Complex PTSD, interpersonal trauma and relational consequences: findings from a treatment-receiving Northern Irish sample.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between PTSD and complex PTSD remains unclear. As well as further addressing this issue, the current study aimed to assess the degree to which DESNOS (complex PTSD) was related to interpersonal trauma and had relational consequences.


METHODS
Eighty one treatment-receiving participants with a history of exposure to the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland, were assessed on various forms of interpersonal trauma, including exposure to the Troubles, and measures of interpersonal and community connectedness.


RESULTS
DESNOS symptom severity was related to childhood sexual abuse and perceived psychological impact of Troubles-related exposure. A lifetime diagnosis of DESNOS was related to childhood Troubles-related experiences, while a current diagnosis of DESNOS was associated with childhood emotional neglect. PTSD avoidance predicted current DESNOS diagnosis and severity. Feeling emotionally disconnected from family and friends (i.e., interpersonal disconnectedness) was related to all three indices of DESNOS (i.e., lifetime diagnosis, current diagnosis and current symptom severity).


CONCLUSIONS
Sample characteristics (i.e., treatment-receiving) and size may limit the generalizability of findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Complex PTSD is associated with PTSD but when present should be considered a superordinate diagnosis.
Trauma Resource Centre, North & West Belfast Area, The Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. m.dorahy@qub.ac.uk
Martin J
MJ
Dorahy
Mary
M
Corry
Maria
M
Shannon
Anne
A
Macsherry
Geraldine
G
Hamilton
Geordie
G
McRobert
Rhonda
R
Elder
Donncha
D
Hanna
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009660:Northern Ireland; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012931:Social Environment; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult