I was told by my therapist that I suffer from Complex PTSD. Can anyone give me a idea what the difference between complex PTSD and regular PTSD? I think it has to do with the onset of symptoms years after the abuse has taken place. Any advise or words of wisdom would be appreciated.:hit-boss:

Hi Pitbull found this:

Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD (sometimes called "Disorder of Extreme Stress") is found among individuals who have been exposed to prolonged traumatic circumstances, especially during childhood, such as childhood sexual abuse. Developmental research is revealing that many brain and hormonal changes may occur as a result of early, prolonged trauma, and these changes contribute to difficulties with memory, learning, and regulating impulses and emotions. Combined with a disruptive, abusive home environment that does not foster healthy interaction, these brain and hormonal changes may contribute to severe behavioral difficulties (such as impulsivity, aggression, sexual acting out, eating disorders, alcohol/drug abuse, and self-destructive actions), emotional regulation difficulties (such as intense rage, depression, or panic), and mental difficulties (such as extremely scattered thoughts, dissociation, and amnesia). As adults, these individuals often are diagnosed with depressive disorders, personality disorders, or dissociative disorders. Treatment often takes much longer than with regular PTSD, may progress at a much slower rate, and requires a sensitive and structured treatment program delivered by a trauma specialist.

Basically i assume (and my partner has been told this by his psych) ptsd is usually from one life threatening event,complex is usually from more than one event.
Hope this helps.

Depending on where you go, the experience of the doctor, the ignorance of the doctor, how much they want to improve their bottom line earnings, etc etc; depend on what you come out with.

Celt is correct, in that complex PTSD is the name given to more than one trauma. Childhood PTSD is the name given to those with PTSD from childhood only trauma, combat PTSD, severe PTSD, and the list goes on. They are classifiers to help assimilate the individual PTSD diagnosis to another, which mean nothing overall though, as PTSD is PTSD at the end of the day, regardless how many traumas one suffers.