~ Developmental (C-PTSD) Trauma ~
Developmental trauma, also known as Complex Trauma denoted as C-PTSD, is a psychological trauma that is incurred during the course of one's childhood and is developmental in nature such that the traumatic event or events were of sufficient severity to alter the trajectory of the child's development as a consequence of both structural and neurochemical impairment. Developmental trauma is typically the result of childhood maltreatment such as physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and/or severe psychological or physical neglect and is generally a prolonged trauma that is chronic in nature as opposed to a solitary event.
Symptoms of C-PTSD are nearly identical to those of PTSD, but may also include feeling shame, difficulty controlling impulses, difficulty concentrating, dissociative responding,, headaches, chest pains, stomach aches and gastric upset, destructive behaviors, risky behaviors, self-harming behaviors, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual addiction and early sexualization, feeling removed from family and friends, isolating, difficulties navigating relationships, issues of trust, dependency, abandonment, and abiding by boundaries, and issues with intimacy are commonplace throughout the lifespan, if left untreated.
C-PTSD is often diagnostically indistinguishable from another disorder called Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Research has demonstrated that BPD is more often than not discovered in individuals that also have C-PTSD and can be passed down intergenerationally in cases of collective and historical trauma. Children that meet the criteria for C-PTSD also have an arousal dysregulation which presents as an inability to self-sooth, to modulate impulses, especially anger and rage.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a Developmental Trauma and you would like more information, contact Dr Ullman and/or check out the Resources Page on this site.
Please be mindful when using the information presented on this website when used to diagnose self or other by clicking HERE to read the important caveat.
C-PTSD is often diagnostically indistinguishable from another disorder called Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Research has demonstrated that BPD is more often than not discovered in individuals that also have C-PTSD and can be passed down intergenerationally in cases of collective and historical trauma. Children that meet the criteria for C-PTSD also have an arousal dysregulation which presents as an inability to self-sooth, to modulate impulses, especially anger and rage.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a Developmental Trauma and you would like more information, contact Dr Ullman and/or check out the Resources Page on this site.
Please be mindful when using the information presented on this website when used to diagnose self or other by clicking HERE to read the important caveat.