Complex PTSD (Repost)
Posted on: November 23rd, 2013
Back in August of this year, I blogged about Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of childhood bullying, and I thought I would repost the blog with an additional comment. Childhood sexual abuse is another factor, which can lead to Complex PTSD as an adult. According to The National Center for Victims of Crime, sexual abuse as a child often goes unreported, yet it is estimated that as many as 1 of 5 girls and 1 of 20 boys is a victim of sexual abuse.
Original Post:
Complex PTSD as a Repercussion of Bullying
Typically, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is thought of as a suite of biological and psychological symptoms triggered by the recurring memory of a frightening or life-threatening event. PTSD is often associated with veterans of war who return home with vivid memories of their military experience, and they experience frequent nightmares or flashbacks of a traumatic event. However, there is also a form of this illness called Complex PTSD, and according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Complex PTSD can be caused by the “… accumulation of many small, individually non-life-threatening incidents.” Bullying is a perfect example of such a series of incidents.
In an interesting article by psychologist Susanne Babbel, Ph.D, in 2011, she noted that adult PTSD can actually result from being bullied as a child or teenager. According to the website, stopbullying.gov, bullying is defined by behavior which is both aggressive and characterized by an imbalance of power. It can happen anywhere, including in the home. Of importance, the feeling of helplessness and fear experienced early in life as a result of being bullied often has long term effects that extend into adulthood. Should an individual develop Complex PTSD, some of the many symptoms include basic physical changes in heart rate and stress when the memories are triggered, or more troublesome social behaviors such as withdrawal, avoidance, depression or addiction.
PTSD affects over 7 million Americans, and it is critical to recognize that there does not have to be one particular, causal event. If someone in your family was the victim of bullying at an early age, s(he) may be suffering from Complex PTSD as a result. If you are concerned, contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy for a preliminary consultation.
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