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The visibility oftraumaas a widespread clinical ailment is gaining steam. The general public’s increasing knowledge of trauma is due to howcommon traumatic experiences are. In a study conducted on general populations across 24 different countries, 70% of participants had experienced at least one traumatic event. In the same study, 30% of folks reported experiencing four or more traumatic events within their lifetime.

How to Recognize a Covert Narcissist

Understanding C-PTSD

While this isn’t an official diagnosis recognized in the DSM-5, it is worth noting that there have been recent advocacy efforts encouraging the American Psychiatric Association to include it in the next edition of the DSM. While this plea has not been answered just yet, professionals may include it in future editions. C-PTSD is now an official diagnosis in the recently released 11th edition of theInternational Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

C-PTSD is a set of maladaptive responses that present themselves in daily life. These responses include issues with emotional regulation, negative self-talk, and struggles in relationships. The cause of C-PTSD is repeated andprolonged trauma exposure, such as being a prisoner of war,experiencing/witnessing abuse in childhood, or neglect. This abuse can be physical or psychological.

The Best Online Trauma Therapy, Tried and Tested

What Is Narcissistic Abuse?

It isn’t uncommon to hear the word “narcissist” thrown around to describe someone who is self-obsessed. However, narcissism can often refer to narcissistic traits. There is a difference between someone who is simply selfish, and someone who is excessively grandiose and lacks empathy. The latter is an example ofnarcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Someone with narcissistic traits and someone experiencing NPD can both be harmful, often stemming from their hypersensitivity and struggle to experience empathy. It is essential to recognize that not all people who have narcissistic traits or experience NPD will become abusive.

Mental health professionals initially developed the term narcissistic abuse to describe the effects of parents’ inflicting psychological abuse on children. However, this definition has expanded to include psychological abuse between adults. This abuse can include constant manipulation, humiliation, and devaluation.

What Is C-PTSD From Narcissistic Abuse?

Signs of C-PTSD From Narcissistic Abuse

The signs of C-PTSD from narcissistic abuse include the added risk factor of having a close relationship with someone with NPD or excessive narcissistic traits.

Below are some common signs:

Treatment

Recommended treatments includepsychotherapyandsomatic therapy. There is often a stabilization period in the initial stages of beginning psychotherapy for C-PTSD. During the stabilization period, the therapist will work with clients to help them shift out of acrisis.

EMDR, an abbreviation for eye movement desensitization reprocessing, is a form of somatic therapy. Developed specifically for the treatment of trauma, clinical evidence supports EMDR’s ability to decrease symptoms of C-PTSD significantly.Other somatic modalities include somatic experiencing,brainspotting,IFS, craniosacral psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, etc.

In addition, as part of treatment, therapists introduce activities to help people feel safe and grounded in their environment. Techniques like belly breathing, grounding, acupuncture, trauma-informed messages, trauma-informed yoga, and physical exercise.

How to Develop and Practice Self-Regulation

One of the most painful aspects of C-PTSD from narcissistic abuse is howemotional abusecan create an impossible sense ofloneliness. Part of the healing is understanding you aren’t alone.

The impact of narcissistic abuse can leave people not knowing what healthy relationships look like, so reading about healthy relationship dynamics or working with a trusted professional can help you gain clarity and start building a safe support system.

Consider seeking a support group for survivors of narcissistic abuse. If your abuser is also analcoholicoraddict,Al-Anoncan be a great resource in developing strength and remembering you aren’t alone.

Pain is present, but healing is always possible. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact theSuicide Hotlineat988. Reach out to theDomestic Violence Hotlineif you need support in an abusive relationship at1-800-799-SAFE. If you’re in danger, call911or head to the nearest emergency room immediately.

8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Benjet C, Bromet E, Karam EG, et al.The epidemiology of traumatic event exposure worldwide: results from the World Mental Health Survey Consortium.Psychol Med. 2016;46(2):327-343. doi:10.1017/S0033291715001981Karatzias T, Shevlin M, Fyvie C, et al.Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): implications for trauma-focused therapies.Eur. J. Psychotraumatology. 2020;11(1):1793599. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1793599Hyland P, Murphy J, Shevlin M, et al.Variation in post-traumatic response: the role of trauma type in predicting ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD symptoms.Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2017;52(6):727-736. doi: 10.1007/s00127-017-1350-8American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. 5th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013Howard V.Recognising narcissistic abuse and the implications for mental health nursing practice.Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2019;40(8):644-654. doi:10.1080/01612840.2019.1590485Shevlin M, Hyland P, Roberts NP, Bisson JI, Brewin CR, Cloitre M.A psychometric assessment of disturbances in self-organization symptom indicators for icd-11 complex ptsd using the international trauma questionnaire.Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2018;9(1):1419749. Doi: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1419749De Jongh A, Resick PA, Zoellner LA, et al.Critical analysis of the current treatment guidelines for complex ptsd in adults.Depress Anxiety. 2016;33(5):359-369. doi: 10.1002/da.22469Bongaerts H, Minnen AV, Jongh A de.Intensive emdr to treat patients with complex posttraumatic stress disorder: a case series.J. EMDR Pract. Res. 2017;11(2):84-95. doi: 10.1891/1933-3196.11.2.84

