Komplexe posttraumatische Belastungsstörung nach ICD-11

Trauma is defined as events which are exceptionally threatening and would result in dramatic despair in almost everyone. The classical posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by intrusions, avoidance and hyperarousal. The complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is introduced into the international classification of diseases 11 (ICD-11) as a discrete diagnosis and occurs as a consequence of repetitive or prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences. Besides the symptoms of PTSD, CPTSD is characterized by enduring disturbances in the domains of affect, self-perception and interpersonal relationships. Recent empirical studies provided evidence for the validity of this diagnosis. The main focus of all evidence-based treatment approaches for PTSD and CPTSD is the exposure in sensu of the traumatic experiences; however, explicit recommendations concerning the differential effects of particular trauma-focused treatment for CPTSD cannot yet be presented