This pattern of similarity and difference is the product of their overlapping but distinct causes. PTSD is the result of a small number of impersonal dramatic and traumatic incidents (often just one), such as road accidents, witnessing a violent death, or being held hostage. Unlike the type of amnesia most of us see in movies or television shows, dissociative amnesia is not a failure to recall personal information or losing whole identities, relationships, or histories.
Complex PTSD, BPD and Personality Disorders
Trauma-related nervous system effects are amplified in complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Psychological conditions, from depression to anxiety, can be a factor in memory loss among adults of any age. You may not know how one of these conditions, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), could contribute to memory loss related to a specific event or period in your life. In this blog post, we’ll explain the impact C-PTSD has on your short-term and long-term memory, what threats it poses, and how to find help now.
- Often those who live with the diagnosis of CPTSD feel intense shame about their bodies and their appearance.
- These behaviors can develop as a way to deal with or try to forget about the original trauma and the resulting symptoms in the present.
- It argues that C-PTSD symptoms include a more negative self-focus, whereas someone with BPD might tend to change between a positive and negative view.
- For example, they may diagnose a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD) due to this condition’s close relationship with a history of trauma.
- The way you move your body of facial muscles may seem odd and unlike you depending on what you’re discussing.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
On the other hand, BPD can cause a person to swing between idealizing and undervaluing others. While there is overlap between complex PTSD and BPD, the two conditions have differences. A 2022 article notes that people with complex PTSD had consistently negative self-conceptions, while people with BPD had unstable and changing self-conceptions.
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder
Affected areas may include the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex. Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be effective for treating symptoms of CPTSD and traditional PTSD. If you feel that trauma plays a role in your symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out to a trauma specialist. Try to find a doctor who understands CPTSD and the multitude of ways it can impact your life.
Complex PTSD Symptoms
It can also be helpful to keep a daily journal about your feelings. Every so often, engage in “self-study” and see complex ptsd blackouts if you can recognize any patterns. Note, though, that it might be worth looking for trauma-informed yoga sessions.
What is CPTSD?
- Due to the causes of CPTSD, many who are living under its influence feel uncomfortable around other people.
- For some of us, these reactions persist and affect us for months, even years.
- This makes sense since the amygdala is the portion of the brain that is first to detect a dangerous situation and react with the fight/flight/fawn/freeze response.
- While there is overlap between complex PTSD and BPD, the two conditions have differences.
- The more early warning signs you can come up with, the better able you will be to prevent future episodes.
- It can also lead to increased tension and dissatisfaction and a loss of confidence and competence.
Unfortunately, there may not be much you can do during a PTSD blackout because you won’t have control of your mind or body at the time. If you experience a blackout by yourself, you probably will not be aware enough to control your actions in the moment. The best way to combat this is to learn how to prevent PTSD blackouts. Because the condition is relatively new and not recognized in the DSM-5-TR, doctors may make a diagnosis of PTSD instead of complex PTSD. Since there is no specific test to determine the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD, you should keep track of the symptoms you have experienced so that you can describe them to your doctor.
Complex PTSD triggers
Because of this, some experts wonder if these conditions are actually distinct. Complex PTSD (or C-PTSD) is an anxiety condition that involves many of the same symptoms of PTSD along with other symptoms. In the end, the best way to prevent flashbacks and dissociation is to seek out treatment for your PTSD. Experiencing flashbacks and dissociation may be a sign that you are struggling to confront or cope with the traumatic event you experienced.
How Do I Find Help for C-PTSD and Memory Loss?
Some neuroimaging studies show that brain changes are more severe in people with CPTSD compared to people with PTSD. As CPTSD is a newer diagnosis, research is lacking on how common the condition is. But experts estimate that it may affect 1% to 8% of the world population. This can be the loss of a loved one to death or divorce, the loss of a job, the loss of… By Ethan Milner, LMSW The term “Neurodiversity” includes a spectrum of presentations including Autism and ADHD. By knowing what your triggers are, you can try to limit your exposure to those triggers.
How can trauma cause brain fog?
- Complex PTSD can change your whole world, from how you see yourself to how you relate to others.
- In this guide, we will discuss how to handle PTSD blackouts and regain control of your mind and body.
- It can also be helpful to keep a daily journal about your feelings.
- Children are particularly likely to engage in dissociation because of their lower emotional maturity and limited experience.
- Your symptoms may feel intense, and you might wonder if anyone else understands what you’re experiencing.
There is even sometimes guilt because they could not help a sibling or other family member, or friend escape the trauma they were caught up in together. Due to the causes of CPTSD, many who are living under its influence feel uncomfortable around other people. It may feel strange or distressing to be with others and one of the reasons is because the survivor feels they are different than other people somehow. However, while this may not be generally recognized, dissociation is actually something experienced by many—perhaps even the great majority—of people on an occasional basis. Have you ever walked somewhere and got to your destination realizing you remember nothing from the trip?