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Benjet C, Bromet E, Karam EG, et al.The epidemiology of traumatic event exposure worldwide: results from the World Mental Health Survey Consortium.Psychol Med. 2016;46(2):327-343. doi:10.1017/S0033291715001981Karatzias T, Shevlin M, Fyvie C, et al.Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): implications for trauma-focused therapies.Eur. J. Psychotraumatology. 2020;11(1):1793599. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1793599Hyland P, Murphy J, Shevlin M, et al.Variation in post-traumatic response: the role of trauma type in predicting ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD symptoms.Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2017;52(6):727-736. doi: 10.1007/s00127-017-1350-8American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. 5th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013Howard V.Recognising narcissistic abuse and the implications for mental health nursing practice.Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2019;40(8):644-654. doi:10.1080/01612840.2019.1590485Shevlin M, Hyland P, Roberts NP, Bisson JI, Brewin CR, Cloitre M.A psychometric assessment of disturbances in self-organization symptom indicators for icd-11 complex ptsd using the international trauma questionnaire.Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2018;9(1):1419749. Doi: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1419749De Jongh A, Resick PA, Zoellner LA, et al.Critical analysis of the current treatment guidelines for complex ptsd in adults.Depress Anxiety. 2016;33(5):359-369. doi: 10.1002/da.22469Bongaerts H, Minnen AV, Jongh A de.Intensive emdr to treat patients with complex posttraumatic stress disorder: a case series.J. EMDR Pract. Res. 2017;11(2):84-95. doi: 10.1891/1933-3196.11.2.84

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Benjet C, Bromet E, Karam EG, et al.The epidemiology of traumatic event exposure worldwide: results from the World Mental Health Survey Consortium.Psychol Med. 2016;46(2):327-343. doi:10.1017/S0033291715001981Karatzias T, Shevlin M, Fyvie C, et al.Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): implications for trauma-focused therapies.Eur. J. Psychotraumatology. 2020;11(1):1793599. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1793599Hyland P, Murphy J, Shevlin M, et al.Variation in post-traumatic response: the role of trauma type in predicting ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD symptoms.Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2017;52(6):727-736. doi: 10.1007/s00127-017-1350-8American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. 5th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013Howard V.Recognising narcissistic abuse and the implications for mental health nursing practice.Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2019;40(8):644-654. doi:10.1080/01612840.2019.1590485Shevlin M, Hyland P, Roberts NP, Bisson JI, Brewin CR, Cloitre M.A psychometric assessment of disturbances in self-organization symptom indicators for icd-11 complex ptsd using the international trauma questionnaire.Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2018;9(1):1419749. Doi: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1419749De Jongh A, Resick PA, Zoellner LA, et al.Critical analysis of the current treatment guidelines for complex ptsd in adults.Depress Anxiety. 2016;33(5):359-369. doi: 10.1002/da.22469Bongaerts H, Minnen AV, Jongh A de.Intensive emdr to treat patients with complex posttraumatic stress disorder: a case series.J. EMDR Pract. Res. 2017;11(2):84-95. doi: 10.1891/1933-3196.11.2.84

Benjet C, Bromet E, Karam EG, et al.The epidemiology of traumatic event exposure worldwide: results from the World Mental Health Survey Consortium.Psychol Med. 2016;46(2):327-343. doi:10.1017/S0033291715001981

Karatzias T, Shevlin M, Fyvie C, et al.Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): implications for trauma-focused therapies.Eur. J. Psychotraumatology. 2020;11(1):1793599. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1793599

Hyland P, Murphy J, Shevlin M, et al.Variation in post-traumatic response: the role of trauma type in predicting ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD symptoms.Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2017;52(6):727-736. doi: 10.1007/s00127-017-1350-8

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. 5th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013

Howard V.Recognising narcissistic abuse and the implications for mental health nursing practice.Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2019;40(8):644-654. doi:10.1080/01612840.2019.1590485

Shevlin M, Hyland P, Roberts NP, Bisson JI, Brewin CR, Cloitre M.A psychometric assessment of disturbances in self-organization symptom indicators for icd-11 complex ptsd using the international trauma questionnaire.Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2018;9(1):1419749. Doi: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1419749

De Jongh A, Resick PA, Zoellner LA, et al.Critical analysis of the current treatment guidelines for complex ptsd in adults.Depress Anxiety. 2016;33(5):359-369. doi: 10.1002/da.22469

Bongaerts H, Minnen AV, Jongh A de.Intensive emdr to treat patients with complex posttraumatic stress disorder: a case series.J. EMDR Pract. Res. 2017;11(2):84-95. doi: 10.1891/1933-3196.11.2.84

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