Examining the Evidence for Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Clinical Diagnosis

This article examines the evidence for complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) as a clinical diagnosis distinct from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A brief overview of the history of the debate surrounding C-PTSD is presented. The construct validity of C-PTSD is evaluated, and the overlap among C-PTSD, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder is explored. The extent to which existing PTSD treatments reduce symptoms of C-PTSD is discussed, and the treatment outcome data underlying proposed C-PTSD treatment guidelines are reviewed. The authors explore the C-PTSD debate in light of the recent release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., American Psychiatric Association, 2013), which did not include C-PTSD as a diagnosis, and the proposed changes to the forthcoming International Classification of Diseases (11th revision), which is expected to include C-PTSD as a diagnosis (see Maercker et al., 2013). The authors maintain there is insufficient evidence to warrant the addition of a C-PTSD diagnosis or the dissemination of treatment guidelines for C-PTSD.