PTSD vs. C-PTSD: What’s the Difference?

Carisa Bishop
Oct 4
2 min read

If you’ve experienced trauma, you’ve probably heard the term PTSD — Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In recent years, another term has gained recognition: C-PTSD or Complex PTSD. While the two conditions share similarities, there are important differences.

At ThriveMind Psychotherapy, we work with clients navigating both PTSD and the symptoms often described as C-PTSD. Here’s what you should know.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD develops after a single traumatic event or a series of events. It is characterized by:

Intrusive memories or flashbacks
Avoidance of reminders
Negative changes in mood or beliefs
Heightened arousal (being “on edge”)

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) formally recognizes PTSD as a psychiatric diagnosis.

What Is C-PTSD?

C-PTSD describes the symptoms that often develop after long-term or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, captivity, or prolonged neglect. Symptoms include:

All of the core PTSD symptoms, plus
Persistent difficulties with emotional regulation
Deep shame, guilt, or worthlessness
Problems in relationships or trust
A fragmented sense of identity

Why Isn’t C-PTSD in the DSM?

In the U.S., the DSM is the standard diagnostic manual. Despite decades of clinical evidence, C-PTSD is not yet a DSM diagnosis. Instead, the DSM allows clinicians to use modifiers like “with dissociative symptoms” or to diagnose co-occurring conditions (e.g., PTSD + borderline personality disorder).

By contrast, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) — used worldwide — officially recognizes C-PTSD as a distinct diagnosis.

Why the Difference Matters

Access to care: In the U.S., insurance and treatment programs are based on DSM criteria, so clients may only receive a PTSD diagnosis.
Validation: Many clients feel seen when their symptoms are named as C-PTSD.
Treatment planning: While therapies like EMDR, CPT, and DBT work for both, clinicians may adjust approaches for long-term trauma.

International Resources

For more on C-PTSD, see:

Whether called PTSD or C-PTSD, what matters is getting the right care. At ThriveMind Psychotherapy, we provide trauma-informed therapy tailored to your unique history.