Complex post traumatic stress disorder (Complex PTSD) is a disorder that may develop following exposure to an event or series of events of an extremely threatening or horrific nature, most commonly prolonged or repetitive events from which escape is difficult or impossible (e.g. torture, slavery, genocide campaigns, prolonged domestic violence, repeated childhood sexual or physical abuse). All diagnostic requirements for PTSD are met. In addition, Complex PTSD is characterised by severe and persistent 1) problems in affect regulation; 2) beliefs about oneself as diminished, defeated or worthless, accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt or failure related to the traumatic event; and 3) difficulties in sustaining relationships and in feeling close to others. These symptoms cause significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
Complex post traumatic stress disorderPersonality change after concentration camp experiencesPersonality change after prolonged captivity with an imminent possibility of being killedPersonality change after prolonged exposure to life-threatening situations such as being a victim of terrorismPersonality change after torturecomplex PTSDenduring personality change after catastrophic experiencepersonality change after disasters
Nearby in Disorders specifically associated with stress