Less is more? Assessing the validity of the ICD-11 model of PTSD across multiple trauma samples

Two sides of the same coin? What neural processing of emotion and rewards can tell us about complex post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder

BACKGROUND

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) share clinical similarities, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Research on the neurobiology of BPD and monotraumatic PTSD has shown that a prefrontal-limbic imbalance in emotional and reward processing is a hallmark of both disorders, but studies examining this network in cPTSD are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to directly compare neural processing of emotion and reward during decision making in cPTSD and BPD.

METHODS

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we measured neural activity in female patients (27 patients with cPTSD, 21 patients with BPD and 37 healthy controls) during a Desire-Reason Dilemma task featuring distracting fearful facial expressions.

RESULTS

We found no differences in neural activation when comparing cPTSD and BPD. However, when grouping patients based on symptom severity instead on diagnosis, we found that increased symptoms of cPTSD were associated with increased activation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during reward rejection, whereas increased symptoms of BPD were associated with decreased activation in prefrontal and limbic regions during reward rejection with distracting negative emotional stimuli.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to investigate and compare emotional processing and reward-based decision making in cPTSD and BPD. Although we found no neural differences between disorders, we identified symptom-related neural patterns. Specifically, we found that elevated cPTSD symptoms were related to greater sensitivity to reward stimuli, whereas heightened BPD symptoms were related to increased susceptibility to emotional stimuli during goal-directed decision making. These findings enhance our understanding of neural pathomechanisms in trauma-related disorders.

Social support utilization's effect on post-traumatic stress symptoms: a Danish cross-sectional study of 383 ambulance personnel

Introduction

Social support is considered an important factor in prevention of mental illness. However, little is known about the association between ambulance personnel's use of multiple types of social support and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). This study aims to assess if number of used social support types predicts PTSS for ambulance personnel. Apart from assessing the main effect of social support utilization, we were interested in investigating if social support utilization moderated the effect of frequency of critical events on PTSS.

Materials and methods

A total of 383 ambulance personnel completed a survey consisting of validated questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between frequency of traumatic exposure and utilization of social support and PTSS as outcome variable.

Results

Higher number of utilized social support types was associated with higher levels of PTSS (β = 0.15, p <.001). When serving as a moderator of the association between frequency of exposure to critical incidents and PTSS, social support utilization had a significant and positive interaction effect (β = 0.26, p = .049). 307 participants had used 2 or 3 types of informal support during the past year, whereas 81 had used 2 or 3 types of formal support.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the relationship between utilization of multiple, concurrent social support types and PTSS. This study suggests that to understand the effects of social support among ambulance personnel, it is necessary to assess the utilization of multiple concurrent support types, contributing factors to social support use, and different patterns of social support utilization that constitutes professional life in ambulance work.

The German PCL-5: evaluating structural validity in a large-scale sample of the general German population

Background: In attempts to elucidate PTSD, recent factor analytic studies resulted in complex models with a proliferating number of factors that lack psychometrical and clinical utility. Recently, suggestions have been made to optimize factor analytic practices to meet a refined set of statistical and psychometric criteria.Objective: This study aims to assess the factorial structure of the German version of the PCL-5, implementing recent methodological advancements to address the risk of overfitting models. In doing so we diverge from traditional factor analytical research on PTSD.Method: On a large-scale sample of the German general population (n = 1625), exploratory factor analyses were run to investigate the dimensionality found within the data. Subsequently, we validated and compared all model suggestions from our preliminary analyses plus all standard and common alternative PTSD factor models (including the ICD-11 model) from previous literature with confirmatory factor analyses. We not only consider model fit indices based on WLSMV estimation but also deploy criteria such as favouring less complex models with a parsimonious number of factors, sufficient items per factor, low inter-factor correlations and number of model misspecifications.Results: All tested models showed adequate to excellent fit in respect to traditional model fit indices; however, models with two or more factors increasingly failed to meet other statistical and psychometric criteria.Conclusion: Based on the results we favour a two-factor bifactor model with a strong general PTSD factor and two less dominant specific factors - one factor with trauma-related symptoms (re-experiencing and avoidance) and one factor with global psychological symptoms (describing the trauma's higher-order impact on mood, cognition, behaviour and arousal).From the perspective of clinical utility, we recommend the cut-off scoring method for the German version of the PCL-5. Basic psychometric properties and scale characteristics are provided.

A comparison of DSM-5 and ICD-11 models of PTSD: Measurement invariance and psychometric validation in Filipino trauma samples

This study examined and compared the factor structure of DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD models and their relationships with transdiagnostic symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, negative affect, and somatic symptoms) in eight trauma samples: (1) natural disaster relocatees; (2) Typhoon Haiyan survivors; (3) indigenous people exposed to armed conflict; (4) internally displaced persons due to armed conflict; (5) soldiers regularly involved in armed conflict; (6) police exposed to work-related traumatic events; (7) abused women; and (8) college students with diverse trauma experiences. Results showed that while the ICD-11 PTSD has better model fit than that of DSM-5, the DSM-5 PTSD model has stronger relationships with all transdiagnostic symptoms in almost all of the samples. The study highlights that in choosing which PTSD nomenclature to use, both the factor structure and comorbidity with other symptoms must be considered.

Evaluation of an adapted version of the International Trauma Questionnaire for use by people with intellectual disabilities

AIMS

The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is a novel assessment instrument that is aligned to the ICD-11 diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD). The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an adapted version of the ITQ suitable for use by people with intellectual disabilities.

METHODS

The ITQ-ID follows the original ITQ, using wording developed in collaboration with a focus group of people with intellectual disabilities The ITQ-ID was administered to 40 people with intellectual disabilities recruited from learning disability forensic and community settings, alongside a Trauma Information Form and the Impact of Event Scale-Intellectual Disabilities (IES-IDs).

RESULTS

Most participants reported multiple traumatizing events. Around half of the participants met strict criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, and around three quarters met looser criteria. Depending on definitions, between 66% and 93% of those who met criteria for PTSD also met criteria for a diagnosis of CPTSD. The ITQ-ID showed a single-component structure, with very good-to-excellent internal consistency, excellent test-retest reliability, and evidence of concurrent, discriminant, and content validity.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results support the potential of the ITQ-ID for assessment of PTSD and CPTSD in people with intellectual disabilities in both clinical and research contexts and highlight the need for further validation work.

Exploring complex-PTSD comorbidity in trauma-exposed Northern Ireland veterans

Background

Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) describes the results of complex, prolonged, and/or inescapable trauma, and is typified by avoidance, re-experiencing, sense of threat, affect dysregulation, negative self-concept, and interpersonal disturbances. Additionally, CPTSD is highly comorbid with other common psychopathologies.

Objectives

A study was conducted in a trauma-exposed UK Armed Forces Veteran population resident in Northern Ireland (N = 638, NI) to determine the prevalence of CPTSD and comorbid associations.

Methods

Data from the Northern Ireland Veterans Health and Wellbeing Study (NIVHWS), including self-report data describing traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality, were used in a latent class analysis to identify distinct profiles of symptomology in the sample, and in a multinomial logistic regression to identify comorbidities associated with class membership.

