What Is PTSD From Childhood Trauma?

Complex childhood trauma refers to exposure to multiple and often prolonged traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. 

Unlike singular traumatic incidents, complex trauma typically occurs within the context of relationships that are supposed to provide safety and care. This chronic exposure to adverse experiences can profoundly shape an individual’s development and have lasting effects into adulthood.

This comprehensive article clarifies what complex childhood trauma is, the impacts it has, its symptoms, its impact in adulthood, intervention and treatment approaches, preventive strategies, school-based programs for children, integrating trauma-informed programs in healthcare, and the role of multidisciplinary professionals. Resources for further support are also summarized.

Impacts Of Complex Trauma

There can be wide-ranging impacts of complex childhood trauma. These include:

Mental Health

One of the most significant impacts of complex childhood trauma is its influence on mental health outcomes in adulthood. Individuals who have experienced complex trauma often struggle with a range of psychological issues, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD)

These conditions can manifest in various ways, such as intrusive memories, emotional dysregulation, dissociation, and difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships.

Brain Structure and Function

Complex childhood trauma can disrupt the development of key brain structures and functions, particularly those involved in emotional regulation and stress response. This dysregulation can lead to:

• Heightened reactivity to stressors
• Difficulty managing emotions
• Impaired decision-making abilities

Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms

As a result, individuals may engage in maladaptive coping mechanisms as they attempt to manage overwhelming emotions and memories from their past. These include:

• Substance abuse
• Self-harm
• Risky behaviors

Physical Health

The impact of complex childhood trauma extends beyond the realm of mental health, affecting various domains of functioning, including physical health. Due to the long-term activation of the body’s stress response systems, adults with a history of complex trauma may experience chronic health problems, such as:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic pain 

Attachment Issues And Intimacy

Additionally, the relational patterns established in response to childhood trauma can interfere with the formation of secure attachments and intimacy in adulthood. Individuals who have experienced complex trauma commonly experience trust issues, contributing to:

• Interpersonal difficulties
• Social isolation
• Difficulty setting boundaries
• Challenges in communication

In summary, complex childhood trauma has profound and enduring effects on adulthood, impacting mental health, brain development, physical well-being, and interpersonal relationships. Understanding these effects is important for developing effective interventions and support systems for individuals who have experienced such adversity in childhood.

Symptoms Of Complex PTSD 

Childhood trauma can leave deep and lasting scars that persist into adulthood, often manifesting in a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact an individual’s life. 

While the specific symptoms may vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the trauma, several common manifestations are frequently observed in adults who have experienced childhood trauma:

Emotional Dysregulation

Adults with a history of childhood trauma often struggle with regulating their emotions. They may experience intense mood swings, outbursts of anger or sadness, or have difficulty identifying and expressing their feelings appropriately. This emotional dysregulation can lead to problems in personal and professional relationships, as well as difficulties in coping with daily stressors.

Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories

Individuals who have experienced trauma during childhood may suffer from intrusive memories or flashbacks, where they vividly relive traumatic events as if they were happening in the present moment. These experiences can be distressing and overwhelming, interfering with daily functioning and causing significant emotional distress.

Avoidance Behaviors

To cope with the distressing memories and emotions associated with their trauma, adults who have experienced childhood trauma may engage in avoidance behaviors. This could include avoiding places, people, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event, as well as avoiding discussions or thoughts related to the trauma itself. While these avoidance strategies may provide temporary relief, they ultimately perpetuate the cycle of avoidance and can hinder the healing process.

Hypervigilance and Hyperarousal

Childhood trauma can heighten a person’s sense of threat and danger, leading to hypervigilance and hyperarousal. Adults who have experienced trauma may be constantly on edge, easily startled, and have difficulty relaxing or feeling safe in their environment. This heightened state of arousal can interfere with sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.

Difficulty Trusting Others

Trust issues are common among adults who have experienced childhood trauma. They may struggle to trust others, including friends, family members, or romantic partners, due to a fear of betrayal or abandonment. This can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships, as well as feelings of isolation and loneliness.

In summary, the symptoms of childhood trauma in adults can be wide-ranging and complex, encompassing emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal difficulties. 

