PCPTSD

PCPTSD is an informal term, not a recognized clinical diagnosis, that refers to a complex psychological response to experiencing or witnessing extreme, prolonged, and often multiple traumatic events. The "PCP" in PCPTSD is often understood to stand for "Persistent Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" or sometimes "Prolonged and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." It is generally considered to be an extension or more severe manifestation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Individuals experiencing PCPTSD typically exhibit a wider range of symptoms than those with standard PTSD. These can include disturbances in self-organization, such as difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. Symptoms may also encompass chronic feelings of emptiness, persistent sadness, and suicidal ideation. Interpersonal difficulties are common, including problems with trust, intimacy, and maintaining stable relationships. Additionally, individuals may struggle with dissociation, identity disturbances, and a distorted sense of self, often feeling detached from their bodies or emotions.

The underlying causes are usually chronic or repeated exposure to trauma, such as childhood abuse, long-term captivity, combat exposure, or severe domestic violence. The prolonged nature of the trauma is believed to contribute to the deeper and more pervasive impact on an individual's psychological functioning. Treatment for PCPTSD is often lengthy and may involve various therapeutic approaches, including trauma-informed psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), aimed at addressing the multifaceted nature of the trauma's effects.