Results

Three distinct classes emerged: a low endorsement 'baseline' class (36%), a 'Moderate Symptomatic' class (27%), and a high endorsement 'Probable CPTSD' class (37%). Both the Moderate Symptomatic and CPTSD classes were predicted by cumulative trauma exposure. Depression was highly comorbid (OR = 23.06 in CPTSD), as was anxiety (OR = 22.05 in CPTSD) and suicidal ideation (OR = 4.32 in CPTSD), with suicidal attempt associated with the CPTSD class (OR = 2.51).

Conclusions

Cases of probable CPTSD were more prevalent than cases of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without Difficulties in Self-Organisation (DSO) symptoms in a UK Armed Forces veteran sample, were associated with repeated/cumulative trauma, and were highly comorbid across a range of psychopathologies. Findings validate previous literature on CPTSD and indicate considerable distress and thus need for support in UK Armed Forces veterans resident in NI.

Can developmental trauma disorder be distinguished from posttraumatic stress disorder? A symptom-level person-centred empirical approach

BACKGROUND

Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) is a proposed childhood psychiatric diagnosis for psychopathological and developmental sequela of victimization and attachment trauma extending beyond posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a sub-group of trauma-impacted children is characterized by symptoms of DTD that extend beyond, or co-occur with, the symptoms of PTSD.

METHOD

Person-centred Latent Class Analyses (LCA) were done with data from 507 children (ages 7-18 years, (M = 12.11, SD = 2/92); 49% female) referred to the study by mental health or paediatric clinicians.

RESULTS

A four class solution was optimal (LMR = 398.264, p < .001; Entropy = .93): (1) combined DTD + PTSD (n = 150); (2) predominant DTD (n = 156); (3) predominant PTSD (n = 54); (4) minimal symptoms (n = 147). Consistent with prior research, the DTD + PTSD class was most likely to have experienced traumatic emotional abuse and neglect (X² (3) = 16.916 and 28.016, respectively, p < .001), and had the most psychiatric comorbidity (F(3, 502) = 3.204, p < .05). Predominant DTD class members were most likely to meet criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) (X²(3) = 84.66, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of DTD may occur with, or separately from, PTSD symptoms. Children with high DTD|+PTSD symptoms had extensive psychiatric comorbidity, while those with high DTD symptoms and minimal PTSD symptoms were highly likely to meet criteria for ODD. In clinical and research assessment and treatment of children with complex psychiatric comorbidity or disruptive behaviour problems, symptoms of DTD should be considered, both along with, and in the absence of, PTSD symptoms.

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) based on DSM-5 vs. ICD-11 criteria

INTRODUCTION

Many studies have investigated the latent structure of the DSM-5 criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, most research on this topic was based on self-report data. We aimed to investigate the latent structure of PTSD based on a clinical interview, the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5).

METHOD

A clinical sample of 345 participants took part in this multi-centre study. Participants were assessed with the CAPS-5 and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5). We evaluated eight competing models of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms and three competing models of ICD-11 PTSD symptoms.

RESULTS

The internal consistency of the CAPS-5 was replicated. In CFAs, the Anhedonia model emerged as the best fitting model within all tested DSM-5 models. However, when compared with the Anhedonia model, the non-nested ICD-11 model as a less complex three-factor solution showed better model fit indices.

DISCUSSION

We discuss the findings in the context of earlier empirical findings as well as theoretical models of PTSD.

The association of probable PTSD at baseline and pain-related outcomes after chronic pain rehabilitation: A comparison of DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria for PTSD

BACKGROUND

There is a high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with chronic pain. However, different patients are identified depending on the diagnostic system used. Moreover, it is unclear if the conceptualizations of PTSD are differently associated with outcomes of pain rehabilitation. Hence, the aims of the present study were first to explore the prevalence rates and diagnostic agreement of probable PTSD according to the ICD-11 and the DSM-5 screening tools (International Trauma Questionnaire [ITQ] vs. PTSD Checklist [PCL-5]), and secondly, to explore the associations of probable PTSD determined by ITQ and PCL-5 with psychological distress measures at baseline, and thirdly, the associations with pain and disability after pain rehabilitation adjusting for psychological covariates.

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of patients with chronic non-malignant pain (n = 152) referred to a Danish interdisciplinary pain center was assessed at baseline prior to their first visit and at follow-up three days after completed treatment.

RESULTS

The estimated probable PTSD baseline prevalence rates were 15.8% (ITQ) and 16.4% (PCL-5). However, the diagnostic agreement between the PCL-5 and the ITQ was only moderate (k = 0.64). Overall, compared to the ITQ probable PTSD according to the PCL-5 correlated more strongly with psychological distress. Only the ITQ was associated with poorer outcomes after rehabilitation, explaining alone 7-8% of the variance in disability and pain intensity adjusted for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

The results underline the importance of taking the conceptualization and assessment of PTSD into consideration when investigating the impact of PTSD on pain rehabilitation.

SIGNIFICANCE

There is a high prevalence of probable PTSD in patients with chronic pain. However, different patients with probable PTSD are identified depending on the diagnostic system used. Although similar probable PTSD prevalence rates (about 16%) were found using DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD screening tools (PCL-5 and ITQ, respectively), the diagnostic agreement between the systems was only moderate (k = 0.64). At the same time, only probable PTSD estimated according to the ITQ and not the PCL-5 was a significant predictor of disability after pain rehabilitation.

Item Response Model Validation of the German ICD-11 International Trauma Questionnaire for PTSD and CPTSD

Background

In the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the complex variant (CPTSD) were newly conceptualised. The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) was developed as a brief self-report measure to screen for both disorders. The English original version has been rigorously tested and presents convincing psychometric properties. The aim of the current study was to validate the German version by means of item response theory (IRT).

Method

This is a secondary analysis of a representative, trauma-exposed adult sample from the German general population (N = 500). 1- and 2-parameter logistic IRT models (i.e. examination on an item level), diagnostic rates and confirmatory factor analyses were calculated.

Results

All items showed good model fit and acceptable to good performance aligning with the items of the English original except for item C1 (Long time to calm down) which had a high endorsement rate and a low discriminatory power yielding low information gain. CPTSD diagnostic rate of 3.2% was lower than in comparable literature. Confirmatory factor analysis deemed the six first-order, two second-order factors model superior.

Conclusion

Measurement and factorial validity of the German version of the ITQ was confirmed. The German translation matches the English original in most psychometric properties and can thus be used for research and clinical practice.

Validation of the Danish International Trauma Questionnaire for posttraumatic stress disorder in chronic pain patients using clinician-rated diagnostic interviews

Background: The estimated prevalence rate of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is high in trauma-exposed chronic pain patients. At the same time, self-report measures of PTSD tend to be over-inclusive within this specific population due to the high symptom overlap resulting in potential false positives. There is a need for an updated PTSD screening tools with a proper validation against clinical interviews according to the recently published 11^th revision of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Objective: The present study aimed to validate the Danish International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) PTSD part in a sample of trauma-exposed chronic pain patients. Method: The ITQ was validated using a clinician-rated diagnostic interview of ICD-11 PTSD among chronic pain patients exposed to accident or work-related trauma (N = 40). Construct validity, concurrent and discriminant validity was investigated using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and correlation analysis, respectively. Three CFA models of ITQ PTSD part were tested in a sample of trauma-exposed chronic pain patients (N = 1,017) and a subsample of chronic pain patients exposed to accident or work-related trauma only (n = 367). Results: Diagnostic consistency between the six ICD-11 PTSD symptoms derived from the ITQ and the clinical interview (κ = .59) and the overall accuracy of the scale (AUC = .90) were good. The Danish ITQ showed excellent construct, concurrent and discriminant validity. The ICD-11 three factor PTSD model had excellent fit in both the full sample and the subsample of traffic and work-related accidents. Conclusions: The results indicate that the ITQ also has good psychometric properties in patients with chronic pain.

