Understanding the Impact of CPTSD on Life Expectancy
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder–which is often abbreviated to complex PTSD or C-PTSD–stems from having been through prolonged or repeated trauma. Events like domestic violence, human trafficking, or spending continuous time in a war zone, for example, could lead you to develop complex PTSD.
When we talk about a complex PTSD diagnosis, the psychological symptoms are often what we focus on. However, CPTSD can affect the body, too. So, can CPTSD affect life expectancy?
First, let’s answer that question and discuss some of the factors that might impact life expectancy with CPTSD. Then, we’ll talk about treatment options and how Catalina Behavioral Health can help.
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Does Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Affect Life Expectancy?
Research indicates that trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder can reduce your lifespan. In other words, yes–while it is not a definite truth that you will die at a younger age due to trauma, trauma can shorten a person’s life.
Why? Among other factors, trauma affects the body on a cellular level and can accelerate aging.
After a traumatic event, you may find yourself in a near-constant state of higher stress or hypervigilance, which can be tough on the body and mind. This is one of many reasons as to why treating trauma symptoms matters.
With complex PTSD, you might face negative self-perception, social isolation, high cortisol levels, or depression symptoms, which can impact your health. When trauma is prolonged or repeated, which is the case for those with complex trauma, the effects of trauma can be even more serious.
Other Factors Impacting Life Span in Complex PTSD
Recurrent stressors seen in complex PTSD, and their effects, can harm your well-being. In addition to the effects of traumatic experiences on cellular aging and stress on the body, the following factors could influence life span.
Lack of Sleep
Many people with C-PTSD as well as those with Continuous Traumatic Stress Disorder or CTSD experience sleep disruptions. Insomnia is a common way that sleep disturbances manifest in C-PTSD, alongside the possibility of nightmares and other challenges.
Poor sleep can have negative consequences regardless of the cause. Not getting enough sleep can put you at risk of early mortality, car accidents, heart disease, and other health problems.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Other Disorders
Some people with a history of complex trauma develop borderline personality disorder (BPD), either independently or alongside a CPTSD diagnosis. Symptoms associated with BPD, such as risky behavior and self-harm, could interfere with life expectancy. Treatment can help; conditions like CPTSD and BPD do not have to rule your life.
Other mental health issues more prevalent in trauma survivors, like substance abuse, eating disorders, and depression, also have the potential to affect lifespan. At Catalina Behavioral Health, we’ll address all of your mental health concerns comprehensively.
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Physical Health Conditions
In addition to co-occurring mental disorders, PTSD and C-PTSD are linked to higher rates of some chronic health conditions.
Those who have been through complex trauma are at an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic pain disorders, and gastrointestinal issues.
Mental Health Treatment and Recovery
Treating CPTSD symptoms can decrease the strain of the condition on your body and mind. Many people who receive treatment for complex PTSD symptoms notice relief from both physical and mental health concerns associated with the condition.
When you no longer experience a constant influx of stress hormones, your physical body and brain should feel more at ease. By providing relief to trauma, treatment can make a major difference in your quality of life and overall health.
With that in mind, there’s every reason to believe that someone with C-PTSD could live just as long as someone who is not a trauma survivor, particularly if their physical and mental health is well cared for. If you’re here, it’s never too late to start.
Effective Treatment Options for Complex Trauma Survivors
The good news about complex PTSD is that it is a treatable mental health disorder. If you get trauma treatment at Catalina Behavioral Health, you’ll work with staff to build a customized care plan.
Your treatment with us will include a personalized set of evidence-based therapies and other treatments used for trauma disorders, such as:
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT).
- Prolonged exposure (PE).
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which was designed to address BPD but can help people facing trauma and other mental health concerns develop a strong set of coping strategies, distress tolerance, and healthy relationship skills.
- Holistic healing practices for nervous system regulation (e.g., meditation).
Some types of medication can be used for those with CPTSD and related mental health disorders. For example, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. The best medication regimen will depend on your unique needs and symptoms. We’re here to help you find what works.
Many Forms of Insurance Accepted for Treatment
Call Catalina for Effective Complex Trauma Treatment
Make no mistake: You can live a long and healthy life with complex PTSD and other mental health disorders linked to traumatic experiences. Proper C-PTSD treatment can restore mental well-being and may relieve physical symptoms like a lack of healthy sleep.
To learn more about our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for trauma, call Catalina Behavioral Health today. We accept most forms of insurance and are here to help you or your loved one heal from complex trauma.
FAQs Regarding Complex PTSD Life Expectancy
Is C-PTSD hard to live with?
Complex PTSD can be very difficult to live with, affecting areas of life from self-image and internal thoughts to interpersonal relationships, work, and physical health. That said, getting treatment for emotional trauma can ease complex PTSD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How does complex PTSD affect your life?
CPTSD symptoms vary for everyone, but they can interfere with every aspect of your life. People with C-PTSD may experience problems in interpersonal relationships, intense hypervigilance, trouble sleeping, flashbacks (including emotional flashbacks), nightmares, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
What happens when you yell at someone with complex PTSD?
Yelling is a common complex PTSD trigger. If you get yelled at, you may notice emotional and physical sensations caused by the nervous system’s “fight or flight” response.
Does C-PTSD get worse with age?
Complex PTSD might get worse with age if it goes untreated, but for those who get treatment, it can actually get better. Research suggests that trauma-focused therapies can alleviate symptoms of complex PTSD.
References
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-020-0700-5
- https://bpded.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40479-021-00155-9
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/prolonged_exposure.asp
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9879871/
