Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-known phenomenon to many of us. We know that it results from experiencing, witnessing, or feeling the threat of physical harm. It is commonly understood as a condition experienced by those returning from war or combat. Alternatively, it also frequently occurs for those who’ve experienced a sexual assault or were involved in a serious accident. However, a form of PTSD can also occur from experiencing an abusive partner, particularly if the verbal or emotional abuse is severe or happens frequently.
Technically, to be diagnosed with PTSD someone must experience the threat or actuality of physical harm or trauma. They must then also experience some specific symptoms, some of which include, but are not limited to, the following:
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- Intrusive thoughts cut his dreams flashbacks what incident
- Avoidance of thoughts and feelings that are reminders of the trauma
- Negative thoughts and feelings following the trauma
- Emotional reactivity, arousal
- Difficulty with day-to-day functioning
So, given the listed symptoms, a person could certainly suffer from PTSD if they had a physically abusive partner. However, what if someone is recovering from or currently involved with a controlling, emotionally abusive, and gaslighting partner?
Since there is no actual or threat of significant physical harm, they would not be technically diagnosed with PTSD. Suffering from this type of trauma may be dismissed or missed entirely due to the fact that there is no significant physical injury (or threat of physical harm). However, the sufferer would absolutely be in psychological distress.
This is how the phenomenon of post-traumatic relationship stress or PTRS began to be considered as a way to classify this condition.
Defining PTRS
Some sources have classified PTRS as distress that results from exposure to one or more controlling partners. Essentially, the condition is a reaction to relationship trauma derived from exposure to a controlling partner who might be physically intimidating, emotionally abusive or verbally disrespectful, or cruel.
Just because physical violence is not involved, doesn’t mean the victim isn’t suffering markedly.
If untreated, PTRS can have lasting and harmful consequences for the abused partner. Symptoms include all of those listed above for PTSD with the exception of any avoidance behaviors.
5 Signs You May Have PTRS
1. You experience intrusive thoughts of abuse occurring with a current or former partner. Flashbacks or nightmares are occurring; you have an emotional or physical reaction when you think about the abuse.
2. You experience a constant state of arousal or hypervigilance. This is your body’s defense system to protect you from a repeated threat. You have feelings of panic or anxiety, or experience insomnia.
3. You have a myriad of other relationship problems. You may struggle to get along with family and friends. Additionally, you may worry, about never being intimate or in a close relationship again. Or, you may be prone to withdrawal and isolation.
4. You cope with intense or overwhelming emotions. This includes feelings of fear, terror, or rage that occur when you think about or are near your partner.
5. You struggle with basic day-to-day functioning. You may be unable to work, relax or socialize well. Also, you may also struggle to experience any pleasure in life.
Finally…
When it comes to Relationship PTSD or PTRS there isn’t a formal DSM diagnosis.
PTRS does NOT occur when someone had a non-abusive relationship breakup. It is also not the same as PTSD, which is the result of experiencing the threat or actuality of physically physical harm.
Still, PTRS does seem to categorize a real response to having an emotionally abusive or controlling partner and therefore deserves to be recognized. If you are experiencing any of the above 5 signs, please don’t hesitate to begin individual psychotherapy in order to prevent worsening mental health problems.