Trauma-spectrum symptoms among the Italian general population in the time of the COVID-19 outbreak

Background: Recent evidence showed adverse mental health outcomes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including trauma-related symptoms. The Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS) is a brief instrument designed to assess a broad range of trauma-related symptoms with no available validation in the Italian population. Aims: This study aimed to examine the factor structure of the Italian version of the GPS in a general population sample exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate trauma-related symptoms in the context of COVID-19 related risk factors associated with lockdown measures. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional web-based observational study as part of a long-term monitoring programme of mental health outcomes in the general population. Eighteen thousand one hundred forty-seven participants completed a self-report online questionnaire to collect key demographic data and evaluate trauma-related symptoms using the GPS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, ISI, and PSS. Validation analyses included both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analyses. The relation with putative COVID-19 related risk factors was explored by multivariate regression analysis. Results: Exploratory factor analyses supported a two-factor model. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the best fitting model was a three-factor solution, with core Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) (re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal), Negative Affect (symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, irritability), and Dissociative symptoms. GPS Risk factors and specific COVID-19 related stressful events were associated with GPS total and the three factor scores. Conclusions: Our data suggest that a wide range of trauma-spectrum symptoms were reported by a large Italian sample during the COVID-19 pandemic. The GPS symptoms clustered best in three factors: Negative Affect symptoms, Core PTSS, and Dissociative symptoms. In particular, high rates of core PTSS and negative affect symptoms were associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy and should be routinely assessed in clinical practice.

Mental health in adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway between 2015 and 2017: a nationwide, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional prevalence study

BACKGROUND

The number of forcibly displaced people globally has never been higher, with refugees from Syria constituting the largest displaced population worldwide. Many studies have documented elevated levels of mental health problems in refugee populations, though prevalence estimates of common mental disorders vary considerably between studies, explained both by methodological and contextual factors.

OBJECTIVE

Using questionnaire-based screening checklists to approximate the prevalence of and investigate risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression among adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway and to compare estimates with a sister-study in Sweden.

METHOD

Cross-sectional survey of a randomly selected sample from the National Population Register in Norway of adult refugees from Syria who were granted residency rights in Norway between 2015 and 2017 (N_sample = 9,990; n_respondents = 902). Above-threshold scores on the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) defined caseness for PTSD (HTQ>2.06); anxiety (HSCL_anxitey>1.75); and depression (HSCL_depression>1.80).

RESULTS

Weighted, checklist-positive prevalence estimates for PTSD, anxiety and depression were 29.7% (25.4%-34.4%), 30.1% (25.7%-34.9%), and 45.2% (40.6%-49.8%), respectively. Cumulative exposure to potentially traumatic experiences before or during flight was a clear risk factor for all outcomes, and female gender was a risk factor for anxiety and depression, though only in adjusted analyses. The choice of HTQ cut-off to define PTSD caseness (2.5 vs. 2.06) had a notable effect on prevalence estimates.

CONCLUSION

In line with prior evidence, the present study suggests adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway have higher rates of anxiety and depression and markedly higher rates of PTSD compared to general, non-refugee populations, and that this is clearly linked to past traumatic experiences. Prevalence estimates were highly consistent with estimates from the sister-study in Sweden, which used almost identical methodology. Findings underline the importance of screening for and intervening on mental health problems in newly arrived refugees.

Psychiatric comorbidity of developmental trauma disorder and posttraumatic Stress disorder: findings from the DTD field trial replication (DTDFT-R)

Background: Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) has extensive comorbidity with internalizing and externalizing disorders distinct from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective: To replicate findings of DTD comorbidity and to determine whether this comorbidity is distinct from, and extends beyond, comorbidities of PTSD. Method: DTD was assessed by structured interview, and probable DSM-IV psychiatric disorders were identified with KSADS-PL screening modules, in a multi-site sample of 271 children (ages 8-18 years old; 47% female) in outpatient or residential mental health treatment for multiple (M = 3.5 [SD = 2.4]) psychiatric diagnoses other than PTSD or DTD. Results: DTD (N = 74, 27%) and PTSD (N = 107, 39%) were highly comorbid and shared several DSM-IV internalizing and externalizing disorder comorbidities. Children with DTD with or without PTSD had more comorbid diagnoses (M = 5.7 and 5.2 [SD = 2.4 and 1.7], respectively) than children with PTSD but not DTD (M = 3.8[SD = 2.1]) or neither PTSD nor DTD (M = 2.1[SD = 1.9]), F[3,267] = 55.49, p < .001. Further, on a multivariate basis controlling for demographics and including all potential comorbid disorders, DTD was associated with separation anxiety disorder, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder after controlling for PTSD, while PTSD was associated only with separation anxiety disorder after controlling for DTD. Both DTD and PTSD were associated with suicidality. Conclusions: DTD is associated with psychiatric comorbidity beyond that of PTSD, and DTD warrants assessment for treatment planning with children in intensive psychiatric services.

Exploring mood symptoms overlap in PTSD diagnosis: ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria compared in a sample of subjects with Bipolar Disorder

BACKGROUND

The latest edition of the ICD (ICD-11) introduced relevant modifications to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnostic criteria with respect to those of the DSM-5, including the exclusion of DSM-5 symptoms that potentially overlapped with mood disorders. To date, no study has yet investigated the differences in PTSD and its related symptoms, according to the two diagnostic systems in subjects with mood disorders. The aim of the present study was to compare the DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for PTSD in a sample of patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD).

METHODS

An overall sample of 210 in-patients with BD completed the Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self Report, assessing post-traumatic stress symptoms, to compare symptomatological PTSD diagnosis according to either the DSM-5 or the ICD-11 criteria.

RESULTS

DSM-5 PTSD was detected in 41% of the whole sample, whereas ICD-11 PTSD in 31.8%. The two diagnostic systems showed good concordance (Cohen's k = 0.643), whereas the concordance of re-experiencing and arousal criteria were moderate (Cohen's k = 0.578) and good (Cohen's k = 0.791), respectively. Almost all the subjects with a diagnosis of ICD-11 PTSD (92.5%) endorsed the "negative alterations in cognitions and mood" DSM-5 criterion.

LIMITATIONS

The small size, the use of a self-report instrument.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show high rates of PTSD and post-traumatic stress symptoms among subjects with BD according to both DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria, despite significantly lower with the latter. However, potentially DSM-5 mood overlapping symptoms appear to be significantly higher among bipolar patients with ICD-11 PTSD with respect to those without.

Occupational Violence and PTSD-Symptoms: A Prospective Study on the Indirect Effects of Violence Through Time Pressure and Nontraumatic Strains in the Occupational Context

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess whether frequency of occupational violence (OV) affects posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms through nontraumatic strains in the occupational context.

METHODS

Twelve-month prospective survey data on 1763 Social educators were used. Path-analysis measured direct and indirect pathways of frequency of OV on PTSD through change in time pressure, change in burnout, change in sense of safety at work, and change in coping with regret in patient work.

RESULTS

Forty-two pct. of the variance in PTSD symptoms was predicted; F (20, 1541) = 36.8, P < 0.001, R = 0.42. Frequency of OV indirectly affected level of PTSD through all the mediators; estimated indirect effects = 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.22.

