Types of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD usually develops within the first 6 months after a trauma. In some people, PTSD can take years to develop. This is called delayed-onset PTSD and it makes up less than 1 in 5 cases. The symptoms are the same as PTSD.

Secondary trauma

It’s possible to develop symptoms of PTSD while supporting someone close to you who has experienced trauma. Although the event happened to someone else, the impact of the event is traumatic to you. It’s possible to develop this if you have to witness or hear about traumatic events as part of your job.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)

Complex PTSD is separate to PTSD. Complex PTSD often has some of the symptoms of PTSD but also describes some of the personality changes you experience after trauma such as:

  • Difficulty controlling emotions
  • Feelings of worthlessness, hostility, and hopelessness
  • Feeling like nobody can understand what happened to you
  • Avoiding friendships and relationships
  • Suicidal thoughts

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