Hi Professortruth!

Straight PTSD typically comes from single or distinct events. When the trauma is in a continuous or repeating situation, the condition is called Complex PTSD and this is what most victims of domestic abuse of all sorts are categorised as.

Victims of childhood trauma used to be described by a different diagnostic name (which I won't name because I hate it so much), but the PTSD diagnosis is becoming much more widespread. The former diagnostic category was steeped in blame for the victim - the implication was that the sufferer was intrinsically bad, and the diagnostic descriptions could be quite hateful (especially towards females). There has been a real shift towards the Complex PTSD diagnosis, as attitudes towards abuse have changed, which gives the sufferer more dignity, as it states that the person (or child) was the victim of atrocities that they have survived. It's a subtle but important shift that made a big difference to the way I viewed myself when my label was changed.

The symptoms are pretty much the same between the two types, except that when you factor in childhood development it makes it obviously more difficult to recall and process what happened to you the earlier you go back in your life. I personally find (I can't speak for the single event victims) that my traumatic events were so numerous and the circumstances on different occasions so varied, that the number and variety of my triggers is quite staggering. Everything seems to trigger it off, because it seems everything in everyday life potentially reminds me of when the crap happened!

If you look at simple lists of the symptoms (either on here or by googling) you will probably see references to characteristics and habits that you may not even have realised were connected. It was a revelation to me when I saw myself, my moods etc described so completely. The more you understand about why the symptoms are happening, the more you'll be able to steer your way to a calmer, more positive outlook and life.

I hope that helps. I tend to waffle! But don't feel out on a limb anymore. There's plenty here who've been through what you have. Feel free to share.