CONCLUSION

PTSD resulting from OV is not only a result of the violent acts themselves but is also caused by nontraumatic strains. It is essential to include the broader context of work environment factors in prevention of work-related PTSD.

Symptom structure of PTSD and co-morbid depressive symptoms - a network analysis of combat veteran patients

BACKGROUND

Despite extensive research, symptom structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly debated. The network approach to psychopathology offers a novel method for understanding and conceptualizing PTSD. However, extant studies have mainly used small samples and self-report measures among sub-clinical populations, while also overlooking co-morbid depressive symptoms.

METHODS

PTSD symptom network topology was estimated in a sample of 1489 treatment-seeking veteran patients based on a clinician-rated PTSD measure. Next, clinician-rated depressive symptoms were incorporated into the network to assess their influence on PTSD network structure. The PTSD-symptom network was then contrasted with the network of 306 trauma-exposed (TE) treatment-seeking patients not meeting full criteria for PTSD to assess corresponding network differences. Finally, a directed acyclic graph (DAG) was computed to estimate potential directionality among symptoms, including depressive symptoms and daily functioning.

RESULTS

The PTSD symptom network evidenced robust reliability. Flashbacks and getting emotionally upset by trauma reminders emerged as the most central nodes in the PTSD network, regardless of the inclusion of depressive symptoms. Distinct clustering emerged for PTSD and depressive symptoms within the comorbidity network. DAG analysis suggested a key triggering role for re-experiencing symptoms. Network topology in the PTSD sample was significantly distinct from that of the TE sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Flashbacks and psychological reactions to trauma reminders, along with their strong connections to other re-experiencing symptoms, have a pivotal role in the clinical presentation of combat-related PTSD among veterans. Depressive and posttraumatic symptoms constitute two separate diagnostic entities, but with meaningful between-disorder connections, suggesting two mutually-influential systems.

Same same but different? DSM-5 versus ICD-11 PTSD among traumatized refugees in Germany

OBJECTIVE

The recent changes in diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the 5th edition of the DSM and the 11th edition of the ICD marked a shift towards two perspectives on the same disorder. Previous studies indicate lower prevalence rates for the ICD-11-model as compared to the DSM-5 model. Main purpose of this study is to examine the concordance between ICD-11 and DSM-5 PTSD rates, and to assess the overlap of the two PTSD definitions with anxiety and depression among refugees.

METHODS

167 traumatized refugees were assessed with the PCL-5 for the DSM-5 PTSD model. A subset of the items was used as criteria for the ICD-11 model. Depression and anxiety were measured with the HSCL-25.

RESULTS

The DSM-5-algorithm for PTSD identified significantly more cases (n = 147; 88%) than the ICD-11 algorithm (80%; n = 134). Level of agreement between the diagnostic systems was substantial (Κ = 0.67, p < .001) and 9% (n = 15) met criteria under one diagnostic system only. Overlap with depression and anxiety was high under both diagnostic systems.

CONCLUSION

PTSD rates indicated a highly distressed sample of survivors of war and trauma. Our data provide further evidence that the DSM-5 diagnoses a larger number of persons than the ICD-11. Although the level of agreement was substantial, the observed discrepancies represent a challenge for research and practice to reliably identify individuals with PTSD. Especially for refugees, this might affect their access to mental health care and appropriate treatment during an asylum procedure.

A comparison of ICD- 11 and DSM-5 criteria for PTSD among a representative sample of Chinese earthquake survivors

BACKGROUND

Striking differences regarding the diagnosis of PTSD exist between the ICD-11 and DSM-5. This study compared the prevalence and comorbidity of PTSD between the ICD-11 and DSM-5.

METHODS

An epidemiological sample of 1160 Chinese adult earthquake survivors collected nine and a half years following the Wenchuan earthquake, in Sichuan province. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to measure PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

RESULTS

The ICD-11 PTSD criteria yielded higher prevalence estimates than the DSM-5 criteria. There were no significant differences in PTSD's comorbidity with major depressive disorder (MDD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) between the ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Results found that the ICD-11 and DSM-5 performed differently in assessing PTSD prevalence, but showed similar co-occurrence with MDD and GAD. This study adds to knowledge about the similarities and differences of using different PTSD criteria and carries implications for clinical and research utilization of the two widely used PTSD diagnostic criteria.

Examining the boundaries between ICD-11 PTSD/CPTSD and depression and anxiety symptoms: A network analysis perspective

BACKGROUND

Two newly identified sibling disorders - ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD - have been well validated in the last few years. Although these trauma-related disorders are suggested to be neatly separated from depression and anxiety, no study has used a network analysis to examine those definitions' construct validity when they also interplay with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, no research has focused upon the specific boundaries between these four disorders' symptoms, the bridges between them, and the ways they influence each other among clinical populations.

METHODS

A sample of 234 men drawn randomly from a national sample of 1,600 Jewish men receiving treatment for domestic violence in Israel completed the ICD-11 International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI).

RESULTS

The ICD-11 CPTSD, depression and anxiety clustering network results revealed, within the EGA, a four-cluster solution in which PTSD and CPTSD symptoms are differentiated from two other distinct clusters of anxiety and depression symptoms. Feelings of worthlessness and avoiding internal reminders of the experience were the most central symptoms.

LIMITATIONS

Due to the use of a cross-sectional design, causal interpretation of the network correlation between symptoms should be made cautiously.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings strengthen the approach that ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD have a distinct construct; however, they also reflect a strong positive connection to anxiety and depression symptoms and no clear boundaries between disorders. Specifically, dysphoria/avoidance-related symptoms act as a bridge between the disorders, which may be important targets for specific assessments and related interventions.

Dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions, posttraumatic stress and depression in children and adolescents exposed to trauma: a network analysis

BACKGROUND

The latest version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) proposes a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis reduced to its core symptoms within the symptom clusters re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal. Since children and adolescents often show a variety of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in the aftermath of traumatic events, the question arises whether such a conceptualization of the PTSD diagnosis is supported in children and adolescents. Furthermore, although dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions (PTCs) appear to play an important role in the development and persistence of PTSD in children and adolescents, their function within diagnostic frameworks requires clarification.

METHODS

We compiled a large international data set of 2,313 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years exposed to trauma and calculated a network model including dysfunctional PTCs, PTSD core symptoms and depression symptoms. Central items and relations between constructs were investigated.

RESULTS

The PTSD re-experiencing symptoms strong or overwhelming emotions and strong physical sensations and the depression symptom difficulty concentrating emerged as most central. Items from the same construct were more strongly connected with each other than with items from the other constructs. Dysfunctional PTCs were not more strongly connected to core PTSD symptoms than to depression symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide support that a PTSD diagnosis reduced to its core symptoms could help to disentangle PTSD, depression and dysfunctional PTCs. Using longitudinal data and complementing between-subject with within-subject analyses might provide further insight into the relationship between dysfunctional PTCs, PTSD and depression.

A decennial review of psychotraumatology: what did we learn and where are we going?

