Complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) for university students

Abstract

Complex posttraumatic stress disorder is a diagnostic construct which tries to capture complex trauma reactions in face protracted and repeated psychological trauma. These reactions which compromise specific symptom constellation may be missed if there is focus on classical posttraumatic syndrome. Iraqi population endured four decades of instability which created atmosphere of protracted repeated trauma situation which necessitate examining complex trauma reactions. The aim was to create a tool for examining complex trauma reactions within Iraqi population and examining rates and nature of these reactions in a sample of Iraqi population. Random sample of medical students were examined for exposure to traumatic events and complex psychological trauma reactions. The tool used for examining complex trauma was made according to criteria of disorders of extreme stress not otherwise specified; validity and reliability of the tool was verified and rates of traumatic events and rates and nature of reactions were examined. Most of participants confirmed exposure to more than one traumatic event and 25% fulfilled criteria of complex trauma syndrome. Rates of complex trauma reactions are high in this study. Large population studies are needed to confirm this fact, which means extensive efforts are needed at clinical and social levels for proper help to be provided to traumatized individuals.