Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder* refers to those who have suffered prolonged, repeated trauma and abuse. This is often endured by those who have been in any totalistic, abusive, mind-manipulating group. Trauma is known to disrupt the chemistry in the brain.
A history of subjection to totalitarian control over a prolonged period (months to years) can result in CPTSD. Examples include hostages, prisoners of war, concentration-camp survivors, and survivors of some religious cults; those subjected to totalitarian systems in sexual and domestic life, including survivors of domestic battering, childhood physical or sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
If you are suffering from CPTSD, don’t delay in seeking qualified, competent help. See: Critical Incident Stress Information Sheets (PDF)
[Note: Not every survivor will exhibit all of the following symptoms.]
Alterations in emotional regulation, including:
- Persistent dysphoria (sadness)
- Chronic suicidal preoccupation
- Self-injury
- Explosive anger or extremely inhibited anger (may alternate)
- Compulsive or extremely inhibited sexuality (may alternate)
Alterations in consciousness, including:
- Amnesia or hypermnesia for traumatic events
- Transient dissociative episodes
- Depersonalization/derealization (feeling detached from one’s mental processes or body)
- Reliving experiences, either in the form of intrusive post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms or in the form of ruminative preoccupation)
Alterations in self-perception, including:
- Sense of helplessness or paralysis of initiative
- Shame, guilt, and self-blame
- Sense of defilement or stigma
- Sense of complete difference from others (may include sense of specialness)
- Utter aloneness, belief no other person can understand, or nonhuman identity)
Alterations in perception of perpetrator, including:
- Preoccupation with relationship with perpetrator (includes preoccupation with revenge)
- Unrealistic attribution of total power to perpetrator (caution: victim’s assessment of power realities may be more realistic than clinician’s)
- Idealization or paradoxical gratitude
- Sense of special or supernatural relationship
- Acceptance of belief system or rationalizations of perpetrator
Alterations in relations with others, including:
- Isolation and withdrawal
- Disruption in intimate relationships
- Repeated search for rescuer (may alternate with isolation and withdrawal)
- Persistent distrust
- Repeated failures of self-protection
Alterations in systems of meaning:
- Loss of sustaining faith
- Sense of hopelessness and despair
Recovery from Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:
- Establishing safety and empowerment of the survivor
- Remembrance and mourning
- Reconnection
- Commonality (a feeling of connection to others)
*Also referred to as complex post-traumatic stress syndrome.
~Excerpted from Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman, M.D.
Posted by Exit & Support Network™
February 2000
Comment: Involvement in mind manipulating groups can also cause “anxiety in re-socialization.” Diagnosis depends on the individual symptoms that appear, not the severity of the experience. Competent counseling by someone who understands trauma and thought reform methods and their after effects is recommended when the survivor is having difficulty in recovering.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:
Common Emotional Difficulties After Leaving a High Demand Group
Surviving
Written for those who have suffered extreme abuse and who are having a difficult time recovering from exploitive, soul-damaging situations.
The Key to Overcoming Panic Attacks (offsite article)
Prayers For Freedom From Spiritual Strongholds
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Victory Over Depression by Bob George (6 Audio CD Set) [offsite link]
OFFSITE LINKS WITH HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Christian Index of Help for Multiple Personality Disorder.
Information and Resources on Trauma, Dissociation, & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Psychiatric Service Dogs
These dogs are specifically trained to assist people with anxiety disorders (phobias, PTSD, panic attacks).
Revisiting Antidepressant Drug Dangers in a Post-covid World by Jefferey Jaxen
Magnesium Deficiency Anxiety
Dr. Carolyn Dean explores the role that magnesium deficiency can play in anxiety and how an increased intake of magnesium in a form that can be optimally absorbed can help to alleviate or even eradicate the symptoms of anxiety and other panic disorders. [offsite link]
Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment [offsite link]
Magnesium for treatment-resistant depression: a review and hypothesis [offsite link]
MORE ON OUR LINKS:
Solitudes Music (check for “Dan Gibson Solitudes” on Amazon to see all titles). Dan Gibson [1922-2006] was a world-renowned naturalist and a pioneer in the field of sound recording. Very helpful for relieving stress and facilitating mental relaxation after exiting an abusive, high demand group.
Beautiful Relaxing Music for Sleep & Stress Relief by Peder B. Helland
Highly recommended for those who are depressed, have anxiety, or can’t sleep. Another one is Beautiful Piano Music 24/7 livestream – Relaxing Music for Sleep & Studying We only list two but he has more. (Listen to this playlist on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music and more.)
Psychiatric Drug Facts with Peter R. Breggin M. D.
Books, reports & videos.
International Coalition for Drug Awareness
(Educating about the dangers of RX Medications.
Drug Awareness (on our Links)