Predictors of complex PTSD: the role of trauma characteristics, dissociation, and comorbid psychopathology

Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation

Brief Report

A. Krause-Utz¹  M. Sack²  E. Guzman Torres³ 

[1] Department Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Universiteit Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands;Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany;Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany;Department Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Universiteit Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands;

关键词: CPTSD;    Symptom severity;    Trauma characteristics;    Comorbid disorders;    Dissociation;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40479-022-00208-7

 received in 2022-08-08, accepted in 2022-12-08,  发布年份 2022

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundComplex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) has previously been associated with earlier trauma onset, repeated interpersonal traumatization, more dissociation, and more comorbid psychopathology. However, it is still debated if the afore-mentioned risk factors are related to CPTSD diagnosis or rather indicative of a more severe form of post-traumatic distress. The aim of this study was to compare patients with a CPTSD diagnosis to those with PTSD in trauma characteristics (onset, chronicity, interpersonal nature, familiarity with perpetrator), dissociation, and psychiatric comorbidities, while accounting for symptom severity.MethodsIn total, N = 81 patients with a trauma history (n = 43 with CPTSD; n = 37 with PTSD) underwent diagnostic interviews by trained clinicians and completed measures on CPTSD symptom severity, trauma characteristics, and dissociation (Screening for Complex PTSD; Dissociative Experience Scale Taxon).ResultsPatients with CPTSD reported earlier onset of trauma, more trauma perpetrated by acquaintances or family members, and more comorbidities than those with PTSD, also when accounting for symptom severity. No group differences in chronicity and dissociation were found. Severity of CPTSD was associated with earlier onset, familiarity with perpetrator, more comorbid (affective) disorders, and dissociation in both diagnostic groups.ConclusionFindings largely confirm earlier research, suggesting that CPTSD is associated with traumatic events that start earlier in life and are perpetrated by acquaintances. Focusing on transdiagnostic symptoms, such as dissociation, may help to detain symptom deterioration. Due to the small sample size, findings need to be interpreted with caution and further research is needed to replicate findings in larger samples. Future research should also elucidate possible working mechanisms besides dissociation, such as emotion dysregulation or negative self-image.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2022

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