Traumatic experiences, ICD-11 PTSD, ICD-11 complex PTSD, and the overlap with ICD-10 diagnoses

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Trauma Studies
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Traumatic experiences are widespread among psychiatric outpatients.
• Understanding the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) is crucial for effective treatment.
• Investigating the overlap between ICD-11 and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria is essential for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of traumatic experiences in psychiatric outpatients.
• To assess the prevalence rates of ICD-11 post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD).
• To examine the overlap between ICD-11 PTSD/CPTSD and ICD-10 classified disorders.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 165 Danish psychiatric outpatients completed the International Trauma Questionnaire, Life Event Checklist, and WHO Well-being Index.
• ICD-10 diagnoses were retrieved from hospital records.
• Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, and conditional probability analysis.

Main Results:

• Nearly all patients (94%) reported at least one traumatic event.
• ICD-11 complex PTSD (CPTSD) was diagnosed in 36% of patients, significantly more than ICD-11 PTSD (8%).
• Both ICD-11 CPTSD and PTSD showed considerable overlap with various ICD-10 disorders, including affective, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. Notably, 23% of patients with ICD-10 PTSD did not meet ICD-11 PTSD or CPTSD criteria.

Conclusions:

• Traumatic experiences are nearly universal in this psychiatric outpatient population.
• ICD-11 complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a highly prevalent diagnosis in psychiatric outpatients.
• A significant portion of patients diagnosed with ICD-10 PTSD do not meet criteria for ICD-11 PTSD or CPTSD, highlighting diagnostic discrepancies and the need for updated diagnostic frameworks.