C-PTSD
Medical abbreviation · Mental Health & Psychiatry
| Stands for | Complex post-traumatic stress disorder |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
C-PTSD stands for Complex post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health & psychiatry abbreviation.
Diagnosis in the WHO's ICD-11 for people who meet criteria for PTSD and also have lasting problems with emotion regulation, a persistently negative self-concept and difficulty sustaining relationships. It usually follows prolonged or repeated trauma from which escape was difficult, such as childhood abuse, torture or captivity.
Example: ICD-11 C-PTSD after years of childhood abuse; phase-based trauma therapy planned.
Usage notes
Psychiatrist Judith Herman proposed the concept in 1992. ICD-11, in effect since 2022, includes it, while the DSM-5-TR does not, so US clinicians often code PTSD instead. Also written CPTSD. The overlap with borderline personality disorder is debated. Treatment usually begins with stabilization and skills before trauma processing.
Related abbreviations
More mental health & psychiatry abbreviations
- BDI – Beck Depression Inventory
- BED – Binge eating disorder
- BH – Behavioral health
- BN – Bulimia nervosa
- BPAD – Bipolar affective disorder
- BPD – Borderline personality disorder
- C-SSRS – Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
- CAGE – Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener (questionnaire)
- CBT – Cognitive behavioral therapy
- CD – Conduct disorder
- CPT – Cognitive processing therapy
- CUD – Cannabis use disorder
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.