Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) are both mental health conditions that can develop after a person experiences trauma. One nationwide study estimates around 1.5% of people have PTSD and 0.5% of people have CPTSD, though other estimates differ significantly. Cleveland Clinic, for example, says CPTSD may affect 1% to 8% of the world population. While PTSD and CPTSD share similarities, there are important differences between them. Understanding these differences can help you get the right support and treatment.

CPTSD vs. PTSD: 3 key differences

• Type of trauma

One of the biggest differences between PTSD and CPTSD is the type of trauma that causes each condition. PTSD usually develops after a single traumatic event or a short period of trauma. Some potential causes for PTSD include:

• A car accident
• A natural disaster
• A violent attack
• A medical emergency
• The sudden loss of a loved one

People with PTSD often remember the exact moment of the trauma. The event may have been shocking and life threatening, causing intense fear. While CPTSD is also associated with trauma, the nature of that trauma tends to be different. CPTSD does not arise from a single event. It is generally caused by long-term or repeated trauma, often in situations where a person feels trapped or powerless. CPTSD may develop after long-term traumas like:

• Childhood neglect or abuse
• Long-term domestic violence
• Human trafficking
• Systemic racism or racial trauma
• Being in a war zone for an extended period

A key difference is duration. While PTSD can result from a single event, CPTSD comes from trauma that happens over months or years. People with CPTSD often have trouble remembering when the trauma started because it became a regular part of their life. This may also make it harder for people with CPTSD to adjust to a life without ongoing trauma. Many people with CPTSD struggle to move on.

• Symptoms

People with CPTSD tend to experience some PTSD symptoms. Both conditions share core symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares and insomnia. People with either condition may also feel on edge and strive to avoid reminders of trauma. However, CPTSD includes additional symptoms that are not part of typical PTSD. These symptoms happen because long-term trauma can more deeply affect a person’s sense of identity, emotions, and relationships.

CPTSD symptoms not usually found in PTSD include:

• Emotional dysregulation — People with CPTSD often struggle with extreme emotions. They may have sudden outbursts of anger, deep sadness or feelings of numbness. Their emotions can feel too intense or completely shut off.
• Negative self-view — Many people with CPTSD blame themselves for the trauma. They might feel unworthy of love, guilty, or like they are “bad” at their core. This deep sense of shame and low self-worth is not as common in PTSD.
• Struggles with identity — Because long-term trauma happens over years, it can shape a person’s entire sense of self. People with CPTSD may feel lost and confused about who they are. They may feel like they don’t have a stable identity.

While PTSD can make daily life difficult, CPTSD often has a more widespread impact on a person’s emotions, relationships and self-image.

• Treatment approach

Treatment for PTSD and CPTSD typically involves psychotherapy and may also include medication. Some people take antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication to help manage symptoms like panic and sleep problems. Since CPTSD is caused by long-term trauma, treatment usually involves more steps and a longer healing process. Some important parts of CPTSD treatment include:

• Feeling safe and stable
• Working on relationships and trust
• Building a healthy self-image

Regardless of your condition, the best care approach will depend on your personal circumstances and needs. There are several levels of care available to people seeking treatment for PTSD and CPTSD. These include:

• Residential Treatment
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also called Day Treatment Program
• Virtual PHP (vPHP)/Day Treatment Program
• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP)

Seeking professional help for PTSD and CPTSD

Whether you have PTSD or CPTSD, seeking professional help can be life changing. While it can be hard to see a better life, healing is possible with the right support.

Consider reaching out for help if:

• Your trauma symptoms are making daily life difficult.
• You feel stuck, hopeless or emotionally numb.
• You have trouble trusting or connecting with others.
• You experience intense mood swings or feel out of control.
• You struggle with negative thoughts about yourself or your worth.
• You’re using unhealthy coping methods (like substance use or isolation) to manage emotions.

Get treatment for your PTSD or CPTSD at Lightfully

At Lightfully, we’re committed to helping clients work through their trauma. We are pro-recovery and pro-healing. Our treatment approach is framed around evidence-based modalities and deeply compassionate care. We’re ready to help you address your PTSD or CPTSD symptoms and work toward recovery.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to start managing your symptoms and working through your trauma, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.