On 6 December 2019 we start the 10th year of the European Journal of Psychotraumatogy (EJPT), a full Open Access journal on psychotrauma. This editorial is part of a special issue/collection celebrating the 10 years anniversary of the journal where we will acknowledge some of our most impactful articles of the past decade (also discussed below and marked with * in the reference list). In this editorial the editors present a decennial review of the field addressing a range of topics that are core to both the journal and to psychotraumatology as a discipline. These include neurobiological developments (genomics, neuroimaging and neuroendocrine research), forms of trauma exposure and impact across the lifespan, mass trauma and early interventions, work-related trauma, trauma in refugee populations, and the potential consequences of trauma such as PTSD or Complex PTSD, but also resilience. We address innovations in psychological, medication (enhanced) and technology-assisted treatments, mediators and moderators like social support and finally how new research methods help us to gain insights in symptom structures or to better predict symptom development or treatment success. We aimed to answer three questions 1. Where did we stand in 2010? 2. What did we learn in the past 10 years? 3. What are our knowledge gaps? We conclude with a number of recommendations concerning top priorities for the future direction of the field of psychotraumatology and correspondingly the journal.

Post-traumatic stress disorder: a state-of-the-art review of evidence and challenges

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is arguably the most common psychiatric disorder to arise after exposure to a traumatic event. Since its formal introduction in the DSM-III in 1980, knowledge has grown significantly regarding its causes, maintaining mechanisms and treatments. Despite this increased understanding, however, the actual definition of the disorder remains controversial. The DSM-5 and ICD-11 define the disorder differently, reflecting disagreements in the field about whether the construct of PTSD should encompass a broad array of psychological manifestations that arise after trauma or should be focused more specifically on trauma memory phenomena. This controversy over clarifying the phenotype of PTSD has limited the capacity to identify biomarkers and specific mechanisms of traumatic stress. This review provides an up-to-date outline of the current definitions of PTSD, its known prevalence and risk factors, the main models to explain the disorder, and evidence-supported treatments. A major conclusion is that, although trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy is the best-validated treatment for PTSD, it has stagnated over recent decades, and only two-thirds of PTSD patients respond adequately to this intervention. Moreover, most people with PTSD do not access evidence-based treatment, and this situation is much worse in low- and middle-income countries. Identifying processes that can overcome these major barriers to better management of people with PTSD remains an outstanding challenge.

Validation of the PTSD-8 Scale in Chronic Pain Patients

Objectives

The aim was to validate the short PTSD-8 scale against the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-1) for post-traumatic stress disorder and to test the latent structure of post-traumatic stress disorder in chronic pain patients.

Methods

A total of 51 chronic nonmalignant pain patients exposed to a traumatic event were consecutively recruited from a multidisciplinary pain center. All participants answered a baseline questionnaire followed by the PTSD-8 and the diagnostic interview for PTSD. Finally, the latent structure of PTSD-8 was tested in a large cohort of 419 patients with chronic nonmalignant pain using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

In total, 33.3% had a diagnosis of PTSD. A good overall accuracy was found validating the PTSD-8 against the diagnostic interview. Convergent validity was indicated as the PTSD-8 correlated strongly with scores of depression and anxiety. The results of the CFA for the PTSD-8 three-factor structure provided excellent fit for the eight post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Conclusions

Overall, the results showed that the PTSD-8 is a valid short screening tool to assess possible post-traumatic stress disorder among patients with chronic pain. In addition, the PTSD-8 scale comprises all of the upcoming ICD-11 post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms within its eight items. Thus, the PTSD-8 is likely also to measure the proposed ICD-11 post-traumatic stress disorder.

Posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5: Psychometric properties in a Japanese population

BACKGROUND

The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL) is a widely used self-report measure of PTSD. The reliability/precision and validity of the updated PCL version for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (PCL-5) have only been evaluated in limited populations. This study aimed to examine the factor structure, reliability/precision, and validity of the PCL-5 as assessed by convergent and discriminant relationships with related constructs among Japanese individuals who experienced various traumatic events.

METHODS

We conducted an online survey of Japanese adults using the PCL-5 and other assessments for PTSD, depression, anxiety, other psychiatric comorbidities, and functionality. A total of 3090 individuals who met a probable diagnosis of PTSD and another 1837 who had experienced traumatic events but did not meet the probable PTSD diagnosis answered the questionnaires.

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the best fit with a 7-factor model. This factor structure was temporally stable across 2 time points for 4 months. The total and subscale scores showed good internal consistency and modest test-retest reliability. The convergent and discriminant relationships of the PCL-5 total score with related constructs were demonstrated.

LIMITATIONS

This study did not use the gold standard interview to assess the diagnostic status of PTSD. Also, the sampled population was younger and had lower incomes in comparison to the census data.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the utility of the PCL-5 for assessing PTSD symptoms in Asian populations.

Do post-traumatic pain and post-traumatic stress symptomatology mutually maintain each other? A systematic review of cross-lagged studies

After traumatic exposure, individuals are at risk of developing symptoms of both pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Theory and research suggest a complex and potentially mutually maintaining relationship between these symptomatologies. However, findings are inconsistent and the applied methods are not always well suited for testing mutual maintenance. Cross-lagged designs can provide valuable insights into such temporal associations, but there is a need for a systematic review to assist clinicians and researchers in understanding the nature of the relationship. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize results from cross-lagged studies on pain and PTSD symptomatology to assess the evidence for longitudinal reciprocity and potential mediators. Systematic searches resulted in 7 eligible studies that were deemed of acceptable quality with moderate risk of bias using the cohort study checklist from Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Furthermore, synthesis of significant pathways in the cross-lagged models showed inconsistent evidence of both bidirectional and unidirectional interaction patterns between pain and PTSD symptomatology across time, hence not uniformly supporting the theoretical framework of mutual maintenance. In addition, the synthesis suggested that hyperarousal and intrusion symptoms may be of particular importance in these cross-lagged relationships, while there was inconclusive evidence of catastrophizing as a mediator. In conclusion, the findings suggest an entangled, but not necessarily mutually maintaining relationship between pain and PTSD symptomatology. However, major variations in findings and methodologies complicated synthesis, prompting careful interpretation and heightening the likelihood that future high-quality studies will change these conclusions.

Assessing the existence of dissociative PTSD in sub-acute patients of whiplash

Numerous studies investigating dissociative posttraumatic stress disorder (D-PTSD) have emerged. However, there is a lack of studies investigating D-PTSD following a wider range of traumatic exposure. Thus, the present study investigates D-PTSD using latent class analysis (LCA) in sub-acute patients of whiplash and associated risk factors. The results of LCA showed a three-class solution primarily distributed according to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and thus no indication of D-PTSD. Dissociative symptoms, psychological distress (i.e. anxiety/depression), and pain severity significantly predicted PTSD severity. Combined, the results support the component model of dissociation and PTSD, while still stressing the importance of dissociative symptoms when planning treatment for PTSD.

Translation and validation of the Chinese ICD-11 International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) for the Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD)

Background: Two stress-related disorders have been proposed for inclusion in the revised ICD-11: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is a bespoke measure of PTSD and CPTSD and has been widely used in English-speaking countries. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to develop a Chinese version of the ITQ and assess its content, construct, and concurrent validity. Methods: Six mental health practitioners and experts rated the Chinese translated and back-translated items to assess content validity. A sample of 423 Chinese young adults completed the ITQ, the WHO Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Among them, 31 participants also completed the English and Chinese versions of the ITQ administered in random order at retest. Four alternative confirmatory factor analysis models were tested using data from participants who reported at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE; N = 314). Results: The Chinese ITQ received excellent ratings on relevance and appropriateness. Test-retest reliability and semantic equivalence across English and Chinese versions were acceptable. The correlated first-order six-factor model and a second-order two-factor (PTSD and DSO) both provided an acceptable model fit. The six ITQ symptoms clusters were all significantly correlated with anxiety, depression, and the number of ACEs. Conclusions: The Chinese ITQ generates scores with acceptable psychometric properties and provides evidence for including PTSD and CPTSD as separate diagnoses in ICD-11.

