Around 8 million people have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a given year.
Mental health awareness has improved significantly over the past few years. Understanding of disorders has grown, such as PTSD, and so has treatment options. With all of this awareness in mind, did you know there is also a similar disorder people can overlook?
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) has similarities and differences to PTSD. People can mistake their symptoms for PTSD, but it is essential to get the correct diagnosis to get the best treatment in Oregon, IL.
Here is a guide for all you need to know about PTSD and CPTSD.
What is PTSD?
A traumatic event triggers PTSD. You could have experienced the event or witnessed it. Traumatic events include:
- A severe health incident, such as hospitalization
- An instance of sexual or physical assault
- A natural disaster
PTSD causes the individual to relive the experience in different ways. It can occur weeks, months, or even years after the traumatic event.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can significantly impact a person’s mental health. An individual can experience flashbacks and nightmares. Irritability and isolation are other common symptoms.
What is CPTSD?
CPTSD develops after chronic exposure to traumatic events. These events tend to happen at a vulnerable age, such as in childhood or adolescence. Traumatic events include:
- Torture and slavery
- Child abuse or neglect
- Domestic violence
Similar to PTSD, CPTSD causes the individual to relive the experiences, and it can start even years after the event.
Symptoms of CPTSD
There is some overlap with symptoms of PTSD, but CPTSD has additional symptoms. They include:
- Dissociation or depersonalization
- Difficulty in relationships and with emotions
- Distorted view of the perpetrator
- Physical symptoms such as headaches
Differences Between CPTSD and PTSD
CPTSD is after repeated or chronic trauma. In contrast, PTSD occurs after a single incident. The additional symptoms of CPTSD also distinguish it.
CPTSD is not distinguished from PTSD by all diagnostic handbooks. However, the World Health Organization lists it as a separate diagnosis in the ICD-11.
Oregon, IL CPTSD and PTSD Treatment Options
There are several differences in the treatment options for PTSD and CPTSD. Medication may be prescribed.
There are also different therapy options. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).
Another treatment the Oregon counseling center may use is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). The therapist uses eye movements to help your brain process the traumatic events.
However, CPTSD will involve modifications to therapies such as EMDR. Duration of treatment will be longer, and preparation will be a lot more extensive.
Treatment will also include skill-building. Skills focus on managing strong emotions and establishing healthy relationships.
Get Mental Health Support in Oregon, IL
If you think you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of PTSD or CPTSD, it is time to get support. Mental care is as critical as physical care, and symptoms can worsen over time, so take the step now.
There are differences between PTSD and CPTSD. So never be afraid to challenge a diagnosis. You want to ensure you have the right choice of treatment options.
Remember, you are not alone. There is help out there.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options for PTSD and CPTSD. Braden Counseling Center (BCC) has several locations, including Oregon, Sycamore, Bartlett, Rochelle, Elgin, and Geneva.