CPTSD

If you struggle with ongoing fear, worry, flashbacks, or nightmares, you may be suffering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, or complex CPTSD. At her private practice at One Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Kleinman can diagnose and treat your condition using highly effective, well-regarded methods. Schedule an evaluation by phone or online today at Amanda S. Kleinman MD Ltd.

What is CPTSD?

CPTSD, or complex post-traumatic stress disorder, is a condition that often develops after experiencing severe, long-lasting, or multiple forms of trauma that cause negative effects when not addressed. Dr. Kleinman offers cutting-edge treatment for CPTSD. 

What are the symptoms of CPTSD?

The hallmark symptoms of CPTSD include:

• Low self-esteem
• Flashbacks
• Dizziness or nausea associated with disturbing memories
• Always being on high alert
• Believing the world is dangerous
• Nightmares
• Being on guard
• Getting startled easily
• Difficulty sleeping
• Problems concentrating
• Loss of trust
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance misuse
• Social withdrawal 
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Irritability
• Anger 
• Mood swings
• Thoughts of suicide
• Avoiding symptom triggers, such as smells or places

These and other symptoms related to past trauma range in severity from mild to severe. See Dr. Kleinman if you or a loved one struggles with lasting effects after trauma.

What may increase my risk of CPTSD?

Your risk of CPTSD may increase if you’ve experienced severe, long-lasting, or more than one form of trauma. Common causes of CPTSD include the following:

• Verbal, physical, or sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Violence
• Loss of a loved one
• Getting bullied continuously
• Being chronically “gaslit” or lied to by others
• Destructive or upsetting family patterns
• Assault

People respond to trauma in different ways, depending on the type and severity of the trauma and their personality traits. 

How does my specialist diagnose CPTSD?

Dr. Kleinman can assess you for CPTSD by discussing your moods, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and more. She asks about your medical and mental health history, medications, and previous mental health treatments before creating a personalized treatment plan.

How is CPTSD treated?

Treating CPTSD often involves psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of treatments. Dr. Kleinman specializes in transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), which is particularly effective at helping you process complex or ongoing traumatic experiences. It allows you to achieve a more resilient and flexible sense of self. 

TFP helps you relate to and appropriately interact with other people. It improves the concept of how things in life should work and optimizes your personal identity. Dr. Kleinman might meet with you once or twice weekly to maximize the long-term outcomes. 

Other forms of psychotherapy used to treat CPTSD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and prolonged exposure therapy.

For CPTSD relief, schedule an appointment with Amanda S. Kleinman MD Ltd by phone or request one online today.