Prevalence and Impact of Physiological Symptoms for Those with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Background and Purpose: Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a diagnosis with growing interest in the mental health field. This disorder is result of trauma types that are ongoing and continuous and includes additional symptoms that are not currently captured in the diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These additional diagnostic criteria include challenges in self-concept, affect regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Though not included in diagnostic criteria, physiological symptoms are of additional interest in trauma literature. A variety of physiological symptoms have been documented as result of trauma’s impact to the nervous system and has more recently led to the development of alternative therapeutic interventions (e.g. yoga, theatre, dance). Despite growing acceptance for the presentation of physiological symptoms as result of trauma, and support for alternative interventions, little research has been conducted to highlight the prevalence of these symptoms in comparison with other diagnostic criteria. This study examines descriptive and qualitative data collected in a scale development study to bring further attention to the physiological symptoms experienced by those with complex trauma histories.

Methods: This study uses data collected during a mixed-methods scale development study (n= 187). Descriptive data of 6 subscales from this scale development study are analyzed to explore prevalence of physiological symptoms reported. The six subscales capture symptoms of PTSD, affect regulation, interpersonal challenges, conflict avoidance, self-awareness and physical symptoms. A phenomenological approach is used to further explore qualitative data from this scale development study regarding experiences and impact of physiological symptoms for survivors of complex trauma.

Results: Descriptive data compares the mean scores of the PTSD (M= 2.96), affect regulation (M= 2.84), interpersonal challenges (M= 2.86), conflict avoidance (M= 3.10), self-awareness (M=2.93) and physical symptoms (M= 2.95) subscales. Mean results indicate prevalence of symptoms in the respective subscales between 2 (“a little bit”) and 3 (“moderately”). Emerging themes in phenomenological analysis of physiological symptoms include: pain, disconnection, elevated stress response, and disregard for the physical self. These themes are used to describe the experience of physical symptoms from survivors.

Conclusion and Interpretations: Results from this study show prevalence of physiological symptoms of complex trauma being similarly prevalent as all other diagnostic criteria. Results of phenomenological analysis further speak to the impact and impairment experienced due to physiological symptoms. This study aims to showcase the need for continued focus on bringing attention to the physical self in therapeutic practice for healing from complex trauma. Future research should continue focus on the impact and prevalence of physiological symptoms, as well as therapeutic interventions best suited for addressing this phenomenon in clinical practice.