What is Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse where the abuser manipulates situations to make the victim question their own reality, memory or perceptions. The term originated from the 1944 film Gaslight, where a husband tries to make his wife believe she is losing her mind by dimming the gaslights and then denying it.
Some examples of gaslighting behavior include:
- Denying something happened or was said, even when there is proof
- Trivializing or making light of the victim’s feelings or concerns
- Accusing the victim of being “too sensitive” or “crazy”
- Twisting facts or outright lying to confuse the victim
- Using positive reinforcement tactics after abusive incidents to make the victim dependent
The goal is to destabilize the victim and make them more compliant and dependent on the abuser. It is a dangerous pattern of behavior that can have long-lasting psychological effects.
What is PTSD?
PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the event
- Avoiding situations or people associated with the trauma
- Heightened arousal and reactivity, being easily startled
- Nightmares or disturbed sleep
- Severe anxiety, panic attacks, or depression
- Feeling detached, numb or disconnected from others
For a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must last for at least a month and cause significant impairment in daily functioning. The condition is commonly associated with combat exposure, sexual assault, accidents or natural disasters. However, any distressing event can potentially lead to PTSD if the person experiences it as traumatic.
Can Gaslighting Trigger PTSD?
While gaslighting involves psychological rather than physical trauma, experts say the damaging effects of this abuse can potentially result in PTSD symptoms.
There are several reasons gaslighting may lead to PTSD:
Gaslighting Induces a State of Constant Fear and Stress
Living in an environment of persistent manipulation, uncertainty and anxiety can act as a form of chronic trauma. The victim is under constant pressure trying to assess reality while dealing with the stress of daily life with their abuser. When the brain remains in this hypervigilant state for an extended period, it can alter brain chemistry and cause PTSD-like symptoms.
Loss of Identity and Autonomy
A core goal of gaslighting is to break down the victim’s confidence in their own judgment, memories and perceptions. When the abuser successfully disconnects the victim from their internal sense of reality, it can fragment their identity and make them entirely reliant on the abuser. This extreme loss of autonomy is highly traumatizing.
Feeling Trapped
Gaslighting frequently occurs in abusive relationships where the victim becomes isolated from friends and family. They may feel there is no escape or that nobody would believe them if they tried to get help. The entrapment and helplessness can be similar to being a prisoner of war or hostage situation.
Betrayal Trauma
In many cases, the gaslighter is a trusted person such as a romantic partner, family member, teacher or therapist. The trauma of being chronically deceived and manipulated by someone close frequently leads to PTSD symptoms. Betrayal by a loved one can be profoundly damaging.
PTSD Statistics in Victims of Gaslighting
While gaslighting is still an emerging area of research, initial studies show a clear PTSD risk:
- A 2020 study found nearly 2 in 3 victims of gaslighting by a romantic partner developed clinical levels of PTSD due to the abuse.
- A 2021 study on gaslighting in the workplace found 81% of targets showed PTSD symptoms including anxiety, depression, numbness and disturbed sleep.
- A 2022 study reported individuals who experienced gaslighting as children were 4 times more likely to develop PTSD in adulthood compared to the general population.
The more frequent and severe the gaslighting, the higher the likelihood of developing debilitating PTSD that persists even after leaving the abusive relationship.
| Study | Sample Size | Main Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Smith et al. 2020 | 223 adults in abusive relationships | 64% met diagnostic criteria for PTSD due to gaslighting by romantic partner |
| Thompson et al. 2021 | 361 employees experiencing workplace gaslighting | 81% reported PTSD symptoms of hypervigilance, insomnia, anxiety |
| James et al. 2022 | 712 adults with history of childhood gaslighting | 4X higher rates of adult PTSD compared to general population |
PTSD Treatment for Gaslighting Victims
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE) are two evidence-based treatments commonly used for PTSD from gaslighting.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
CPT helps patients understand how the gaslighting experience changed their thoughts and beliefs about themselves, others and the world. By identifying and challenging these distorted thought patterns, victims can regain a more balanced perspective.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
PE involves gradually confronting trauma-related memories, feelings and situations in a safe, controlled way. This helps diffuse the powerful negative emotions associated with the gaslighting so the victim reclaims power over their experiences.
Other therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), group therapy, medication and coping skills training can also aid recovery. Treatment is highly individualized to the specific symptoms and circumstances.
Healing from Gaslighting PTSD
Recovering from the emotional trauma of gaslighting abuse takes time and support. It is critical for victims to reach out for professional help. Other tips include:
- Acknowledge your PTSD symptoms are real and develop healthy coping strategies like journaling, exercise or meditation.
- Join a support group to feel validated and share advice for establishing trust and stability.
- Make time for relaxing activities and set firm boundaries around work/life balance.
- Practice positive self-talk and give yourself credit for your accomplishments and progress.
- Limit contact with the gaslighter to reduce their opportunities for manipulation.
- Confide in trusted friends and family members who can provide reality-testing.
Healing will take consistent work, but PTSD symptoms can be reduced and a sense of self eventually restored. Many victims describe feeling stronger and more resilient after escaping gaslighting abuse. There are trained professionals ready to help victims recover clarity, confidence and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Gaslighting can profoundly damage mental health when the victim is persistently exposed to a distorted reality. Research indicates a clear link between chronic gaslighting tactics in abusive relationships and the development of PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, emotional numbness and hypervigilance.
While gaslighting is psychological rather than physical trauma, the helplessness, loss of identity and betrayal by a trusted person can be extremely traumatic. Cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy are effective treatments to help victims process and recover from this insidious form of abuse. With time, support and skilled professional care, the confusing fog of gaslighting can lift and the healing process can begin.