title: Complex trauma.
abstract: Complex trauma refers to traumatic events that are chronic, interpersonal, and occur within the context of caregiving relationships; the term also describes the pattern of symptoms associated with such experiences. This article explores the prevalence, causes, and phenomenology of complex trauma in children and adolescents. The investigators also describe family-related and system-related issues, assessment strategies, diagnostic challenges, and clinical intervention options.
authors.affiliation: Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St Louis, Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-St Louis, Weinman Building, 1 University Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63121, USA. Electronic address: kliethermesm@umsl.edu.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kliethermes
authors.affiliation: Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St Louis, Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-St Louis, Weinman Building, 1 University Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63121, USA.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schacht
authors.affiliation: Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St Louis, Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-St Louis, Weinman Building, 1 University Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63121, USA.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Drewry
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D040921:Stress Disorders, Traumatic / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Childhood victimization; Children and adolescents; Complex trauma; Interpersonal trauma