[Complex trauma: A theoretical and clinical approach]

The concept of complex trauma (or developmental trauma) has been proposed to refer both to chronic exposure to interpersonal experiences in children and adolescents and to the constellation of possible sequelae that cause significant difficulties throughout life. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the theoretical and clinical approaches to complex trauma in order to better understand the scope of this concept. Through a review of the literature, this chapter outlines the historical evolution of this concept, its current definition, the diagnostic issues involved, and the preferred directions for its future use in research and clinical practice. This article highlights the significant shift that has taken place over time, from a concept closely linked to the traumatic experiences of individuals and the clinical challenges they face, to a collective responsibility to implement social actions that can lead to deeper structural and systemic change.