuse.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--9 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How can you distinguish between c-PTSD and borderline personality disorder? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>There are differences between c-PTSD and BPD that should enable a clinician to distinguish between the two. Borderline personality disorder is characterized by <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9107503/">a strong fear of abandonment</a>, which may not be part of c-PTSD. People living with BPD are also more likely to engage in self-harm and to experience suicidal ideation than those experiencing c-PTSD. Although it is not uncommon for c-PTSD and BPD to co-occur in an individual&mdash;research has shown that one in four people with PTSD also meet the criteria for BPD&mdash;the proper diagnosis of one, the other, or both is essential. A correct diagnosis can help someone get the right treatment, of course, but also, people experiencing symptoms of c-PTSD may be incorrectly thought of as "being borderline&rdquo;&mdash;particularly women, research suggests&mdash;which is problematic because of the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/mental-health-stigma" title="Psychology Today looks at stigma" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">stigma</a> that label can carry.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="treating-c-ptsd" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> Treating c-PTSD </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> </article> <p>Complex PTSD is generally treated in the same way as post-traumatic stress syndrome, with a combination of talk <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/therapy" title="Psychology Today looks at therapy" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">therapy</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/psychopharmacology" title="Psychology Today looks at medication" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">medication</a>, and family and social support. But as many as half of those living with either condition find that current therapies do not bring full relief from symptoms; to help them, experimental approaches are being explored.</p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What type of therapy is best for complex PTSD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/cognitive-behavioral-therapy" title="Psychology Today looks at Cognitive behavioral" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Cognitive behavioral</a> therapy&mdash;specifically, a type known as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy&mdash;is most often the first choice of therapists helping people deal with c-PTSD. In sessions, a therapist will help an individual identify the thoughts and thought patterns that keep them stuck on their traumatic experiences and begin to replace them with more positive, more productive ones; recognize symptoms quickly and develop strategies to address them in the moment; and, gradually, work toward facing, rather than avoiding, things that remind them of their trauma, sometimes through what&rsquo;s known as exposure therapy.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What medications might be prescribed to those dealing with c-PTSD? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>There are no medications formally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of PTSD or c-PTSD, but clinicians may prescribe <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/ssris" title="Psychology Today looks at antidepressants" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">antidepressants</a>, anti-anxiety medications, and sleep aids to individuals living with symptoms of the conditions.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What can someone living with c-PTSD do on their own to cope better with symptoms? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <!-- Generator: Sketch 46.2 (44496) - http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch --> <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Along with seeking treatment, clinicians suggest that people living with PTSD or c-PTSD try to remain active, including maintaining an exercise routine, along with consistent sleep habits. Social engagement with others, especially people with whom they have high levels of comfort and trust, is can also be valuable. Some people find benefits from taking part in support groups where they can meet others dealing with similar traumas. Some research suggests that writing their thoughts and experiences in a journal can help many people better understand their experiences and begin to move forward. And understanding that progress may be slow, but taking the time to recognize positive steps, can help people discover, and maintain, a more <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/optimism" title="Psychology Today looks at optimistic" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">optimistic</a> outlook.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-068e105376ce7beb0431228b162d0db4895ab4cccdee984681c6dd11de4147f5"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5024147"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/sleep-and-culture/202409/3-ways-war-affects-sleep-long-term"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/eye-8585101_1280.png.jpg?itok=0-Nf2cim" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="DanielgrafArt / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/sleep-and-culture/202409/3-ways-war-affects-sleep-long-term" title="3 Ways War Affects Sleep Long Term"> 3 Ways War Affects Sleep Long Term </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Even when war ends, the effects of that experience linger on in chronic struggles to feel rested. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5022062"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/traumatization-and-its-aftermath/202407/trauma-is-not-a-diagnosis"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-07/pexels-rdne-7468258.jpg?h=5e593ef5&amp;itok=4yJUFa9B" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="RDNE Stock project/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/traumatization-and-its-aftermath/202407/trauma-is-not-a-diagnosis" title="Trauma Is Not a Diagnosis"> Trauma Is Not a Diagnosis </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Trauma isn&#039;t one-size-fits-all. 