DSM-5-based latent PTSD models: Assessing structural relations with GAD in Filipino post-relocatees

An increasing number of studies investigated the latent factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology following the new fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To date, there is no consensus on the best representation of PTSD. This study examined six latent PTSD models in a sample of Filipino post-disaster relocatees (N = 523). Further investigation on the relationship of the best-fitting model to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in the latent level was conducted. The seven-factor hybrid model consisting of intrusion, avoidance, negative affect, anhedonia, externalizing behaviors, anxious arousal, and dysphoric arousal, was the best fitting model. Latent associations between the factors in the hybrid model and GAD suggest there are core and transdiagnostic features of PTSD. These findings have implications for understanding the underlying mechanism of PTSD and can inform the development of trauma-related interventions, particularly among post-disaster relocatees.