Recognizing these symptoms is an important step toward seeking support and healing from the effects of childhood trauma. Therapy, support groups, and other interventions can help individuals develop coping strategies and overcome the challenges associated with their past experiences.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Adulthood

Childhood trauma can have profound and enduring effects on individuals that persist into adulthood, often leading to complex psychological and interpersonal challenges. 

One significant recognition of the long-term impact of childhood trauma is the inclusion of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) as a distinct diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) as reported here. This acknowledgment reflects a growing understanding of the unique and multifaceted consequences of early trauma on development, behavior, and relationships.

Complex PTSD differs from traditional PTSD in that it encompasses a broader range of symptoms and experiences that result from prolonged, repeated trauma, particularly in the context of interpersonal relationships. While PTSD typically involves a reaction to a single traumatic event, such as a car accident or natural disaster, C-PTSD is characterized by exposure to ongoing trauma, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or captivity.

One of the most popular researchers and clinicians on this topic is Bessel van der Kolk, whose book The Body Keeps The Score is a best-seller.

Disturbances In Self-Organization

One of the hallmark features of C-PTSD is disturbances in self-organization, which can manifest in various ways in adulthood. Individuals with C-PTSD may struggle with a fragmented sense of self, feeling disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, and identity. They may also experience difficulties in emotional regulation, with intense and fluctuating emotions that are challenging to manage. These disturbances in self-organization can significantly impact an individual’s ability to navigate relationships, work, and daily life effectively.

Disruptions In Interpersonal Relationships

Additionally, C-PTSD often involves disruptions in interpersonal relationships, stemming from early experiences of betrayal, abandonment, or exploitation. Adults with C-PTSD may have difficulty trusting others, forming healthy attachments, and establishing boundaries in relationships. They may oscillate between fear of intimacy and desperate attempts to seek connection, leading to patterns of unstable and tumultuous relationships.

Maladaptive Coping Strategies

Furthermore, individuals with C-PTSD may exhibit maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance, dissociation, or self-destructive behaviors, as a means of coping with overwhelming emotions and memories from their past. These coping mechanisms can further perpetuate the cycle of trauma and impair functioning in adulthood.

C-PTSD: A Distinct Diagnosis In The ICD-11

Recognizing C-PTSD as a distinct diagnosis in the ICD-11 is a crucial step in validating the experiences of individuals who have endured complex childhood trauma. It underscores the importance of addressing the multifaceted impact of early trauma on mental health and well-being and highlights the need for specialized interventions and support services tailored to the unique needs of individuals with C-PTSD.

In conclusion, childhood trauma can have profound and complex effects on adulthood, with C-PTSD representing a recognition of the intricate interplay between early trauma, development, and interpersonal relationships. By acknowledging and addressing the lasting consequences of childhood trauma, clinicians and policymakers can better support individuals in their journey toward healing and recovery.

Intervention and Treatment for PTSD From Childhood Trauma 

Intervention and treatment for PTSD resulting from childhood trauma are crucial steps in helping individuals heal and recover from their experiences. 

Given the complexity and multifaceted nature of childhood trauma, it is essential to use evidence-based practices and tailor interventions to the unique needs of each individual. Ongoing research plays a vital role in identifying the most effective therapies and interventions for complex PTSD, ensuring that treatment approaches are informed by the latest scientific evidence.

Several types of therapy have shown promise in treating PTSD resulting from childhood trauma, summarized below.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) 

TF-CBT is a structured therapy approach specifically designed to address the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma, including children and adolescents. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-focused interventions to help individuals process traumatic memories, develop coping skills, and address maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Research has shown TF-CBT to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning in individuals with a history of childhood trauma (Cohen et al., 2006).

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a therapeutic approach that involves bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps, while the individual recalls traumatic memories. This process is believed to help desensitize and reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and associated symptoms. EMDR is effective in treating PTSD across a range of populations, including individuals who have experienced childhood trauma (Bisson et al., 2013).

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

ART is a relatively new approach to psychotherapy in which the ART Therapist guides the client to replace the negative images in the mind that cause the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress with positive images of the client’s choosing. This is done quickly, most often within one session! Once the negative images have been replaced by positive ones, the triggers are gone. Nightmares and repeated intrusive thoughts will stop.

