Responding to concerns related to the measurement of ICD-11 complex posttraumatic stress disorder using the International Trauma Questionnaire

Philip Hyland, Chris R. Brewin, Marylène Cloitre, Thanos Karatzias, Mark Shevlin

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

Abstract

Background: A recent study in this journal by Frewen et al. (2023) provided a critical analysis of the most widely used measure of ICD-11 Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). The article was a thoughtful review and gave voice to several widely held concerns about the nature of CPTSD as it is represented in ICD-11 and measured by the ITQ. The primary concern expressed by Frewen et al. was that the symptom profile of ICD-11 CPTSD, as represented in the ITQ, is too simple and fails to provide adequate coverage of the construct. Objective: Despite its quality, the article included several misunderstandings about the nature of ICD-11 CPTSD, and the function of the ITQ, that we wish to clarify. Participants: Not applicable. Setting: Not applicable. Results: In this article, we provide a description of what ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD are, a review of the process that led to their inclusion in ICD-11, how the ITQ was developed and refined to measure these constructs. We then provide responses to several of the most important concerns raised by Frewen et al. Conclusions: We highlight the clinical utility of the ICD-11 descriptions of PTSD and CPTSD and discuss how the ITQ can be used as part of a suite of clinical assessments to accurately describe and understand common experiences of psychological distress that often result from exposure to traumatic life events.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number106563
JournalChild Abuse and Neglect
Volume147
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Complex PTSD
  • ICD-11
  • International Trauma Questionnaire
  • PTSD

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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