CPTSD vs. PTSD: What is the Difference

C-PTSD vs PTSD

When people hear PTSD, they often think of adults who’ve lived through a single traumatic event—combat, a car accident, or an assault. But when trauma occurs in childhood, it looks very different. Children in foster care or adoption systems are more likely to experience complex trauma, repeated over years and often tied to disrupted caregiving.

As Jaime Helen Harris, a therapeutic foster parent and counselor with over 40 years of experience, explained on the MissPoppins Art of Parenting Podcast:

“Traditional PTSD, the difference is the length of the trauma, the amount of trauma, and the level of effect.”

What PTSD Looks Like in Adults

According to the American Psychiatric Association, adults with PTSD often relive trauma through nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts. They may avoid reminders of the event, lose interest in once-enjoyed activities, or struggle with mood swings (APA, 2025).

As Jaime explained:

“PTSD is they may have had one incident of trauma and they’ll show signs by reliving the trauma or showing it in their art. They’ll have nightmares or flashbacks. They won’t be interested in some of their favorite activities anymore. They’ll have mood swings.”

What Makes Childhood PTSD Different

Childhood PTSD, or complex trauma, involves repeated trauma during critical developmental years. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network describes it as trauma that is “chronic and begins in early life,” often including neglect, abuse, or disrupted caregiving (NCTSN, 2023).

Jaime highlighted the contrast:

“Much different with complex trauma, much different. And that’s trauma that has been over the child’s lifetime. Many, many pieces are broken.”

She shared the story of an 11-year-old girl who came into her home.

“We had just bought the groceries. And I got up the next day and I didn’t want to accuse anybody, but all the groceries were gone. There was nothing in the cupboards, nothing in the fridge, nothing in the freezer. And she would do smearing—basically wiping poop on the walls. Over time we realized that she had been sexually abused from a young age. And so that’s complex trauma. That’s full childhood trauma right from when she was a baby.”

Why Misdiagnosis Happens

Another complication is that childhood PTSD can resemble other conditions. Jaime noted:

“Some are diagnosed with autism and it’s actually complex trauma because a lot of the signs are the same.”This overlap underscores the importance of trauma-informed assessments.

What the Research Shows

Studies confirm that childhood PTSD has long-term consequences if untreated. Children with complex trauma are more likely to struggle with school performance, emotional regulation, and relationships. Yet research also shows that with stable caregiving and early intervention, outcomes can improve significantly (NCTSN, 2023).

Can C-PTSD be Reversed?

On the brighter side, recovery is possible for those suffering with c-ptsd. Jaime offers a wealth of experience and case studies in rehabilitating children from foster care through trauma-informed care. She reaffirms that trauma is not a life sentence, and we should never lose hope that humans can change and have success in life.