Interrelations among PTSD, Complex PTSD, and depression in Syrian refugees: A network analysis.
1Department of Psychology, Mersin University.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|December 4, 2025
Summary
Syrian refugees show interconnected symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), and depression. Network analysis identified key symptoms like avoiding reminders and relationship difficulties, crucial for targeted mental health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- The Syrian civil war caused mass displacement and significant psychological distress among refugees.
- High prevalence rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), and depression are observed in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the interconnections between PTSD, CPTSD, and depressive symptoms in Syrian refugees residing in Türkiye.
- To identify central and bridge symptoms within the network of these disorders.
Main Methods:
- Network analysis was employed on data from 628 adult Syrian refugees.
- Symptoms of PTSD, CPTSD, and depression were assessed using the International Trauma Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire-9.
Main Results:
- A moderately dense symptom network revealed strong associations between PTSD, CPTSD, and depression.
- "Avoiding external reminders," "feeling down, depressed, or hopeless," and "difficulty maintaining close relationships" emerged as central symptoms.
- "Struggling to calm down after distress" was identified as a key bridge symptom connecting the disorders.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the network structure of PTSD, CPTSD, and depression is vital for refugee mental health.
- Identifying central and bridge symptoms can inform the development of personalized and effective interventions for Syrian refugees.
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