While Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-V (clinician’s diagnostic manual), it is critical to understand the specific nature of complex trauma and how it undeniably and significantly influences an individual’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. Many clinicians and trauma specialists recognize the importance of identifying this kind of trauma, mainly because it is at the root of so many concerns that show up in our therapy offices.
What is Complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD (c-PTSD or CPTSD) is the result of long-term and recurrent exposure to traumatic stressors, neglect, or abuse. In addition to abuse, food insecurity, poverty, war, and chaotic living environments during childhood can lead to a complex trauma response. Often, individuals experience complex trauma during critical times of development. Ongoing and repeated relational trauma prevents a child from healthy attachment, identity, self-worth, and mood regulation. Instead, these skills are critically delayed or hindered. Learn more about types of trauma: https://catalystcenterllc.com/did-i-experience-trauma/
The Intersection of CPTSD and Eating Disorders:
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and eating disorders often co-occur, with shared underlying characteristics that exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals suffering from these conditions. Both c-PTSD and eating disorders are marked by a disorganized sense of self and poor self-image, where individuals struggle with understanding and valuing their own identity. This disorganization often leads to maladaptive coping behaviors; for instance, individuals may turn to disordered eating patterns as a means to manage the overwhelming emotions and intrusive thoughts of unworthiness associated with CPTSD. These intrusive thoughts can perpetuate a negative self-view, reinforcing a cycle of self-criticism and harmful behaviors.
Additionally, both conditions involve a disorganized physical recognition of cues—those with eating disorders may struggle to interpret hunger and satiety signals accurately. At the same time, those with C-PTSD may have difficulty recognizing and responding to physical and emotional safety cues. This intricate interplay of symptoms highlights the profound impact of trauma on self-perception and behavior, necessitating integrated therapeutic approaches to address the complex needs of those affected by both C-PTSD and eating disorders.
Healing from CPTSD and Related Disordered Eating:
Traditional therapeutic methods like CBT, psychoeducation, and intuitive eating are all important aspects of eating disorder recovery. Additionally, individuals with a complex trauma history need to address the trauma itself to find sustained recovery from their eating disorder. Trauma-specific therapy focuses on desensitizing and reprocessing trauma to help an individual shift away from a physiological nervous system response (Fight-Flight-Fawn-Freeze) to an integrated and adaptive nervous system response. With trauma therapy, core beliefs are addressed and shifted, the nervous system organizes itself, and physical and emotional triggers decrease. Skill building focuses on facilitating healthy attachment, self-advocacy, improved mood regulation, and communication.
The eating disorder team at The Catalyst Center takes a multifaceted approach to navigating Eating disorders and complex trauma. We incorporate traditional methods, EMDR, Brainspotting, Neurofeedback, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy while providing a collaborative team approach. This approach supports our clients as they create lasting change, improved wellness, and sustained healing.
Interested in next steps?
If you or someone you know has experienced complex trauma (C- PTSD) and struggles with disordered eating or an eating disorder, our specialized eating disorder team is here to guide and support you. You are not alone. Call 720.675.7123 or fill out a contact form, and someone from our administration will contact you shortly.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash
Photo by Robin Mathlener on Unsplash
