If you’ve ever heard the terms C-PTSD vs PTSD, you might be wondering—aren’t they the same thing?
While both involve trauma and share many symptoms, they have distinct differences that affect how they’re treated. If you or someone you love is struggling, understanding the nuances between C-PTSD vs PTSD can help you take the right steps toward healing.
And guess what? Avena’s therapy approach is designed to help with both. Let’s break it all down.
How is C-PTSD Different from PTSD?
First, let’s talk about what PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is. PTSD is typically associated with a single traumatic event—like a car accident, natural disaster, or military combat. It can cause flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness.
Now, enter C-PTSD vs PTSD.
The “C” in C-PTSD stands for Complex, and that’s because it develops after repeated or prolonged trauma, especially in situations where escape wasn’t possible.
This includes childhood abuse, domestic violence, or long-term captivity.
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
- PTSD: Usually linked to a one-time traumatic event.
- C-PTSD: Develops from ongoing trauma over an extended period.
While PTSD symptoms focus on reliving the trauma, C-PTSD vs PTSD differs because C-PTSD includes:
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Deep-rooted feelings of shame or guilt
- Struggles with relationships and trust
- A persistent sense of being worthless or helpless
At Avena Psychological Services, our therapists specialize in addressing these complex layers, providing support that goes beyond traditional PTSD treatment.
What Are the 17 Symptoms of C-PTSD?
Wondering if you or someone you know might be experiencing C-PTSD? Here are the 17 symptoms commonly associated with it:
- Flashbacks and intrusive memories
- Nightmares related to the trauma
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Difficulty controlling emotions (frequent mood swings)
- Persistent sadness or depression
- Anxiety and constant fear
- Guilt or shame, often feeling “not good enough”
- Negative self-perception
- Difficulty trusting others
- Feeling constantly on high alert (hypervigilance)
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Dissociation or feeling disconnected from reality
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Self-destructive behaviors (substance abuse, reckless choices)
- Physical symptoms like headaches and stomach issues
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm tendencies
- Difficulty finding meaning in life
When looking at C-PTSD vs PTSD, these extra symptoms are what make C-PTSD more complex.
The good news? Therapy at Avena Psychological Services is designed to tackle each of these challenges through a personalized, trauma-informed approach.
Is C-PTSD Actually BPD?
A common misconception when discussing C-PTSD vs PTSD is whether C-PTSD is just another term for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). While they share some similarities, they are NOT the same condition.
Similarities between C-PTSD and BPD:
- Emotional dysregulation
- Difficulty in relationships
- Fear of abandonment
- Self-destructive tendencies
But here’s the difference:
- BPD is a personality disorder, meaning it is deeply ingrained in how a person interacts with themselves and others.
- C-PTSD is a trauma disorder, meaning it stems from repeated traumatic experiences and affects how a person copes.
At Avena Psychological Services, our therapists understand that misdiagnosis can happen, which is why we take the time to evaluate symptoms carefully. We provide treatments that are trauma-focused rather than assuming personality pathology where it may not exist.
How Severe is C-PTSD?
Short answer? Very. But the severity of C-PTSD vs PTSD varies from person to person.
- Some people may function relatively well in daily life but struggle internally.
- Others may find it hard to maintain jobs, relationships, or even their sense of self.
- C-PTSD can lead to long-term mental and physical health issues if left untreated.
One of the biggest challenges with C-PTSD is that many people don’t even realize they have it. They might just think they have “trust issues” or “anger problems” when, in reality, their brain is responding to deep-seated trauma.
That’s where Avena Psychological Services comes in. Our therapy approach recognizes that trauma affects every aspect of life—mind, body, and emotions. We tailor treatment to YOUR experience, providing support through:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – To help change negative thought patterns.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – To process and reduce the emotional weight of traumatic memories.
- Mindfulness and Somatic Therapy – To reconnect with the body and regulate emotions.
- Group and Individual Therapy – So you feel less alone in your healing journey.
At Avena Psychological Services, we understand the weight of C-PTSD vs PTSD, and we’re here to help you carry it in a way that feels lighter and more manageable.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been living with trauma, you don’t have to keep struggling alone. Whether it’s C-PTSD vs PTSD, what matters most is finding the right support and treatment. Our trauma-informed therapy can help you move forward, break free from the cycle of trauma, and start living life on YOUR terms.
Your past might shape you, but it doesn’t have to define you. Ready to take the first step?
Let’s heal together.
Contact us to schedule an appointment with a professional in New York or New Jersey.