Are all PTSD cases complex PTSD? Results from a latent profile analysis

Introduction

Recently, the ICD-11 has proposed the existence of both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). However, empirical studies present conflictual results regarding a clear distinction between PTSD and C-PTSD. The aim of this study is to replicate previous works to shed light on the debate related to the distinction between PTSD and C-PTSD.

Method

We recruited 115 patients (97 women, 18 men) suffering from PTSD consecutively during consultations at the trauma center. After providing consent, they filled out multiple questionnaires, including the International Trauma Questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist Scale, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

Results

Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) identified four distinct latent classes that differed primarily in terms of the intensity of symptoms rather than the presence of specific symptoms. The classes were: (1) Severe C-PTSD, (2) Moderate C-PTSD, (3) Imbalanced C-PTSD, and (4) Low PTSD symptoms.

Conclusion

Within our sample, we did not successfully distinguish patients suffering from PTSD and C-PTSD. Every patient seemed to suffer from C-PTSD except those with low PTSD symptoms. This supports a more dimensional understanding of patients suffering from PTSD.