Bidirectional relationships among complex PTSD, dissociation, and psychotic symptoms in two samples

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Trauma-related symptoms, including complex PTSD and dissociation, frequently co-occur with psychotic symptoms.
• The longitudinal interplay between these symptom clusters remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the bidirectional relationships between complex PTSD, dissociative symptoms, and positive psychotic symptoms over time.
• To analyze these relationships in two distinct cultural samples.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal data from two independent samples (N=214 and N=301) of adults were analyzed.
• Validated measures of ICD-11 complex PTSD, dissociation, and positive psychotic symptoms were administered at baseline and follow-up.
• Cross-lagged panel models examined the temporal associations between symptom clusters.

Main Results:

• In one sample, baseline dissociative symptoms predicted subsequent positive psychotic symptoms.
• No significant longitudinal associations were found between trauma-related and psychotic symptoms in the second sample.
• Disturbances in self-organization symptoms consistently predicted 'classical' PTSD symptoms across both samples.

Conclusions:

• This research offers initial insights into the longitudinal connections between complex PTSD, dissociation, and psychosis.
• Inconsistent findings underscore the need for further investigation into these complex relationships.
• Addressing disturbances in self-organization may be crucial for preventing and treating PTSD symptoms.