• +91 86522 23468 / +91 70000 38542
  • drprashantportho@gmail.com
  • By Appointment Only
Book an Appointment
Book an Appointment

Complex Trauma

  • Home
  • Complex Trauma

Complex Trauma

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop if you experience chronic (long-term) trauma. It involves stress responses, such as:

  • Anxiety.
  • Having flashbacks or nightmares.
  • Avoiding situations, places and other things related to the traumatic event.
  • Heightened emotional responses, such as impulsivity or aggressiveness.
  • Persistent difficulties in sustaining relationships.

Examples of chronic trauma include:

  • Long-term child physical or sexual abuse.
  • Long-term domestic violence.
  • Being a victim of human or sex trafficking.
  • War.
  • Frequent community violence.

While CPTSD is often associated with chronic trauma in childhood, adults who experience chronic trauma can also develop the condition.

1

Impact on Brain Development

Chronic trauma, especially in childhood, can disrupt normal brain development. Areas of the brain responsible for memory, emotional regulation, and response to stress, like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, can be significantly impacted.
2

Emotional Dysregulation

Complex trauma often leads to issues with emotional regulation, such as intense feelings of fear, shame, guilt, or anger. Individuals may experience mood swings, outbursts, or numbness as a coping mechanism.
3

Difficulty with Trust and Relationships

Those who experience complex trauma often struggle to trust others, particularly in close relationships. They may feel unsafe, abandoned, or betrayed, leading to isolation, anxiety, or difficulties in forming healthy bonds.
4

Re-experiencing and Flashbacks

People with complex trauma may frequently relive their traumatic experiences through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. These episodes are often triggered by reminders of the trauma, making it difficult to live in the present moment.
5

Chronic Physical Health Problems

Complex trauma is linked to various chronic physical health conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. This is often due to the prolonged stress response and the body's ongoing state of "fight or flight."
6

Dissociation and Detachment

Dissociation is a common coping mechanism for those with complex trauma, where the person may feel detached from their body or surroundings. This could manifest as memory lapses, "spacing out," or feeling like one is observing themselves from the outside.
7

Challenges with Identity and Self-Esteem

Those who experience complex trauma often struggle with their sense of self. They may feel disconnected, unworthy, or unimportant, and have difficulty maintaining a consistent or positive self-image.
8

Impact on Attachment and Parenting

Complex trauma, particularly in childhood, can interfere with the ability to form healthy attachments to caregivers or later to one's own children. This can result in insecure attachment patterns and challenges in parenting, including difficulty with emotional availability or consistency.
9

Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders

Complex trauma often coexists with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), and substance abuse disorders.
10

Recovery and Resilience

Although healing from complex trauma can be difficult and ongoing, it is possible. Many people develop resilience, which involves adapting to and growing from traumatic experiences. Therapy, support groups, self-care practices, and mindfulness are all helpful tools in the recovery process.