Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a condition related to PTSD. Although little research relates to it, one study suggests that trauma and PTSD may shorten the life span.
CPTSD is a condition related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, people with CPTSD may have additional symptoms.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
This article explores how CPTSD affects life expectancy while also looking at the effects on daily life and possible symptoms. Finally, it discusses treatment options for CPTSD.
Due to the fairly recent definition of CPTSD by the ICD-11 working group, more research is needed on the condition.
However,
The scientists found that lifetime trauma burden, current PTSD, and lifetime PTSD were associated with GrimAge acceleration, indicative of a shorter predicted life span. They did not see this association when looking at childhood trauma exposure. They also demonstrated cell death in brain regions related to PTSD.
The researchers explained that traumatic experiences and PTSD might advance cellular aging mainly through oxidative stress and inflammation. Cellular aging results in changes to DNA processes, increasing the risk of a shorter life span.
However, the researchers note the study’s limitations, commenting that more research is needed to support the validity of this evidence.
Research suggests that CPTSD symptoms organize into two clusters.
The first cluster is classic PTSD symptoms of reexperiencing, avoidance, and a sense of threat.
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) explains that classic PTSD symptoms may involve physical sensations, such as pain, sweating, or feeling sick. People may have constant negative thoughts and be unable to come to terms with their experiences. They may withdraw or isolate as they attempt to deal with their feelings through emotional numbing. Some people may distract themselves with work or hobbies to push stressful memories out of their minds.
The second cluster is disturbances in self-organization (DSO). This is a collective term for disturbances in the domains of affect, identity, and relational capacities.
The NHS explains that the symptoms of CPTSD are similar to symptoms of PTSD but may also include having the following:
- feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and shame
- difficulty controlling emotions
- difficulty connecting with other people
- issues with relationships
As with PTSD, psychotherapy is a common treatment option for CPTSD. Psychotherapies for CPTSD include:
- cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
- prolonged exposure therapy (PE)
- eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
Experts continue to conduct research as to whether these trauma-based therapies are the most effective treatments for CPTSD.
The following are some questions people frequently ask about CPTSD.
Does CPTSD get worse with age?
There is no research that suggests CPTSD worsens with age. However, if it goes untreated, CPTSD symptoms may worsen over time.
Is CPTSD a serious condition?
CPTSD can seriously affect someone, impacting their daily life. In addition, people may experience other mental health issues alongside CPTSD, such as depression, self-harm, or suicidal feelings.
CPTSD shares symptoms with other mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder (BPD). This can lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment options.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma may affect someone’s life span, brain cells, and DNA, according to one study. However, research specifically relating to complex PTSD and a person’s life span has not yet been conducted. In addition, more studies are needed to confirm the effects of PTSD on how long a person lives.
Treatment for CPTSD includes psychotherapies, such as cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy. Individuals should speak with a mental health professional to find the most effective treatment for their circumstances.
