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

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)429-439
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Affective Disorders
Volume262
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2020
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Elsevier B.V.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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