Evaluation of the factor structure, prevalence, and validity of disturbed grief in DSM-5 and ICD-11

BACKGROUND

Persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) is a disorder of grief included in DSM-5 Section 3. Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a disorder of grief that will enter the forthcoming ICD-11. This study evaluated the factor structure, prevalence, and validity of disturbed grief as per DSM-5 and ICD-11.

METHODS

With data from a community sample (N =512), we used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the fit of different factor models for PCBD and PGD, determined diagnostic rates for probable PCBD and PGD, and used sensitivity/specificity analyses to evaluate the performance of individual items as indicators of PCBD and PGD. We calculated associations of PCBD-caseness and PGD-caseness with concurrently assessed symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression and, in a subset of 280 participants, with these same symptoms assessed one year later, to examine concurrent and predictive validity of PCBD and PGD.

RESULTS

For PCBD-symptoms, a three-factor model with distinct factors of separation distress, reactive distress, and social/identity disruption fit the data well; for PGD-symptoms a two-factor model with distinct separation distress symptoms and additional symptom (e.g., guilt, anger, blame) yielded acceptable model fit. Overall, items evidenced strong sensitivity and negative predictive power, and relatively poor specificity and positive predictive power. The prevalence of probable DSM-5 PCBD (6.4%) was significantly lower than the prevalence of ICD-11 PGD (18.0%). Both PCBD and PGD were significantly associated with concurrent overall grief, depression, and PTSD; PCBD but not PGD was associated with symptoms one year beyond baseline.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include our reliance on self-reported data and symptoms of PCBD and PGD being derived from two questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide preliminary evidence for the validity of both the PCBD and PGD constructs, albeit that prevalence rates of both constructs and predictive validity differ-which needs further scrutiny.

Child maltreatment across the lifespan

The present editorial introduces selected research for a special issue covering the 15th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTSS) 2017, 'Child Maltreatment across the Lifespan'. Unfortunately, childhood maltreatment is highly prevalent around the world. Exposure to child maltreatment is associated with a considerable risk of developing a wide range of psychopathologies. Thus, preventing child maltreatment and offering early treatment to victims is an important and promising area in reducing the risk of psychopathology. The 10 articles included in the special issue focus on different important areas related to the topic of child maltreatment. These include a biological and systemic understanding of maltreatment, a globalization perspective, and contributions on diagnosis and treatment, with implications for clinical practice. Furthermore, the special issue includes an update on ICD-11 and implications associated with the implementation of ICD-11. Future research recommendations are provided to underline the enduring need to promote and undertake research into all aspects of child maltreatment.

Alternative models of DSM-5 PTSD: Examining diagnostic implications

The factor structure of DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been extensively debated with evidence supporting the recently proposed seven-factor Hybrid model. However, despite myriad studies examining PTSD symptom structure few have assessed the diagnostic implications of these proposed models. This study aimed to generate PTSD prevalence estimates derived from the 7 alternative factor models and assess whether pre-established risk factors associated with PTSD (e.g., transportation accidents and sexual victimisation) produce consistent risk estimates. Seven alternative models were estimated within a confirmatory factor analytic framework using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Data were analysed from a Malaysian adolescent community sample (n = 481) of which 61.7% were female, with a mean age of 17.03 years. The results indicated that all models provided satisfactory model fit with statistical superiority for the Externalising Behaviours and seven-factor Hybrid models. The PTSD prevalence estimates varied substantially ranging from 21.8% for the DSM-5 model to 10.0% for the Hybrid model. Estimates of risk associated with PTSD were inconsistent across the alternative models, with substantial variation emerging for sexual victimisation. These findings have important implications for research and practice and highlight that more research attention is needed to examine the diagnostic implications emerging from the alternative models of PTSD.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in DSM-5 and ICD-11: Clinical and Behavioral Correlates

The American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization provide distinct trauma-based diagnoses in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), and the forthcoming 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), respectively. The DSM-5 conceptualizes posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a single, broad diagnosis, whereas the ICD-11 proposes two "sibling" disorders: PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD). The objectives of the current study were to: (a) compare prevalence rates of PTSD/CPTSD based on each diagnostic system; (b) identify clinical and behavioral variables that distinguish ICD-11 CPTSD and PTSD diagnoses; and (c) examine the diagnostic associations for ICD-11 CPTSD and DSM-5 PTSD. Participants in a predominately female clinical sample (N = 106) completed self-report scales to measure ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD, DSM-5 PTSD, and depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, dissociation, destructive behaviors, and suicidal ideation and self-harm. Significantly more people were diagnosed with PTSD according to the DSM-5 criteria (90.4%) compared to those diagnosed with PTSD and CPTSD according to the ICD-11 guidelines (79.8%). An ICD-11 CPTSD diagnosis was distinguished from an ICD-11 PTSD diagnosis by higher levels of dissociation (d = 1.01), depression (d = 0.63), and borderline personality disorder (d = 0.55). Diagnostic associations with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and self-harm were higher for ICD-11 CPTSD compared to DSM-5 PTSD (by 10.7%, 4.0%, and 7.0%, respectively). These results have implications for differential diagnosis and for the development of targeted treatments for CPTSD.

A comparison of DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD prevalence, comorbidity and disability: an analysis of the Ukrainian Internally Displaced Person's Mental Health Survey

OBJECTIVE

Recently, the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) and the World Health Organization (ICD-11) have both revised their formulation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The primary aim of this study was to compare DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD prevalence and comorbidity rates, as well as the level of disability associated with each diagnosis.

METHOD

This study was based on a representative sample of adult Ukrainian internally displaced persons (IDPs: N = 2203). Post-traumatic stress disorder prevalence was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the International Trauma Questionnaire (ICD-11). Anxiety and depression were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-Depression. Disability was measured using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DSM-5 PTSD (27.4%) was significantly higher than ICD-11 PTSD (21.0%), and PTSD rates for females were significantly higher using both criteria. ICD-11 PTSD was associated with significantly higher levels of disability and comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

The ICD-11 diagnosis of PTSD appears to be particularly well suited to identifying those with clinically relevant levels of disability.

Comparing the dimensional structure and diagnostic algorithms between DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD in children and adolescents

In contrast to the DSM-5, which expanded the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom profile to 20 symptoms, a workgroup of the upcoming ICD-11 suggested a reduced symptom profile with six symptoms for PTSD. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate the dimensional structure of DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD in a clinical sample of trauma-exposed children and adolescents and to compare the diagnostic rates of PTSD between diagnostic systems. The study sample consisted of 475 self-reports and 424 caregiver-reports on the child and adolescent trauma screen (CATS), which were collected at pediatric mental health clinics in the US, Norway and Germany. The factor structure of the PTSD construct as defined in the DSM-5 and in alternative models of both DSM-5 and ICD-11 was investigated using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). To evaluate differences in PTSD prevalence, McNemar's tests for correlated proportions were used. CFA results demonstrated excellent model fit for the proposed ICD-11 model of PTSD. For the DSM-5 models we found the best fit for the hybrid model. Diagnostic rates were significantly lower according to ICD-11 (self-report: 23.4%; caregiver-report: 16.5%) compared with the DSM-5 (self-report: 37.8%; caregiver-report: 31.8%). Agreement was low between diagnostic systems. Study findings provide support for an alternative latent dimensionality of DSM-5 PTSD in children and adolescents. The conceptualization of ICD-11 PTSD shows an excellent fit. Inconsistent PTSD constructs and significantly diverging diagnostic rates between DSM-5 and the ICD-11 will result in major challenges for researchers and clinicians in the field of psychotraumatology.

