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Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced prolonged or repeated traumatic events such as neglect or abuse, particularly during childhood or in situations where they were unable to escape or find safety.

 

It's considered a more severe form of PTSD and is characterized by a combination of symptoms related to the original trauma as well as additional symptoms that affect a person's self-concept and interpersonal relationships.

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Some common symptoms of C-PTSD include:

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1. Flashbacks and intrusive memories: Similar to PTSD, individuals with C-PTSD may experience vivid flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic events.
    

2. Emotional dysregulation: People with C-PTSD often struggle with managing their emotions. They may experience intense emotions such as anger, shame, or fear, and have difficulty regulating these emotions.
    

3. Negative self-perception: Individuals with C-PTSD may have a persistent negative view of themselves, feeling worthless, guilty, or ashamed.
    

4. Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships: C-PTSD can interfere with a person's ability to form healthy relationships. They may have trouble trusting others, fear intimacy, or have difficulty expressing their needs and emotions.
    

5. Distorted perception of the perpetrator: In cases where the trauma was caused by another person, individuals with C-PTSD may develop a distorted perception of the perpetrator, viewing them as all-powerful or omniscient.
    

6. Sense of helplessness or hopelessness: C-PTSD can lead to feelings of helplessness or hopelessness about the future. Individuals may feel stuck or trapped in their circumstances.
    

7. Difficulty with self-regulation: This can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty sleeping, substance abuse, self-harm, or engaging in risky behaviors.
    

C-PTSD is often associated with complex trauma, which refers to exposure to multiple traumatic events over an extended period, often involving interpersonal trauma such as childhood abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. It can have a significant impact on a person's overall well-being and functioning, but with appropriate treatment, including therapy and support, individuals with C-PTSD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.