There is a growing body of evidence-based research showing the effectiveness of ART including from the Society of Clinical Psychology, Div. 12 of the American Psychological Association (APA).

ART is also unique in that it combines the enormous power of eye movements to allow voluntary changes in the client’s mind with well-established therapies like Gestalt, Psychodynamic Therapy and Guided Imagery. Within the ART protocol, eye movements, along with other ART enhancements, make these therapies work much faster and more effectively.

Other than Post Traumatic Stress can also be resolved quickly. Among the things ART can deal with are OCD, Eating Disorders, Generalized Anxiety, and Generalized Depressive Disorders. ART can deal with traumas often associated with Dyslexia but also go beyond that to improve reading! (The issues that have been resolved by ART are listed more fully below.)

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAP)

Ketamine is a Schedule Ill medication approved as an “off-label” treatment for various chronic “treatment-resistant” mental conditions, often having a positive effect when current treatment methods haven’t worked.

At its core, KAP combines the use of ketamine, a medication originally developed as an anesthetic, with psychotherapy sessions. KAP uses low-dose (subanesthetic doses) of ketamine. This combination aims to facilitate deeper psychological insights and emotional processing, which can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with various mental health conditions, including substance abuse.

KAP is primarily targeted towards adults grappling with severe mental health challenges, particularly those who have not found relief through conventional therapies. KAP has shown promise in helping individuals process traumatic memories and reduce PTSD symptoms in a controlled, therapeutic setting.

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

SGB is an ‘off-label’ treatment (for PTSD) in which a local anesthetic is injected next to the stellate ganglion, a collection of the sympathetic nerves located in the neck that helps regulate many involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating. It helps regulate the brain’s overactive sympathetic nervous system and “reset” the “fight-or-flight” response to its baseline.

Researchers think the reason SGBs may help is due to a decrease in nerve growth factor levels in PTSD. This reduces norepinephrine levels and increases sympathetic nervous system activity that happens with PTSD. SGB may have short-term benefits for some individuals with PTSD, but it is not an established treatment for veterans at this time because the evidence is not conclusive. However, researchers have also been studying the use of SGBs for other mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a type of therapy originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, but it has also been adapted for use with trauma survivors. DBT emphasizes skills training in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, providing individuals with practical tools to cope with difficult emotions and situations. Research suggests that DBT may be beneficial for individuals with complex PTSD, particularly those who struggle with emotion dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties (Harned et al., 2012).

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

SE is a body-oriented therapy approach that focuses on releasing and resolving physical tension and trauma-related sensations stored in the body. Through gentle techniques, such as guided awareness and movement, SE aims to help individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences, restoring a sense of safety and regulation in the nervous system. While research on SE’s effectiveness is still emerging, preliminary studies have shown promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving somatic awareness (Payne et al., 2015).

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that has been effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD that have developed after experiencing a variety of traumatic events including child abuse, combat, rape, and natural disasters.

CPT is generally delivered over 12 sessions and helps patients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. In doing so, the patient creates a new understanding and conceptualization of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on current life.

Brainspotting  

Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, and a variety of other challenging symptoms. Brainspotting is a simultaneous form of diagnosis and treatment that uses eye movements, enhanced with bilateral sound, which is deep, direct, and powerful yet focused and containing.

Equine-assisted Therapy

Equine-assisted Therapy engages you in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading a horse while being supervised by a mental health professional. It is an experiential form of psychotherapy and is often not the sole form of treatment, but rather a complementary therapeutic service to be used in partnership with more traditional treatment. It has some evidence supporting it as a treatment for PTSD.

Factors To Consider In Selecting Treatment

Selecting the right therapy or treatment approach for PTSD caused by childhood trauma is essential for ensuring optimal outcomes. Factors to consider include:

• The individual’s specific symptoms and needs
• Their readiness and willingness to engage in therapy
• The availability of qualified providers trained in evidence-based practices. 
• Cultural considerations
• The severity of the trauma
• The presence of comorbid conditions (distinct health conditions that are present at the same time) may influence treatment decisions

Intervention and treatment for PTSD resulting from childhood trauma require a comprehensive and individualized approach that integrates evidence-based therapies tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Ongoing research plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of effective interventions for complex PTSD, ultimately improving outcomes for trauma survivors.

