Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:06
Chronic Social Defeat Stress in Early Adolescent Male Mice
Published on: January 24, 2025
Complex PTSD symptom trajectories in trauma-exposed adolescents: a five-year longitudinal study
Agniete Kairyte1, Evaldas Kazlauskas1, Paulina Zelviene1
1Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Psychology, Center for Psychotraumatology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
European Journal of Psychotraumatology
|August 10, 2026
Summary
This longitudinal study tracked adolescents with trauma exposure, finding that complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms remained elevated over five years for those diagnosed at the study
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Adolescent Mental Health
Background:
- Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom profiles and risk factors are known, but its longitudinal course in adolescents is unclear.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the developmental trajectories of complex PTSD symptoms in youth.
- Understanding the long-term course of complex PTSD is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal trajectories of ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD symptoms.
- To examine diagnostic changes in trauma-related disorders over five years in a trauma-exposed adolescent sample.
- To identify patterns of symptom development and stability in complex PTSD among adolescents.
Main Methods:
- A five-year, three-wave longitudinal study involving 156 trauma-exposed adolescents (mean age 17.10 years).
- Self-report questionnaires were administered to assess PTSD and complex PTSD symptoms.
- Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to analyze changes in complex PTSD symptom clusters.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of participants (46.8%) met criteria for PTSD or complex PTSD at some point; however, persistent diagnoses across all waves were rare.
- Adolescents diagnosed with complex PTSD at the final wave showed consistently elevated symptom clusters over time.
- Affect dysregulation and disturbed relationship symptoms demonstrated stability in adolescents with complex PTSD at wave 3.
Conclusions:
- Complex PTSD symptoms persist over a five-year period in adolescents diagnosed with the disorder at the study's conclusion.
- Early identification of complex PTSD symptom patterns in adolescents is vital for timely trauma care and treatment.
- Further research is needed to explore complex PTSD trajectories in diverse adolescent populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
01:20Traumatic Memory
Emotionally traumatic events often lead to memories that are exceptionally vivid and enduring, sometimes persisting with remarkable clarity throughout an individual's life. A classic example of this phenomenon is a person who survives a car accident. Even years later, they may recall every detail of the event with startling accuracy — the screeching of the tires, the jarring impact, and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Such vividness contrasts sharply with how an individual remembers mundane...
01:24Attachment Styles
Jeffrey Simpson's attachment theory suggests that early caregiver relationships shape lasting patterns of behavior and emotional regulation, known as attachment styles. These patterns are organized along two key dimensions: self-esteem and interpersonal trust. The intersection of these dimensions produces four primary attachment styles that typically persist throughout life and significantly influence how individuals form and maintain relationships.Secure Attachment StyleIndividuals with a...
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the recognition that people have...
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...