The diagnosis of PTSD was first introduced in the DSM-III in 1980, and it took several revisions before the diagnosis was refined and expanded. Complex PTSD, on the other hand, was not officially recognized until the late 1990s, and it has not yet been included in the DSM. This triggering can manifest as a fight-or-flight response triggered by the amygdala, responsible for processing emotions in the brain. Although issues of trust can be very challenging for people with CPTSD, finding and leaning on the one or two or handful of people they trust and value is crucial. For Susie, the cycle of trauma — and of not being understood, of not being able to trust people, especially adults — persisted. Susie’s parents did not understand what had happened to their once vibrant, ebullient little girl.

Treatment Options

EPCACE was intended to represent a form of complex PTSD, but it did not receive significant research or clinical attention. In the ICD-11, EPCACE served as the basis for the development of CPTSD (8). Survivors with complex trauma often struggle to find a mental health professional who is properly trained in trauma informed practices. They can also be challenging to receive adequate treatment and services to treat a mental health condition which is not universally recognized or mental health services well understood by general practitioners. Living with Complex PTSD can be challenging for individuals who have experienced chronic trauma. It can affect various aspects of your life, including your mental health, relationships, and self-perception.