Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in response to prolonged or repeated trauma, often occurring in childhood or over an extended period.
Unlike standard PTSD, which is usually linked to a single traumatic event, CPTSD is associated with ongoing abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or captivity.
Many people living with CPTSD also begin to notice patterns connected to nervous system dysregulation, emotional shutdown, hypervigilance, people-pleasing or difficulties feeling safe in relationships.
What is CPTSD?
Symptoms of CPTSD
People with CPTSD may experience:
-
Intense emotions, difficulty managing anger, sadness, or numbness.
-
Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness.
-
Struggles with trust, forming connections, or a fear of abandonment.
-
Feeling detached from reality or re-experiencing trauma.
-
Always feeling on edge, easily startled, or overwhelmed by stress.
-
Withdrawing from life, suppressing emotions, or feeling disconnected.
CPTSD typically results from:
Childhood abuse or neglect
Long-term domestic violence
Human trafficking or captivity
War or prolonged exposure to conflict
Institutional abuse (e.g., cults, foster care trauma)