PTSD

    Survivors of sibling abuse often display symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.  Survivors of abusive environments and situations lasting months or years may also find symptoms and characteristics of complex post traumatic disorder. This term was first used by Judith Herman in her landmark book, Trauma & Recovery.

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Separation issues

  • Intrusive memories (flashbacks)

  • Memory deficits/amnesia and/or blackouts

  • Numbness or inability to feel emotion

  • Withdrawal

  • Exaggerated startle response

  • Nightmares

  • Depression

  • Anger

  • Cynicism & distrust of authority

  • Difficulty with authority

  • Avoidance of activities that arouse memories of trauma

  • Tendency to react under stress with survival tactics

  • Psychic or emotional numbing

  • Emotional constriction

  • Loss of interest in activities or work

  • Survivor guilt

  • Suicidal feelings, thoughts or acts

  • Fantasies of retaliation or destruction

  • Negative self image

  • Alienation

  • Hyper sensitivity to justice

  • Problems with intimate relationships

  • Emotional distancing

  • Concern with humanistic values overlaid by hedonism

  • Hyperarousal/hypervigilance
 

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