The Differences Between CPTSD and PTSD

(4/25) CPTSD and PTSD are two forms of traumatic stress-related disorders that develop from trauma. Both can cause anxiety and self-esteem issues, as well as many other symptoms that can often look quite similar to each other.

So, what is the difference between these two forms of PTSD? Is there one? We go over the differences and similarities in the guide below.

What Are the Symptoms?

Both CPTSD and PTSD have similar symptoms, as they're both forms of PTSD. Some of the most common symptoms of both include:

• Anxiety
• Hypervigilance
• Struggling with relationships and attachment
• Physical symptoms such as headaches and chronic pain
• Psychosis
• Flashbacks (reliving traumatic events)
• Difficulty with change
• Emotional outbursts related to traumatic memories/triggers
• Dissociation

All of these symptoms can be seen in those who experience CPTSD and PTSD.

What Are the Differences?

So, what are the differences? In all reality, there are very few. However, the main difference is that CPTSD stands for "Complex PTSD," and it is given as a label to those who have more than a few traumatic events over a long period of time. It includes long-term and repeated childhood abuse, multiple sexual assaults, or multiple traumas in a certain period that end up creating a complex version of PTSD.

PTSD itself often develops in response to one or a few traumas that are single events, such as a single assault or an operation in the hospital that was unexpected. Many people see PTSD in war veterans who witnessed traumatic things in combat.

CPTSD is more commonly diagnosed in those who had long-term childhood trauma, which was often inflicted by a parent or caregiver. Since it is long-term and repeated, the trauma causes long-term PTSD symptoms that are often mixed and can switch back and forth between trauma memories. Some memories may even be forgotten, and periods of your life may seem fuzzy or non-existent.

How to Know Which You Have?

If you're looking to know whether you have PTSD or CPTSD, you will need to speak to a trained trauma professional. Some therapists only diagnose with traditional PTSD, while others will add a distinction between them.

In the end, the two conditions require similar therapy to treat. However, with CPTSD, you may be in therapy for longer, and it may take more time to speak about the multiple traumatic events you've experienced.

How to Get Help

If you want to get help for either PTSD or CPTSD, or you suspect you may have one of them, there are plenty of healing options available. Some of the top options for those who have gone through trauma include:

• EMDR
• Hypnosis
• Reiki and energy healing
• Family system therapy
• Attachment style therapy
• Trauma talk therapy (CBT)
• Therapy specializing in dissociative disorders (if you struggle with one)

Finding the best option depends on you and your symptoms. For example, for talking through traumas that you remember, EMDR is an excellent choice. If you don't want to talk through your trauma but want to find healing within, spiritual healing and reiki may be a great choice for you.

If you want to learn more about childhood abuse or family abuse, family systems or attachment style therapy is the option to go with.

If you simply want someone to listen while you speak about your traumas or feelings, trauma talk therapy can be therapeutic.

These days, all therapy can be offered online or in person. If you prefer to speak to someone over the phone or video chat, an online therapist can do that for you. If you prefer to meet someone in person, you can opt for that. It's all up to you.

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