Preventive Strategies and Early Intervention

Childhood trauma, encompassing experiences such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, can have long-lasting detrimental effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

Early identification and intervention are crucial in preventing the enduring consequences of trauma and promoting resilience in affected children. This section explores some of the main elements required to prevent childhood trauma from occurring with its subsequent negative impact on adults.

Implementing preventive strategies and early intervention approaches requires a multifaceted strategy involving education and training for teachers, social workers, healthcare providers, and other professionals who interact with children and families.

Education and Training for Professionals

Providing comprehensive education and training for professionals who work with children is essential for early identification and intervention in cases of childhood trauma. Teachers, school counselors, social workers, pediatricians, and mental health professionals should receive training on recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma, understanding its impact on child development, and implementing appropriate interventions.

Recognizing Signs of Trauma

Professionals are trained to recognize common signs of trauma in children, such as changes in behavior, mood disturbances, academic difficulties, withdrawal, aggression, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. By understanding these indicators, professionals can identify children who may be experiencing trauma and provide timely support.

Understanding Trauma-Informed Care

Training should emphasize trauma-informed approaches to working with children and families. Trauma-informed care involves creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments that recognize the prevalence and impact of trauma and prioritize the well-being and resilience of individuals affected by trauma.

Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions

Professionals should be equipped with knowledge about evidence-based interventions for childhood trauma, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), play therapy, and family therapy. Training should focus on practical skills for implementing these interventions effectively and ethically.

Integration of Trauma-Informed Care in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare providers, including pediatricians, nurses, and mental health professionals, play a crucial role in identifying and addressing childhood trauma. Integrating trauma-informed care principles into healthcare settings can improve outcomes for children and families affected by trauma and adults who subsequently suffer its effects.

Screening for Trauma

Healthcare providers should routinely screen children for exposure to trauma during medical visits, using validated screening tools and incorporating questions about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Screening can help identify children at risk of trauma-related difficulties and facilitate timely intervention.

Providing Trauma-Informed Treatment

Healthcare providers should offer trauma-informed treatment and support services for children who have experienced trauma. This may include referrals to mental health professionals, counseling services, and access to evidence-based interventions tailored to the child’s needs.

Collaboration With Multidisciplinary Teams

Healthcare providers should collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, educators, and community organizations, to coordinate care and support for children affected by trauma. By working together, professionals can address the complex needs of trauma survivors and provide comprehensive support.

Preventive strategies and early intervention are critical for addressing childhood trauma and mitigating its long-term consequences. Education and training for professionals, school-based prevention programs, community-based support services, and trauma-informed care in healthcare settings are essential components of a comprehensive approach to preventing and responding to childhood trauma. 

By investing in early identification and intervention efforts, we can promote resilience and support the well-being of children and families affected by trauma.

Integration of Multidisciplinary Care

Childhood trauma survivors often present with complex and multifaceted needs that require a comprehensive approach to treatment and support. Integrating care across different healthcare providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, is essential for addressing the diverse range of challenges faced by survivors and promoting holistic healing and recovery.

Psychologists

Psychologists play a central role in providing psychotherapy and psychological assessment to childhood trauma survivors. They are trained to assess and diagnose mental health conditions, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which commonly co-occur with childhood trauma. 

Psychologists employ evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, to help survivors process traumatic experiences, regulate emotions, and develop coping skills. 

By offering a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, psychologists empower survivors to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and work toward healing and resilience.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders. They play a crucial role in assessing survivors’ psychiatric symptoms, prescribing medication when necessary, and monitoring treatment progress. 

Psychiatrists collaborate with psychologists and other members of the treatment team to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to survivors’ individual needs. 

Additionally, psychiatrists provide ongoing psychiatric care and support to survivors with complex mental health conditions, ensuring continuity of care and addressing any medication-related concerns or side effects. By integrating psychiatric expertise into multidisciplinary care, survivors receive holistic and coordinated treatment that addresses both psychological and biological aspects of their well-being.

