and re-experiencing or reliving the traumas, for example flashbacks and intrusive thoughts about the trauma.Ī history of childhood trauma is also common in people with Borderline Personality Disorder ( BPD), and emotional regulation difficulties is a symptom of both BPD and Complex PTSD.,, , A significant proportion people with BPD also have either PTSD or Complex PTSD.hypervigilance and being easily startled, which may cause a diminished startle response in some people The diagnostic criteria for PTSD must also be met by people with Complex PTSD, these are:.The unexpressed anger and internalized rage resulting from the trauma may lead to self-destructive or reckless/risk taking behaviors, e.g., self-harm and/or suicide attempts, which may be driven by a sense of self-hatred. This may result in dissociative symptoms when under stress, and emotional numbing or the inability to experience pleasure. Severe and persistent affect dysregulation, which means having great difficulty managing emotions, and is often referred to as 'difficulties with emotional regulation'.Prolonged abuse normally leads to a loss of previously-held beliefs, with feelings of 'being forsaken by both man and God'. Complex PTSD is normally the result of interpersonal trauma, the long duration of the trauma and the control of the perpetrator(s) prevents people from expressing anger or rage at the perpetrator(s) during the trauma anger and rage both at perpetrators and the self can only be fully expressed after the trauma ends. Interpersonal sensitivity includes having feelings which are easily hurt, anger/temper outbursts and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.

A fragmented identity is common, with Dissociative Identity Disorder occurring in some people. Believing yourself to be 'contaminated, guilty, and evil' is commonly reported by survivors of Complex PTSD. While survivors of PTSD may feel 'not myself', a survivor of Complex PTSD may feel no sense of self at all or experience a changed personality a few may feel as if they are no longer human at all (Lovelace and McGrady, 1980 Timerman, 1981).:385-386. Negative self-concept involves feelings of worthlessness and guilt.Interpersonal problems includes social and interpersonal avoidance (avoiding relationships), feeling distance or cut off from others, and never feeling close to another person.Disturbances in Self-Organization ( DSO) are a group of three additional symptoms that result from Complex PTSD but are not part of PTSD:Īffective dysregulation ( AD), severe and persistent difficulties managing emotions negative self-concept ( NSC), and low self-worth, disturbances in relationships ( DR) difficulties in feeling close to people and in sustaining interpersonal relationships Complex PTSD Symptoms

Ptsd diagnostic criteria for dsm 5