PTSD and Complex PTSD: ICD-11 updates on concept and measurement in the UK, USA, Germany and Lithuania

The 11th revision to the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) proposes two distinct sibling conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). In this paper, we aim to provide an update on the latest research regarding the conceptual structure and measurement of PTSD and CPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) as per ICD-11 proposals in the USA, UK, Germany and Lithuania. Preliminary findings suggest that CPTSD is common in clinical and population samples, although there may be variations across countries in prevalence rates. In clinical samples, preliminary evidence suggests that CPTSD is a more commonly observed condition than PTSD. Preliminary evidence also suggests that the ITQ scores are reliable and valid and can adequately distinguish between PTSD and CPTSD. Further cross-cultural work is proposed to explore differences in PTSD and CPTSD across different countries with regard to prevalence, incidence, and predictors of PTSD and CPTSD.

Testing competing factor models of the latent structure of post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder according to ICD-11

With the publication of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 11th edition (ICD-11) due for release in 2018, a number of studies have assessed the factorial validity of the proposed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex (CPTSD) diagnostic criteria and whether the disorders are correlated but distinct constructs. As the specific nature of CPTSD symptoms has yet to be firmly established, this study aimed to examine the dimension of affect dysregulation as two separate constructs representing hyper-activation and hypo-activation. Seven alternative models were estimated within a confirmatory factor analytic framework using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Data were analysed from a young adult sample from northern Uganda (n = 314), of which 51% were female and aged 18-25 years. Forty per cent of the participants were former child soldiers (n = 124) while the remainder were civilians (n = 190). The prevalence of CPTSD was 20.8% and PTSD was 13.1%. The results indicated that all models that estimated affective dysregulation as distinct but correlated constructs (i.e. hyper-activation and hypo-activation) provided satisfactory model fit, with statistical superiority for a seven-factor first-order correlated model. Furthermore, individuals who met the criteria for CPTSD reported higher levels of war experiences, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and somatic problems than those with PTSD only and no diagnosis. There was also a much larger proportion of former child soldiers that met the criteria for a CPTSD diagnosis. In conclusion, these results partly support the factorial validity of the ICD-11 proposals for PTSD and CPTSD in a non-Western culture exposed to mass violence. These findings highlight that more research is required across different cultural backgrounds before firm conclusions can be made regarding the factor structure of CPTSD using the ITQ.

A psychometric assessment of Disturbances in Self-Organization symptom indicators for ICD-11 Complex PTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire

Background: Two 'sibling disorders' have been proposed for the 11^th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11): Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). To date, no research has attempted to identify the optimal symptom indicators for the 'Disturbances in Self-Organization' (DSO) symptom cluster. Objective: The aim of the current study was to assess the psychometric performance of scores of 16 potential DSO symptom indicators from the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Criteria relating to score variability and their ability to discriminate were employed. Method: Participants (N = 1839) were a nationally representative household sample of non-institutionalized adults currently residing in the US. Item scores from the ITQ were examined in relation to basic criteria associated with interpretability, variability, homogeneity, and association with functional impairment. The performance of the DSO symptoms was also assessed using 1- and 2-parameter item response theory (IRT) models. Results: The distribution of responses for all DSO indicators met the criteria associated with interpretability, variability, homogeneity, and association with functional impairment. The 1-parameter graded response model was considered the best model and indicated that each set of indictors performed very similarly. Conclusions: The ITQ contains 16 DSO symptom indicators and they perform well in measuring their respective symptom cluster. There was no evidence that particular indicators were 'better' than others, and it was concluded that the indicators are essentially interchangeable.

Are posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex-PTSD distinguishable within a treatment-seeking sample of Syrian refugees living in Lebanon?

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization will publish its 11^th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2018. The ICD-11 will include a refined model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a new diagnosis of complex PTSD (CPTSD). Whereas emerging data supports the validity of these proposals, the discriminant validity of PTSD and CPTSD have yet to be tested amongst a sample of refugees.

METHODS

Treatment-seeking Syrian refugees (N = 110) living in Lebanon completed an Arabic version of the International Trauma Questionnaire; a measure specifically designed to capture the symptom content of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD.

RESULTS

In total, 62.6% of the sample met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD or CPTSD. More refugees met the criteria for CPTSD (36.1%) than PTSD (25.2%) and no gender differences were observed. Latent class analysis results identified three distinct groups: (1) a PTSD class, (2) a CPTSD class and (3) a low symptom class. Class membership was significantly predicted by levels of functional impairment.

CONCLUSION

Support for the discriminant validity of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD was observed for the first time within a sample of refugees. In support of the cross-cultural validity of the ICD-11 proposals, the prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD were similar to those observed in culturally distinct contexts.

Three Approaches to Understanding and Classifying Mental Disorder: ICD-11, DSM-5, and the National Institute of Mental Health’s Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)

The diagnosis of mental disorder initially appears relatively straightforward: Patients present with symptoms or visible signs of illness; health professionals make diagnoses based primarily on these symptoms and signs; and they prescribe medication, psychotherapy, or both, accordingly. However, despite a dramatic expansion of knowledge about mental disorders during the past half century, understanding of their components and processes remains rudimentary. We provide histories and descriptions of three systems with different purposes relevant to understanding and classifying mental disorder. Two major diagnostic manuals—the International Classification of Diseases and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—provide classification systems relevant to public health, clinical diagnosis, service provision, and specific research applications, the former internationally and the latter primarily for the United States. In contrast, the National Institute of Mental Health’s Research Domain Criteria provides a framework that emphasizes integration of basic behavioral and neuroscience research to deepen the understanding of mental disorder. We identify four key issues that present challenges to understanding and classifying mental disorder: etiology, including the multiple causality of mental disorder; whether the relevant phenomena are discrete categories or dimensions; thresholds, which set the boundaries between disorder and nondisorder; and comorbidity, the fact that individuals with mental illness often meet diagnostic requirements for multiple conditions. We discuss how the three systems’ approaches to these key issues correspond or diverge as a result of their different histories, purposes, and constituencies. Although the systems have varying degrees of overlap and distinguishing features, they share the goal of reducing the burden of suffering due to mental disorder.