Social Workers

Social workers are trained to address the social, environmental, and systemic factors that impact survivors’ lives and well-being. They play a critical role in providing advocacy, case management, and supportive services to help survivors navigate complex systems and access resources. 

Social workers assess survivors’ social support networks, housing stability, financial resources, and safety concerns, and collaborate with community agencies to address any barriers to recovery. 

Additionally, social workers provide psychoeducation and support to survivors’ families and caregivers, helping them understand and cope with the effects of trauma. By addressing social determinants of health and advocating for survivors’ rights and well-being, social workers contribute to a more comprehensive and holistic approach to care.

Integration of care across psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers is essential for addressing the multifaceted needs of childhood trauma survivors. By collaborating and coordinating their efforts, healthcare providers can offer comprehensive assessment, treatment, and support services that address survivors’ psychological, psychiatric, and social needs. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that survivors receive holistic and personalized care that promotes healing, resilience, and recovery.

In summary, the integration of multidisciplinary care is crucial for addressing the complex needs of childhood trauma survivors and promoting their overall well-being. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers each bring unique expertise and perspectives to the treatment team, allowing for a comprehensive and holistic approach to care. By working together, healthcare providers can offer survivors the support, resources, and interventions they need to heal from past trauma and build a brighter future.

Patient Empowerment and Participation

Especially for adult survivors of childhood trauma, patient empowerment, and participation are now central tenets of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of involving patients in their treatment planning and decision-making processes. 

This approach recognizes patients as active partners in their care, acknowledges their unique strengths and experiences, and fosters resilience and autonomy in the face of health challenges. By empowering patients to take ownership of their health and well-being, healthcare providers can promote better outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and foster a sense of agency and control.

Involving Patients in Treatment Planning

Empowering patients begins with involving them in the treatment planning process from the outset. Healthcare providers should engage patients in discussions about their health goals, preferences, and values, and collaborate with them to develop personalized treatment plans that align with their needs and priorities. This collaborative approach helps patients feel valued, respected, and heard, fostering a sense of ownership and investment in their care journey.

Shared Decision-Making

Shared decision-making is a collaborative process in which healthcare providers and patients work together to make informed decisions about treatment options based on the best available evidence and patients’ preferences and values. By presenting patients with relevant information about their condition, treatment options, risks, and benefits, healthcare providers empower patients to actively participate in decision-making, ultimately leading to more personalized and patient-centered care.

Recognizing Patient Strengths and Resilience

Empowering patients involves recognizing and building upon their strengths and resilience. Healthcare providers should take a strengths-based approach to care, focusing on patients’ abilities, resources, and resilience rather than just their deficits or limitations. By affirming patients’ strengths and fostering a positive outlook, healthcare providers can enhance patients’ self-esteem, confidence, and sense of agency, ultimately promoting better coping and adaptation to health challenges.

Promoting Patient Education and Health Literacy

Patient empowerment is closely linked to health literacy, which refers to patients’ ability to understand, interpret, and act on health information to make informed decisions about their care. 

Healthcare providers should provide clear and accessible health information, educate patients about their condition and treatment options, and empower them to ask questions, seek clarification, and advocate for their needs. By promoting health literacy, healthcare providers enable patients to take an active role in managing their health and navigating the healthcare system effectively.

Supporting Patient Autonomy and Self-Management

Patient empowerment also involves supporting patients’ autonomy and self-management skills. Healthcare providers should encourage patients to take an active role in managing their health, including adhering to treatment plans, adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, and seeking support when needed. By empowering patients to make informed choices and take control of their health, healthcare providers promote greater self-efficacy, self-confidence, and overall well-being.

In conclusion, patient empowerment and participation are essential components of patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of involving patients in their treatment planning and decision-making processes. 

By recognizing patients as active partners in their care, healthcare providers can promote healing, enhance patient satisfaction, and foster resilience and autonomy in the face of health challenges. Through collaboration, communication, and support, healthcare providers can empower patients to take ownership of their health and well-being, ultimately leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Key Takeaways

• Complex childhood trauma refers to exposure to multiple and often prolonged traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. 

