The relationship between ICD-11 PTSD, complex PTSD and dissociative experiences.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• The role of dissociation in traumatic stress disorders is debated.
• The International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) introduces new diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD).
• Understanding the relationship between dissociation and CPTSD is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the associations between ICD-11 CPTSD criteria and dissociative experiences.
• To investigate the prevalence of CPTSD versus PTSD in a sample of highly traumatized patients.
• To identify specific CPTSD symptom clusters associated with dissociation.

Main Methods:

• A clinical sample (N=106) of highly traumatized patients from the UK completed measures of traumatic stress and dissociative experiences.
• Participants were assessed for ICD-11 diagnoses of CPTSD and PTSD.
• Statistical analyses, including multivariate associations, were used to examine relationships between diagnoses, symptom clusters, and dissociation levels.

Main Results:

• The majority of participants met criteria for CPTSD (69.1%), with a smaller proportion meeting criteria for PTSD (9.3%).
• Individuals with CPTSD reported significantly higher levels of dissociative experiences than those with PTSD or no diagnosis.
• Affective Dysregulation, Re-experiencing in the here and now, and Disturbed Relationships were significantly associated with dissociation in CPTSD.

Conclusions:

• Dissociative experiences are highly relevant for individuals diagnosed with CPTSD under the ICD-11 framework.
• The findings highlight the importance of assessing dissociation in the context of complex trauma.
• Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify whether dissociation is a risk factor for or a consequence of CPTSD.