Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
A condition resulting from prolonged or repeated trauma, often in childhood, combining PTSD symptoms with difficulties in emotion regulation and relationships.
Category: Conditions
What is complex PTSD?
C-PTSD develops from sustained trauma the person could not escape, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or prolonged domestic violence. It is recognised in the ICD-11.
Key things to know
Alongside core PTSD symptoms, C-PTSD involves persistent difficulty managing emotions, a deeply negative self-image, and trouble sustaining relationships.
- C-PTSD follows prolonged, inescapable trauma, often starting in childhood.
- It adds emotion-regulation difficulty, negative self-image, and relationship problems to PTSD symptoms.
- It is formally recognised in the ICD-11.
- Treatment is phase-based: safety and skills first, trauma processing after.
- A trauma-informed therapist is essential; general talk therapy is often not enough.
What helps
Treatment is longer-term and phase-based, usually starting with safety and emotion-regulation skills before processing traumatic memories. It requires a trauma-informed therapist.
How SelfMind can help
SelfMind is an AI companion for everyday mental health support: a private place to talk through what you are feeling, in Hindi, English or Hinglish, at any hour. It is not therapy and not a crisis service; it works alongside professional care, never in place of it. You can try it free, no account needed.
Try a quiz
Childhood Experiences Reflection. A short check-in related to complex PTSD, with a personal result at the end. 2 minutes, free, no signup.
Related terms
This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.