In previous posts in this series, we have discussed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as though it occurs alone. Unfortunately, thinking that PTSD acts alone would be incorrect. Many other diagnoses that a person with PTSD can have include complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).
This piece will explore what happens when a person suffers from both diagnoses, PTSD and CPTSD, at the same time.
The Similarities and the Differences Between PTSD and CPTSD
While both PTSD and CPTSD have some overlapping symptoms, there are some significant differences. The similarities of the symptoms of CPTSD and PTSD begin in the fact that they are both trauma-related disorders. Both are highly disruptive to a person’s life, and both cause brain changes to occur.
The differences, however, set them apart from one another. For one, while PTSD is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder edition 5 (DSM-5) complex post-traumatic stress disorder has yet to make an appearance.
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