The Rivers Centre provides clinical services for people who meet the diagnostic criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- We see people who have experienced a single traumatic event (e.g. physical assault, sexual assault, road traffic collision)
- that has led to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
“Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that may develop following exposure to an extremely threatening or horrific event or series of events. It is characterized by all of the following:
1) re-experiencing the traumatic event or events in the present in the form of vivid intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares. These are typically accompanied by strong or overwhelming emotions, particularly fear or horror, and strong physical sensations;
2) avoidance of thoughts and memories of the event or events, or avoidance of activities, situations, or people reminiscent of the event or events; and
3) persistent perceptions of heightened current threat, for example as indicated by hypervigilance or an enhanced startle reaction to stimuli such as unexpected noises. The symptoms persist for at least several weeks and cause significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.” (ICD-11)
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
- We also see people who have experienced a series of traumatic events (e.g. repeated childhood abuse, prolonged domestic violence)
- that has led to Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
“Complex post traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a disorder that may develop following exposure to an event or series of events of an extremely threatening or horrific nature, most commonly prolonged or repetitive events from which escape is difficult or impossible (e.g., torture, slavery, genocide campaigns, prolonged domestic violence, repeated childhood sexual or physical abuse).
All diagnostic requirements for PTSD are met. In addition, Complex PTSD is characterized by severe and persistent
1) problems in affect regulation;
2) beliefs about oneself as diminished, defeated or worthless, accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt or failure related to the traumatic event; and
3) difficulties in sustaining relationships and in feeling close to others. These symptoms cause significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.” (ICD-11)
