Complex Trauma Care Pathway: Results of a 12-Month Pilot

Sustained, developmentally adverse experiences in childhood put survivors at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder and impairments in biological, affective, cognitive, and intra/interpersonal domains. Complex trauma symptoms are often treated in isolation without addressing their common root cause. The trauma-focused phased Complex Trauma Care Pathway (CTCP) was developed to address this care gap.

We piloted the CTCP in 2 medical centers for 12 months among 46 therapist-referred adults. Outcome measures collected every 3 months included standardized scales assessing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and disorders of extreme stress not otherwise specified (DESNOS).

Statistically significant improvements occurred in mean scores for anxiety (p = 0.003), total DESNOS scores (p < 0.001), and 5 DESNOS domains: alterations in regulation of affect and impulses, alterations in regulation of attention or consciousness, alterations in self-perception, alterations in relationships with others (p < 0.001 for all), and alterations in systems of meaning (p = 0.006). In contrast, decreases in symptoms of somatization, depression, substance use, and suicidal thoughts were not statistically significant. Participant feedback was very positive.

Many trials evaluate phased interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder, but much less evidence exists about effective interventions for complex trauma. Our study fills a knowledge gap.

The CTCP shows promising clinical efficacy and should be evaluated using a more rigorous design. Further research should also explore the relationship between the CTCP or similar interventions and chronic disease management, overall healthcare utilization, and suicide risk.