Recovery from coercive control is different from other trauma — neurologically, perceptually, and at the identity level. Here’s how to heal.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a clinical condition that can develop following exposure to traumatic experiences, including the sustained psychological manipulation of narcissistic abuse and coercive control. Research by Arabi (2023), examining 1,294 participants in relationships with highly narcissistic or psychopathic partners, found that partner narcissism significantly predicted PTSD symptomology — with love bombing identified as one of the key manipulative behaviors associated with trauma outcomes. Symptoms of PTSD in narcissistic abuse survivors include hypervigilance, intrusive memories, emotional dysregulation, difficulty trusting one’s own perception, and persistent shame. These symptoms respond to evidence-based treatment including EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and somatic approaches. Narcissistic Abuse Rehab provides resources on the neurological and psychological impact of narcissistic abuse, the PTSD outcomes it produces, and the recovery pathways that address them.
Expert guide to love-bombing: signs, psychology, and recovery. Insights from clinicians, peer-reviewed research, and survivor case studies.
Victoria McNulty’s experience of coercive control highlights systemic flaws and the urgent need for change to protect and empower victims.
PTSD and depression cooccurence is associated with a greater risk of mortality in women through the development of adverse health outcomes.