Factor structure and symptom classes of ICD-11 complex posttraumatic stress disorder in a South Korean general...

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are known as risk factors for poor adulthood mental health, including ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD). While many studies focused on the association of ACE and CPTSD, examining variant symptom patterns related to ACE is lacking.

This study aimed to identify the factorial validity of the ICD-11 CPTSD and its distinctive symptom classes in Korean adults with ACE from a representative community sample and examine the risk factors and clinical symptoms that distinguish the CPTSD symptom classes.

We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study with the International Trauma Questionnaire data from 800 adult general population with ACE histories. A confirmatory factor analysis, latent class analysis, analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression were conducted.

Results of confirmatory factor analysis supported a six-factor correlation model, while a two-factor higher-order model with PTSD and disturbances in self-organization (DSO) as correlated constructs also showed excellent fit. A latent class analysis identified six classes, including a distinctive ICD-11 CPTSD and PTSD, additionally a DSO with sense of threat, a DSO, an emotion dysregulation, and a low symptom class, showing distinguished features in ACE patterns, lifetime trauma, depression, somatization, panic disorder, and subtypes of dissociation.

The factorial and discriminant validity of ICD-11 CPTSD for Korean ACE survivors were confirmed. Recognizing the pervasive impact of patterns of ACEs and lifetime trauma would be helpful in access to and delivery of appropriate mental health services. Variation in symptom presentations of CPTSD and the role of dissociation should be of concern, that it may bring complicated life outcomes to people with ACEs.