The Survivors of Child Abuse & C-PTSD Community & Hot-line

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

C-PTSD (Complex post-traumatic stress disorder), also known as (complex trauma disorder) is a psychological disorder that can develop in response to prolonged, repeated experience of interpersonal trauma in a context in which the individual has little or no chance of escape. 

C-PTSD relates to the trauma model of metal disorders and is associated with chronic sexual, psychological, sexual, and narcissistic (child) abuse, child abuse, and physical abuse and neglect, chronic intimate partner violence, victims of prolonged workplace or school bullying, victims of kidnapping and hostage situations, indentured servants, victims of slavery and human trafficking, sweatshop workers, prisoners of warm concentration camp survivors, residential school survivors, and defectors of cults or cult-like organizations. 

Situations involving captivity/entrapment (a situation lacking a viable escape route for the victim or a perception of such) can lead to C-PTSD-like symptoms, which can include prolonged feelings of terror, worthlessness, helplessness, and deformation of one's identity and sense of self.

Calling a PTSD helpline is often a beneficial first step for starting your recovery from PTSD. They offer a safe and confidential way for you to get information and support and connect you to important resources, including treatment programs.