Complex PTSD

Affective storms linked to trauma reminders, shame, threat, attachment rupture

UrgentReview due

At a glance

Watch forDissociationself-harmsubstance co-factorssevere avoidance/aggression

Shifts are reactive, brief, and relationship-linked rather than sustained episodic elevation with reduced need for sleep.

Separates the Mood Lability / Emotional Dysregulation group. It is not specific to Complex PTSD.

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Mood Lability / Emotional Dysregulation group — not specific to Complex PTSD

Affective storms linked to trauma reminders, shame, threat, attachment rupture

Key features

Dissociation, self-harm, substance co-factors, severe avoidance/aggression.

High-risk causes4 causes

Applies to the Mood Lability / Emotional Dysregulation group.

Shifts are reactive, brief, and relationship-linked rather than sustained episodic elevation with reduced need for sleep.

Helpful clues

Applies to the Mood Lability / Emotional Dysregulation group.

None listed

Priority steps

Applies to the Mood Lability / Emotional Dysregulation group.

None listed

Core tests

Applies to the Mood Lability / Emotional Dysregulation group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.