Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD

Trauma memory (Re-experiencing)

Although traditionally associated with wars or catastrophes, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent in victims of psychological violence (affecting more than 50%). The victim's mind is "hijacked" by the trauma.

This manifests itself through re-experiencing: intrusive memories, nightmares and emotional flashbacks where the person feels the terror, shame or anguish of the past as if it were happening in the present.

It is not only about remembering facts, but also about reliving physical sensations (palpitations, difficulty breathing) before any stimulus that reminds the aggressor.

The victim lives trapped in a time loop where the threat never ends up disappearing.

Hypervigilance and avoidance

The nervous system is kept in a state of constant red alert, known as hypervigilance.

The victim reacts with exaggerated startle to noises, phone calls or the presence of strangers, unable to relax even in safe environments.

In an attempt to control this distress, they develop avoidance behaviors: they isolate themselves, stop frequenting places, avoid conversations on the subject and "anesthetize" themselves emotionally, losing interest in activities they used to enjoy.

This emotional blunting is a defense mechanism to avoid feeling pain, but it leads to a profound disconnection from life and from oneself.

Complex PTSD and Identity Disruption

When the subjugation and totalitarian control have been prolonged for years, the diagnosis evolves into Complex Post Traumatic Stress (C-PTSD).

Unlike simple PTSD, which focuses on fear symptoms, complex PTSD involves a profound deformation of the personality.

The victim suffers alterations in the regulation of emotions (outbursts of anger or crying), a distorted and negative perception of self (feeling permanently damaged) and severe difficulties in trusting others.

A distinctive feature is the internalization of the aggressor: the critical and devaluing voice of the abuser is installed in the victim's mind, so that she continues to psychologically attack herself even when he is no longer pre