Knowra Complex post-traumatic stress disorder Complex post-traumatic stress disorder Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) involves core post-traumatic stress symptoms alongside persistent difficulties with emotional regulation, self-concept, and relationships. The World Health Organization recognizes it as a distinct diagnosis in ICD-11.
Post-traumatic stress disorder : A disorder that can develop after exposure to traumatic events, involving re-experiencing, avoidance, and persistent threat responses. CPTSD includes the core symptom groups that define this broader diagnosis.
Conditioned fear : A learned fear response triggered by cues associated with a threatening event. Trauma reminders can activate intense alarm even when immediate danger has passed.
ICD-11 : The World Health Organization’s eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases. ICD-11 formally distinguishes CPTSD from PTSD using core symptoms and disturbances in self-organization.
Borderline personality disorder : A personality disorder characterized by pervasive instability in relationships, self-image, emotions, and behavior. Its emotional and relational features can overlap with CPTSD, but the diagnoses have different criteria.
Emotional dysregulation : Difficulty managing the intensity, duration, or expression of emotional responses. Persistent problems regulating emotions are one of CPTSD’s defining disturbances in self-organization.
Hypervigilance : Persistent scanning for possible threats and heightened readiness to respond. A continuing sense of threat can sustain arousal and shape everyday behavior.
International Trauma Questionnaire : A self-report measure designed to assess PTSD and CPTSD symptoms according to ICD-11. It operationalizes the symptom groups used to identify probable CPTSD.
Adjustment disorder : A maladaptive response to an identifiable stressor that does not meet criteria for another specific disorder. It is a distinct stress-related diagnosis rather than a substitute label for CPTSD.
Negative self-concept : A persistently diminished or shame-laden view of oneself. CPTSD can involve enduring beliefs of worthlessness, defeat, or shame.
Avoidance coping : Efforts to escape or prevent contact with distressing thoughts, feelings, memories, or situations. Avoidance may reduce distress briefly while restricting life and maintaining trauma-related fear.
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