Understanding the Unseen Battle: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adults

Caitlyn Davis
Mindful Mental Health
4 min readNov 1, 2023

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Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash

Trauma can cast a long shadow over a person’s life, leaving indelible marks on their mental and emotional well-being. While many of us are familiar with the term “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD), there is a lesser-known but equally significant condition called Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). C-PTSD is a more comprehensive and intricate form of trauma, often stemming from prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences rather than a single, isolated incident. This article delves into the depths of C-PTSD, exploring what it looks like in adults, its causes, symptoms, and potential treatment options.

Defining Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

An individual with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or C-PTSD, develops a condition in response to prolonged exposure to traumatic events. As opposed to conventional PTSD, which is often caused by a single…

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