Leaving the relationship can put a stop to repeated emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, but it may not necessarily free you from their effects. In an effort to better recognize and address this specific type of trauma, experts have introduced the concept of post-traumatic relationship syndrome (PTRS).

Can you have PTSD from a friendship?

Abusive friendships can cause depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. And studies show they can be physically damaging, too.

What is relationship trauma?

Trauma can be defined as any highly emotionally distressing experience in which ones sense of emotional or physical safety is in jeopardy. Therefore, any kind of abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, financial, etc.) can be considered traumatic.