Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop in adolescents who have experienced multiple or ongoing traumatic events during important developmental years. These experiences can range from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse to neglect or exposure to violence. Unlike traditional PTSD, which is characterized by one traumatic event, complex PTSD is caused by chronic exposure to trauma, resulting in a more severe and long-term impact on an adolescent’s mental health.
Since every adolescent with CPTSD has unique experiences with trauma, treatment should be personalized. Adolescent CPTSD treatment at Family First is tailored to the unique histories, current circumstances, and life goals of each client we support. And with over 120 years of combined clinical experience, you can be sure your teen is receiving high-quality care. Call 888.904.5947 to find support for your teen in our adolescent mental health treatment programming.
What Is Complex Trauma?
Complex—or developmental—trauma, a term coined by Dr. Judith Herman in her groundbreaking book “Trauma and Recovery” in the early 1990s, refers to a specific type of trauma that has gained recognition in the treatment field only recently. It refers to long-term trauma, often involving abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. Developmental trauma often occurs between family members and usually does not include major events like natural disasters or serious car accidents.
At Family First Adolescent Services, we take pride in being one of the few centers in the country that receives intensive ongoing training and consultation on the specialized treatment of individuals with complex trauma. Our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive care and support to those who have experienced such complex traumas, ensuring their healing and recovery journey is guided by expertise and compassion.
Complex Trauma Affects the Mind and Body
Complex trauma is a comprehensive term that encompasses any event, series of events, situation, or dynamic that has had a negative impact on your child’s development. These experiences have cascading effects on both mental and physical health. Complex trauma can arise from various sources, ranging from extreme cases such as abuse and neglect to more subtle yet far-reaching factors like historical childhood trauma within the family or disruptions during the pregnancy and birth process.
These early experiences can result in dysregulation within a young child’s nervous system, leading to an unstable foundation for the development of their personality. The true impact of these experiences often remains hidden until adolescence, which can be incredibly bewildering for the teenagers themselves, as well as for the caregivers entrusted with their support and well-being. The complexity and nuances of complex trauma require a thoughtful and compassionate approach in order to foster healing and resilience.
Signs of CPTSD in Adolescents
Individuals with CPTSD will display many of the same symptoms as those with PTSD:
- Intrusive thoughts – Unwanted nightmares, flashbacks, or memories
- Avoidance – Staying away from people, places, things, or situations
- Reaction – Being constantly alert or having trouble relaxing
- Mood – Depression, anxiety, shame, and/or guilt
But CPTSD also causes symptoms that more directly affect personal relationships, like trouble regulating emotions, feelings of hopelessness, and trust issues. These specific symptoms may be directly related to the nature of complex trauma, which is more personal; it often occurs in close relationships, like those between guardians and children.
Complex PTSD: By the Numbers
- CPTSD is a relatively new diagnosis and still is not present in the DSM-5 (the manual used by American mental health practitioners). However, adolescent trauma is not new. An estimated 5% of all adolescents have met criteria for PTSD, which goes beyond just experiencing one traumatic event.1
- One study showed that 70.4% of a group of children in the child welfare system (e.g., child protection services) experienced at least two types of events that lead to complex trauma, like domestic violence, abuse, or neglect.2
How We Treat CPTSD at Family First
Complex PTSD treatment requires a specialized approach to addressing the unique needs of adolescents who have experienced complex traumas. The Family First team focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for healing while also recognizing the specific challenges and barriers that teens may face in their recovery journey.
Treatment for Teens
The treatment program at Family First Adolescent Services incorporates evidence-based practices such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy, and experiential therapies to address the complex needs of teens.
Support for Families
We also provide education and support for caregivers, as well as opportunities for family involvement in the healing process. Supporting your teen as they work through the treatment process can be difficult, but our team is here every step of the way.
Aftercare Services
CPTSD treatment doesn’t just “flip a switch” that makes your teen better; it provides them with tools and outlets to help them manage their mental health. That’s why we offer at least a year of aftercare services to every adolescent who completes our residential program and their family. This includes regular check-ins, support groups, and access to resources for continued growth and healing.
Find Help at Family First Adolescent Services
We understand the complexities of childhood trauma and how they affect your teen and family. With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience, you can rest easy knowing that your child will receive high-quality care and attention at our South Florida treatment center.
Contact us online or by calling 888.904.5947 today to speak to one of our highly trained professionals about finding the support your teen needs to move forward.
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