08/23/2026
Complex PTSD is increasingly understood as a brain injury, rather than a mental illness, due to the profound impact trauma has on brain function. Unlike traditional mental illness, CPTSD is rooted in prolonged trauma, which alters the brain’s architecture. These changes can affect memory, emotional regulation, and stress response, highlighting the injury-like nature of CPTSD. Recovery involves healing these brain alterations through targeted therapies and support. Understanding CPTSD as a brain injury helps reduce stigma and fosters empathy and effective treatment.