Differentiating ICD-11 complex post-traumatic stress disorder from other common mental disorders based on levels of exposure to childhood adversities, the traumas of persecution and postmigration living difficulties among refugees from West Papua. Issue 5 (24th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silove, Derrick; Rees, Susan; Mohsin, Mohammed; Tam, Natalino; Kareth, Moses; Tay, Alvin Kuowei
• Is Part Of: BJPsych open. Volume 4:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 361
• Page End: 367
• Publication Date: 2018-08-24
• Subjects: Complex PTSD, -- common mental disorders, -- childhood adversities, -- postmigration living difficulties, -- refugees, -- trauma; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental health -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2018.49
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4724

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Following years of controversy, a category of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) will be included in the forthcoming ICD-11. Aims: To test whether refugees with CPTSD differ from those with other common mental disorders (CMDs) in the degree of exposure to childhood adversities, adult interpersonal trauma and post-traumatic hardship. Method: Survey of 487 West Papuan refugees (response rate 85.5%) in Papua New Guinea. Results: Refugees with CPTSD had higher exposure to childhood adversities (CPTSD: mean 2.6, 95% CI 2.5–2.7 versus CMD: mean 1.15, 95% CI 1.10–1.20), interpersonal trauma (CPTSD: mean 9, 95% CI 8.6–9.4 versus CMD: mean 5.4, 95% CI 5.4–5.5) and postmigration living difficulties (CPTSD: mean 2.3, 95% CI 2–2.5 versus CMD mean 1.85, 95% CI 1.84–1.86), compared with those with CMDs who in turn exceeded those with no mental disorder on all these indices. Conclusions: The findings support the cross-cultural validity of CPTSD as a reaction to high levels of exposure to recurrent interpersonal trauma and associated adversities. Declaration of interest: None.