Developmental Trauma is a Primer for Complex PTSD
I released the first chapter of Stoning Demons a few days ago. In this release, I share my story and look at traumas experienced in childhood and the way they prime a person for lifelong stress-related problems.
From chapter 1…
“Adversity in childhood is known to have lifelong effects. Abuse disrupts the path of normal development, leading to a wide range of psychological and physiological conditions. Some of these complications may emerge later in life, but they have their origins in the early family environment.
I found it helpful to outline a classification of traumas related to Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) and CPTSD, stemming from traumas experienced in childhood and compounded in adulthood. The model I used focused on the nature of the trauma and its impact on psychobiology.
Over the last three decades, there have been numerous studies which have documented the effects of interpersonal trauma and disruption of caregiving systems on psychological development. Findings have shown impacts on affect regulation, attention, cognition, perception, and interpersonal relationships well into adult life. One of the drivers for research is the increasing evidence of the effects of adverse childhood experiences on brain development and immunology, with clear associations between DTD and chronic illness.
One review is in so far…
“Bought the first chapter and am reading it as I type. Gosh! EVERYTHING you say sooo resonates with me and is sooo well known from firsthand experience! You really, really grab this beast by its horns – and tame it by writing about it! Kudos!”
Available on Smashwords…
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/431274
I hope you can take a moment to download a copy and support the work on this project. More chapters will be coming:
Complex PTSD Symptoms
Post-Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Criteria
Recurrent Trauma and Chronic Stress
Re-Experiencing
Avoidance
Hyper-Arousal
Impairment of Functioning
Disorders of Extreme Stress Diagnostic Criteria
Changes in Self-Regulation
Cognitive Changes
Changes in Self-Perception
Changes in Relationships
Loss of Meaning
Progression of CPTSD
Primary Development Traumas
Secondary Traumas
Onset and Progression
Early Psychological Symptoms
Triggers and Environmental Clues
Worsening Psychobiological Issues
Serious Episodes and Crises
Accepting the Diagnosis
Recovery, Remission and Relapse
Psychobiological Effects of CPTSD
Somatization and Comorbid Illness
CPTSD Effects On the Brain
Chronic Health Issues
Cardiovascular Disease
Endocrine System
Digestive and Serotonergic System Imbalance
Immune System
Reproductive System
Complications and Risks with CPTSD
Life Changes
Related Psychological Disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Eating Disorders
Substance Use and Addiction Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Deliberate Self-Harm Syndrome
Sexual Dysfunction
Psychiatric Complications
Suicidality
Psychosis
Treatment Approaches for CPTSD
Professional Treatment Approaches
Psychotherapy
Pharmaceutical Treatment
Crisis Intervention and Treatment
Self-Managed Therapy
Research and Reading
Journaling
Daily Journal
Symptom Journal
Intrusive Thoughts Journal
Flashback/Dream Journal
Inventories
Symptom Inventory
Trauma Inventory
Trigger Inventory
Growth Inventory
Reviewing and Reframing
Developmental Trauma Work
Secondary Trauma Work
Reframing Goals
Self-Medication and Medical Marijuana
Why Cannabis Works
Stress and Endocannabinoid System Suppression
Calming Active PTSD Symptoms
Support for Narrative Therapy
Support for Comorbid Disorders and Chronic Illness
Substance Abuse vs. Medicating
Treatment Considerations
Caution is Needed
Call for More Studies… and Legalization
Social Stigma of Marijuana Therapy
Knowing When to Stop Medicating
Personal Growth and Change in Recovery
Positive Inclination
Regression and Regrowth
Recognizing Responsibility
Healthy Expression of Anger
Grieving
Forgiveness
Perspective
Acceptance
Rebuilding Trust and Attachment
Honoring Strengths
Finding Self-Love
Becoming My Own Guardian
Finding New Meaning
Maintaining Long Term Health with CPTSD
Nutrition and Mental Wellness
Excitotoxins and Induced Symptoms
Rest, Exercise and Resilience
Long Road to Neurological and Physical Recovery
Building a Safe, Low-Stress Life
Double Chronic, With a Twist
