Occurs through ongoing, repeated exposure to trauma such as abuse or abandonment from a primary caregiver, or from other significant interpersonal relationships. The symptoms of C-PTSD can include:
- hypervigilance
- difficulties with regulating emotion
- dissociation, flashbacks, disconnection from people and surroundings
- feelings of helplessness, terror, rage and shame
- distrust of others
- withdrawal/isolation
- depression
- difficulty sleeping
This is a form of anxiety disorder impairing significantly the individual’s daily life.