Updated August 26th, 2026
Most people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may be familiar with symptoms like flashbacks or nightmares. Still, there’s often less awareness of the many ways trauma can affect a person’s emotions, relationships, sense of self, and daily life.
Even fewer people are familiar with complex PTSD (CPTSD). While both PTSD and CPTSD develop in response to trauma, there are important differences between the two. CPTSD is often associated with prolonged or repeated trauma and includes additional challenges that can affect emotional regulation, relationships, and self-perception.
Understanding the difference between CPTSD and PTSD can help trauma survivors better understand what they’re experiencing and find care that reflects their individual needs. Let’s explore PTSD vs. CPTSD, including their symptoms, causes, key differences, and where to find PTSD treatment in Chicago.
PTSD is a mental health condition that some people can develop after experiencing or being exposed to a traumatic event. Trauma exposure can mean experiencing something traumatic directly, witnessing it happen to someone else, or learning that a traumatic event happened to a close family member or friend.
Core PTSD symptoms include re-experiencing the trauma, avoiding trauma-related reminders, changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened arousal or reactivity. This can look like flashbacks, nightmares, avoiding certain places or situations, feeling constantly on guard, or experiencing changes in how you think or feel.
PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last for more than a month and cause significant distress or interfere with important areas of daily functioning.
Complex PTSD, also called CPTSD, is a trauma-related condition that includes the core symptoms of PTSD along with additional difficulties involving emotional regulation, relationships, and a person’s sense of self.
CPTSD is often associated with prolonged, repeated, or ongoing trauma, especially trauma that is difficult or impossible to escape. Because these experiences can affect deeply rooted patterns in how a person views themselves, others, and the world around them, treatment may require a gradual and highly individualized approach. Establishing a sense of safety and trust can be an important part of the healing process.
Both CPTSD and PTSD are common conditions that can affect people from all walks of life. People with CPTSD and PTSD alike have symptoms in all of the following four areas:
You don’t need to experience every symptom listed above to be diagnosed with PTSD. Under DSM-5-TR criteria, adults must experience at least one intrusion symptom, one avoidance symptom, two changes in mood and cognition, and two changes in arousal and reactivity, along with meeting additional diagnostic criteria.
Symptoms must also last longer than one month, cause significant distress or impairment, and not be attributable to the effects of a substance or another medical condition.
One of the most significant differences between CPTSD and PTSD is that CPTSD involves three additional areas of difficulty, sometimes referred to as disturbances in self-organization (DSO).[1] How these challenges show up can vary from person to person.
Another important distinction between PTSD and CPTSD is the type and duration of trauma commonly associated with each condition.
Learning about the experiences associated with PTSD and CPTSD can help you understand how the type, duration, and circumstances surrounding trauma may affect a person.
PTSD can develop after many different types of traumatic experiences. Examples include:
PTSD is commonly associated with single traumatic events, but it can also develop after repeated or prolonged trauma. The type of trauma alone does not determine whether someone will develop PTSD or CPTSD.
CPTSD is particularly associated with prolonged or repeated trauma, especially situations where escape is difficult or impossible. Examples may include:
Importantly, complex trauma refers to the traumatic experiences themselves, not a diagnosis. Not everyone who experiences prolonged or repeated trauma will develop CPTSD, just as not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. A mental health professional can consider your symptoms, experiences, and individual circumstances when determining the appropriate diagnosis.
No. Under ICD-11 criteria, PTSD and CPTSD are separate diagnoses and are not diagnosed at the same time. CPTSD includes the core symptoms of PTSD along with additional difficulties involving emotional regulation, relationships, and a negative sense of self. If someone meets the full criteria for CPTSD, they would typically receive a CPTSD diagnosis rather than both PTSD and CPTSD.
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD or CPTSD. However, certain experiences can increase a person’s risk. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), for example, are associated with an increased risk of various mental and physical health conditions later in life.[2]
PTSD, CPTSD, and trauma itself can affect all areas of your life. Sleep, work, relationships, family life, self-care, mood, anxiety levels, and whether you feel able to experience positive emotions are all things to take note of. You should seek help if:
It’s never too soon to get support after a traumatic event. In fact, early intervention can improve outcomes for trauma survivors. The earlier a person gets help, the more likely they are to recover.[3] If you’ve been struggling for a while, it’s also never too late.
Treatment for CPTSD may include some of the same approaches used to treat PTSD. However, treatment should also address the additional challenges associated with CPTSD and be personalized to the individual’s symptoms, experiences, needs, and readiness.
Ultimately, trauma treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Working with a provider who takes the time to understand how trauma has affected you and where you need the most support can be valuable, regardless of the specific diagnosis.
Trauma can affect everyone differently, which is why finding a therapist or psychiatrist who takes the time to understand your experiences matters. Whether your trauma happened recently or years ago, it’s never too late to seek support.
Clarity Clinic provides trauma-informed care throughout the Chicago area, with in-person locations in:
We also offer online therapy and psychiatry, making trauma-informed mental health care accessible virtually throughout Illinois.
Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:
Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, experiences, and goals. And if you ever feel like your therapist or psychiatrist isn’t the right fit, let us know! We can help you find another provider within our team.
Ready to take the next step? Call your nearest Clarity Clinic location or contact us online to get started.
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It depends on your symptoms and treatment needs. A therapist can help you process trauma, manage PTSD symptoms, and develop healthier coping strategies using trauma-informed therapeutic approaches. A psychiatrist can diagnose PTSD and prescribe or manage medication when appropriate. Many people benefit from seeing both as part of their treatment plan.
Yes. Clarity Clinic offers virtual therapy and psychiatry for PTSD and trauma-related concerns throughout Illinois. Online treatment allows you to meet with a provider from the comfort and privacy of home. Your care team can help determine whether virtual or in-person treatment is the best fit for your symptoms and needs.
Clarity Clinic therapists use a range of evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches. Depending on your symptoms, experiences, and treatment goals, your care may include:
We also offer holistic and expressive approaches, such as mindfulness, yoga, and art therapy. These may be used alongside other forms of treatment as part of a personalized trauma treatment plan.
[1] When trauma becomes complex. (2025, March 1). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/03/ce-complex-ptsd
[2] About adverse childhood experiences | adverse childhood experiences (ACES) | CDC. (2026, March 2). https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
[3] Psychiatry.org - What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University Chicago. I specialize in working with eating disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and complex trauma, and I also help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, attachment concerns, life transitions, and substance use issues. My approach incorporates evidence-based therapies, including CBT, DBT, ACT, and IFS, to support clients in creating meaningful and lasting change.