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Here&#039;s what we can learn from this phenomenon. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Soldiers who have served in distant wars may remain mentally stuck in those places long after they have returned home. Here&#039;s what we can learn from this phenomenon. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026441"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/mental-injury-is-not-mental-illness/202410/voting-as-self-healing"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/AdobeStock_888552054.jpeg.jpg?itok=rz-idKkT" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Wasabi Publicity/Adobe/Abood used with permission" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/mental-injury-is-not-mental-illness/202410/voting-as-self-healing" rel="bookmark">Voting as Self-Healing</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Voting after trauma is powerful self-healing. Reclaim your voice, find hope, and connect with community by casting a ballot and shaping a better future. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Voting after trauma is powerful self-healing. Reclaim your voice, find hope, and connect with community by casting a ballot and shaping a better future. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025975"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-aftermath-of-trauma/202410/is-high-functioning-ptsd-real"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/brain_vetre_Shutterstock_779420179.jpg?itok=p1isDD0i" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Vetre Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-aftermath-of-trauma/202410/is-high-functioning-ptsd-real" rel="bookmark">Is High-Functioning PTSD Real?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> If a mental health condition exists on the internet, does that make it real? </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> If a mental health condition exists on the internet, does that make it real? </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025958"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/what-to-do-as-you-grow-older/202410/three-behavioral-strategies-to-control-anxiety"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/Anxiety_m_318944697.jpg?itok=FPBuaiXH" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Dreamstime M-318944697" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/what-to-do-as-you-grow-older/202410/three-behavioral-strategies-to-control-anxiety" rel="bookmark">Three Behavioral Strategies to Control Anxiety</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Anxiety as a disorder is increasing despite attempts to minimize it. In ten minutes, learn three neurobehavioral strategies you can apply immediately to reduce or stop it. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Anxiety as a disorder is increasing despite attempts to minimize it. In ten minutes, learn three neurobehavioral strategies you can apply immediately to reduce or stop it. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025830"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/reducing-suffering/202410/what-to-say-to-someone-who-has-lost-a-child"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-8057332.jpg?itok=Tk-DWFdw" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/reducing-suffering/202410/what-to-say-to-someone-who-has-lost-a-child" rel="bookmark">What to Say to Someone Who Has Lost a Child</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> When a loved one has lost a child, it is often better to do rather than say. 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Saying less or nothing is usually better than trying to say too much. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025756"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/real-healing/202410/emerging-treatments-for-substance-use-and-mental-health-disorders"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/shutterstock_2481678871.jpg?itok=0VzYLOmX" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Alexander Supertramp/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/real-healing/202410/emerging-treatments-for-substance-use-and-mental-health-disorders" rel="bookmark">Emerging Treatments for Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> There has been increasing interest in studying psychedelic and meditation-based interventions in recent years, for mental health issues and as tools for understanding the mind. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> There has been increasing interest in studying psychedelic and meditation-based interventions in recent years, for mental health issues and as tools for understanding the mind. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025333"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/traumatization-and-its-aftermath/202410/rewriting-your-trauma-story"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/pexels-suzyhazelwood-3631711.jpg?itok=Cax_PDGR" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Photo by Suzy Hazelwood" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/traumatization-and-its-aftermath/202410/rewriting-your-trauma-story" rel="bookmark">Rewriting Your Trauma Story</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Learn how to reclaim your trauma story by shifting from blame and victimhood to personal agency and hope. Your brain needs your collaboration to get you to a better place. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Learn how to reclaim your trauma story by shifting from blame and victimhood to personal agency and hope. Your brain needs your collaboration to get you to a better place. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025070"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-aftermath-of-trauma/202409/5-lesser-known-facts-about-ptsd-in-women"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-09/pexels-mart-production-7699305_0.jpg?itok=0vcXJQpS" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Mart Production / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-aftermath-of-trauma/202409/5-lesser-known-facts-about-ptsd-in-women" rel="bookmark">5 Lesser-Known Facts About PTSD in Women</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> When we think of PTSD, the most common image may still be the male combat veteran returning from a war zone. 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