The Complex Trauma Inventory: A Self-Report Measure of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The work group revising the criteria for trauma-related disorders in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) made several changes. Specifically, they simplified the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and added a new trauma disorder called complex PTSD (CPTSD). These proposed changes to taxonomy require new instruments to assess these novel constructs. We developed a measure of PTSD and CPTSD (the Complex Trauma Inventory; CTI) according to the proposed domains, creating several items to assess each domain. We examined the factor structure of the CTI in two separate samples of diverse college students (n₁ = 391; n₂ = 391) who reported exposure to at least one traumatic event and at least occasional functional impairment. After reducing the original 50 items in the item pool to 20 items, confirmatory factor analyses supported two highly correlated second-order factors-PTSD and disturbances in self-organization (DSO)-with PTSD (i.e., reexperiencing, avoidance, sense of threat) and DSO (i.e., affect dysregulation, negative self-concept, and disturbances in relationships), each loading on three of the six ICD-11-consistent first-order factors, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .056, 95% confidence interval (CI) [.048, .064], comparative fit index (CFI) = .956, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = .948, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .043, Bayesian information criterion (BIC) = 641.55, χ² (163) = 361.02, p < .001. Internal consistencies for PTSD and DSO were good to excellent (Cronbach's αs = .89 to .92). Supplementary analyses supported the gender invariance of the CFA model, as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the CTI. The validity of the CTI supports the distinction between CPTSD and PTSD. Moreover, the CTI will assist clinicians with diagnosis, symptom tracking, treatment planning, and assessing outcomes.

Does size really matter? A multisite study assessing the latent structure of the proposed ICD-11 and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD

Background: Researchers and clinicians within the field of trauma have to choose between different diagnostic descriptions of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the DSM-5 and the proposed ICD-11. Several studies support different competing models of the PTSD structure according to both diagnostic systems; however, findings show that the choice of diagnostic systems can affect the estimated prevalence rates. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the potential impact of using a large (i.e. the DSM-5) compared to a small (i.e. the ICD-11) diagnostic description of PTSD. In other words, does the size of PTSD really matter? Methods: The aim was investigated by examining differences in diagnostic rates between the two diagnostic systems and independently examining the model fit of the competing DSM-5 and ICD-11 models of PTSD across three trauma samples: university students (N = 4213), chronic pain patients (N = 573), and military personnel (N = 118). Results: Diagnostic rates of PTSD were significantly lower according to the proposed ICD-11 criteria in the university sample, but no significant differences were found for chronic pain patients and military personnel. The proposed ICD-11 three-factor model provided the best fit of the tested ICD-11 models across all samples, whereas the DSM-5 seven-factor Hybrid model provided the best fit in the university and pain samples, and the DSM-5 six-factor Anhedonia model provided the best fit in the military sample of the tested DSM-5 models. Conclusions: The advantages and disadvantages of using a broad or narrow set of symptoms for PTSD can be debated, however, this study demonstrated that choice of diagnostic system may influence the estimated PTSD rates both qualitatively and quantitatively. In the current described diagnostic criteria only the ICD-11 model can reflect the configuration of symptoms satisfactorily. Thus, size does matter when assessing PTSD.

A review of current evidence regarding the ICD-11 proposals for diagnosing PTSD and complex PTSD

The World Health Organization's proposals for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases, scheduled for release in 2018, involve a very brief set of symptoms and a distinction between two sibling disorders, PTSD and Complex PTSD. This review of studies conducted to test the validity and implications of the diagnostic proposals generally supports the proposed 3-factor structure of PTSD symptoms, the 6-factor structure of Complex PTSD symptoms, and the distinction between PTSD and Complex PTSD. Estimates derived from DSM-based items suggest the likely prevalence of ICD-11 PTSD in adults is lower than ICD-10 PTSD and lower than DSM-IV or DSM-5 PTSD, but this may change with the development of items that directly measure the ICD-11 re-experiencing requirement. Preliminary evidence suggests the prevalence of ICD-11 PTSD in community samples of children and adolescents is similar to DSM-IV and DSM-5. ICD-11 PTSD detects some individuals with significant impairment who would not receive a diagnosis under DSM-IV or DSM-5. ICD-11 CPTSD identifies a distinct group who have more often experienced multiple and sustained traumas and have greater functional impairment than those with PTSD.

Validation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire

OBJECTIVE

The 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) has proposed two related trauma diagnoses: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Using a newly developed, disorder-specific measure of PTSD and CPTSD called the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) the current study will (i) assess the factorial validity of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD; (ii) provide the first test of the discriminant validity of these constructs; and (iii) provide the first comparison of ICD-11, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), PTSD diagnostic rates using disorder-specific measures.

METHOD

ICD-11 and DSM-5 PTSD-specific measures were completed by a British clinical sample of trauma-exposed patients (N = 171). The structure and validity of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD were assessed by means of factor analysis and assessing relationships with criterion variables.

RESULTS

Diagnostic rates under ICD-11 were significantly lower than those under DSM-5. A two-factor second-order model reflecting the distinction between PTSD and CPTSD best represented the data from the ITQ; and the PTSD and CPTSD factors differentially predicted multiple psychological variables.

CONCLUSION

The factorial and discriminant validity of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD was supported, and ICD-11 produces fewer diagnostic cases than DSM-5.

Exploring the gold-standard: Evidence for a two-factor model of the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the DSM-5

OBJECTIVE

The latent factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a source of considerable variability. The current study compared several a priori factor structures, as well as a novel 2-factor structure of posttraumatic psychological distress as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD scale for the DSM-5 (CAPS-5). In addition, variability in diagnostic rates according to the divergent DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria were explored.

METHOD

The setting for this study was a Level 1 trauma center in a U.S. metropolitan city. Data were pooled from 2 studies (N = 309) and participants were administered the CAPS-5 at 1 (n = 139) or 6 months postinjury (n = 170). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to compare several factor models, and prevalence rates based on DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria were compared via z tests and kappa.

RESULTS

CFAs of 5 factor structures indicated good fit for all models. A novel 2-factor model based on competing models of PTSD symptoms and modification indices was then tested. The 2-factor model of the CAPS-5 performed as well or better on most indices compared to a 7-factor hybrid. Comparisons of PTSD prevalence rates found no significant differences, but agreement was variable.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the CAPS-5 can be seen as measuring 2 distinct phenomena: posttraumatic stress disorder and general posttraumatic dysphoria. This is an important contribution to the current debate on which latent factors constitute PTSD and may reduce discordance. (PsycINFO Database Record

Proposals for Paraphilic Disorders in the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11)

The World Health Organization is currently developing the 11th revision of the International Classifications of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11), with approval of the ICD-11 by the World Health Assembly anticipated in 2018. The Working Group on the Classification of Sexual Disorders and Sexual Health (WGSDSH) was created and charged with reviewing and making recommendations for categories related to sexuality that are contained in the chapter of Mental and Behavioural Disorders in ICD-10 (World Health Organization 1992a). Among these categories was the ICD-10 grouping F65, Disorders of sexual preference, which describes conditions now widely referred to as Paraphilic Disorders. This article reviews the evidence base, rationale, and recommendations for the proposed revisions in this area for ICD-11 and compares them with DSM-5. The WGSDSH recommended that the grouping, Disorders of sexual preference, be renamed to Paraphilic Disorders and be limited to disorders that involve sexual arousal patterns that focus on non-consenting others or are associated with substantial distress or direct risk of injury or death. Consistent with this framework, the WGSDSH also recommended that the ICD-10 categories of Fetishism, Fetishistic Transvestism, and Sadomasochism be removed from the classification and new categories of Coercive Sexual Sadism Disorder, Frotteuristic Disorder, Other Paraphilic Disorder Involving Non-Consenting Individuals, and Other Paraphilic Disorder Involving Solitary Behaviour or Consenting Individuals be added. The WGSDSH's proposals for Paraphilic Disorders in ICD-11 are based on the WHO's role as a global public health agency and the ICD's function as a public health reporting tool.