Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Complex PTSD can follow trauma that was repeated or lasted a long time, such as childhood abuse or long-term violence. It includes the symptoms of PTSD plus lasting trouble managing emotions, a negative view of yourself and difficulty in relationships. It is treatable, usually in stages.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- All PTSD symptoms
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Negative self-concept
- Difficulty with relationships
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I have carried pain from childhood for years”
- “I find it hard to trust people”
- “My emotions feel too big to control”
- “I feel stuck in old patterns”
People who live with complex PTSD may also notice depression, sleep problems or generalised anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if you feel unsafe or have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist builds the picture over more than one session, asking how much you want to share about the past and how symptoms affect emotions, self-view and relationships. Not everyone with this history needs this label.
Treatment and support
- Phase-based therapy: first safety and emotional skills, then processing memories, then rebuilding life
- Trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR once stable
- Skills-based therapy, including DBT skills
- Schema therapy and longer-term psychotherapy
- Treating related depression or anxiety
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists take things in stages and at your pace. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist lets you share only as much as you are ready to. The first step is to understand your symptoms and what keeps you safe and steady.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist work together, using trauma-focused therapy when you are ready for it.
Between sessions
Reviews go at your pace, and safety and sleep are checked at every step.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
How is C-PTSD different from PTSD?
PTSD usually follows a single event. C-PTSD follows prolonged or repeated trauma and adds lasting difficulties with emotions, self-view and relationships.
Is treatment longer?
Often, because stabilisation and skills come first. Your clinician will talk to you about what to expect.
Is it my fault?
No. These are normal responses to harm.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry
Dr. Dhritiman DasCo-Founder & Head of Community, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Ms. Liji VijayanClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.