• Such trauma has profound and enduring effects on adulthood, impacting mental health, brain development, physical well-being, and interpersonal relationships.

• Individuals who have experienced complex trauma often struggle with a range of psychological issues and may engage in maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or risky behaviors.

• The symptoms of childhood trauma in adults can be wide-ranging and complex, encompassing emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal difficulties. 

• One significant recognition of the long-term impact of childhood trauma is the inclusion of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) as a distinct diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11). 

• Several types of therapy have shown promise in treating PTSD resulting from childhood trauma, including trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and somatic experiencing (SE).

• Implementing preventive strategies and early intervention approaches requires a multifaceted strategy.

• Healthcare providers, including pediatricians, nurses, and mental health professionals, play a crucial role in identifying and addressing childhood trauma.

• Integrating trauma-informed care principles into healthcare settings can improve outcomes for children and families affected by trauma.

• Childhood trauma survivors often present with complex and multifaceted needs that require a comprehensive approach to treatment and support. 

• Integrating care across different healthcare providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers.

• Patient empowerment and participation are essential components of patient-centered care.

Video Resources

What is trauma? The author of “The Body Keeps the Score” explains.  7:48 m. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

12 Common Symptoms of C-PTSD From Childhood. 13.18 m. Crappy Childhood Fairy 

6 Signs of Complex PTSD. 10:05 m. Dr. Ramani Durvasula

The 7 Surprising Ways To Heal Trauma Without Medication. 1:31:27 m. Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk.

Sources

Karatzias. T. et al. PTSD and Complex PTSD: ICD-11 updates on concept and measurement in the UK, USA, Germany and Lithuania. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2017; 8(sup7): 1418103.

Published online 2018 Jan 15. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1418103

van der Kolk, Bessel. 2014. The Body Keeps The Score. Brain Mind and Body In the Healing of Trauma   

The other studies mentioned in the article can be found here:

Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT):

• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. TF-CBT: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2006). Treating trauma and traumatic grief in children and adolescents. Guilford Press.
• You can search for articles or books on TF-CBT through academic databases such as PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/). Look for studies authored by Judith A. Cohen, Anthony P. Mannarino, and Esther Deblinger, the developers of TF-CBT.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

• Bisson, J. I., Roberts, N. P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R., & Lewis, C. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD003388.
• You can access this source through the Cochrane Library (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/), a database of systematic reviews and editing (SE):
• Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 93.
• You can access this article through Frontiers in Psychology’s website (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology), or by searching for the title or authors in academic databases like PubMed or Google Scholar.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy

• Evidence-Based

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

• Feder, A., et al. (2021). Efficacy of Intravenous Ketamine Combined With Psychotherapy in Patients With PTSD. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(12), 1341-1351. In https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33397139/2020 safety review of 6630 patients.

Stellate Ganglion Block:

• Cleveland Clinic. Stellate Ganglion Block. 
• VHA National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships. Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment For PTSD At VA 
• Petersen, MS. et. al. 2017. Evidence Brief: Effectiveness of Stellate Ganglion Block for Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):

• Harned, M. S., Korslund, K. E., & Linehan, M. M. (2012). A pilot randomized controlled trial of Dialectical Behavior Therapy with and without the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure protocol for suicidal and self-injuring women with borderline personality disorder and PTSD. Behavior Research and Therapy, 50(6), 366-379.
• You can access this article through academic databases such as PubMed or Google Scholar by searching for the title or authors.

Somatic Experiencing (SE):

• Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 93.
• You can access this article through Frontiers in Psychology’s website, or by searching for the title or authors in academic databases like PubMed or Google Scholar.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

• American Psychological Association.2017. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults. See many references.

Brainspotting

• Brainspotting site. 
• Brainspotting links, research, articles, books & podcasts

Equine-assisted Therapy

• Nelson, C. et. al. 2022. Equine-Assisted Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among First Responders. OnlineFirst. https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941221146

White-Lewis. S. 2020. Equine‐assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis. Nurs Open. 2020 Jan; 7(1): 58–67. Published online 2019 Sep 27. doi: 10.1002/nop2.377