Affect Dysregulation and C-PTSD

One of the most important features of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is that of ‘affect dysregulation’. The meaning of this somewhat opaque sounding term is perhaps made clearer by using its synonym: emotional dysregulation. It consists of strongly felt emotions, in particular anger and fear, which seize the sufferer rendering him or her powerless to control them. These emotional outbursts can be terrifying both for the victim and anyone else present, lasting anywhere from seconds to a few hours. They are typically prompted by minor stimuli that most people would barely react to, if at all and are perplexing to others confronted with what appears to them to be an irrational, unstable and perhaps even dangerous person. More than that, however, these emotions are often no more comprehensible to the person experiencing them who will typically lack understanding of why he or she feels this way and even what he or she is feeling. The central role of affect dysregulation in C-PTSD treatment Affect dysregulation has long been recognized as a characteristic symptom of bipolar disorder. C-PTSD and bipolar have a complex relationship, which has yet to be adequately defined. Some have gone so far as to suggest that C-PTSD is a replacement diagnosis for bipolar disorder, whereas others view them as separate problems, but with high comorbidity. What it is important to understand is that affect dysregulation plays a different and more crucial role in the way we concept...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Abuse Bipolar Psychology Psychotherapy PTSD Trauma affect dysregulation Bipolar Disorder C-PTSD Child Abuse child neglect Childhood Trauma Comorbid Disorders complex ptsd complex trauma Coping Skills Dissociation Emotiona Source Type: news