International Trauma Questionnaire Research Articles

International Trauma Questionnaire and Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory-9: validity evidence and measurement invariance of their Brazilian versions

BackgroundThe International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is used to measure posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) symptoms, and the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory-9 (PTCI-9) is used to measure posttraumatic cognitions. Both tools have been translated for use in Brazil. However, the psychometric properties of the Brazilian versions were not investigated, and no study has verified the invariance of these tools for many traumatic event types.ObjectiveThis study examined the validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of the Brazilian versions of the ITQ and the PTCI-9 for trauma type, gender, race, age group, education level, and geographical region.MethodsA total of 2,111 people (67.74% women) participated in an online survey. The scale models were tested via confirmatory factor analyses and measurement invariance through multigroup analyses. Pearson’s correlation analyses were used to examine the relationships between PTSD, CPTSD, posttraumatic cognitions, and depressive symptoms.ResultsExcept for the affective dysregulation factor, the reliabilities of the ITQ and PTCI-9 dimensions were adequate. Models with six correlated dimensions for the ITQ and three correlated dimensions for the PTCI-9 showed adequate fit to the data. The ITQ and PTCI-9 exhibited scalar invariance for gender, race, age group, education level, and geographical region. The ITQ also demonstrated full invariance for trauma type. The factors of both instruments were related to each other and to depressive symptoms, with higher effect sizes for posttraumatic cognitions and complex posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.ConclusionWe recommend using the Brazilian versions of the ITQ and PTCI-9, which are crucial tools for assessing and treating trauma-related disorders.

Enhanced Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation versus Treatment as Usual for ICD-11 Complex PTSD: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial (The RESTORE Trial)

Introduction: Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a relatively new condition in ICD-11. This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to compare a four-module intervention developed to target all symptoms of ICD-11 CPTSD, namely Enhanced Skills in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (ESTAIR) with treatment as usual (TAU). The purpose of the study was to assess feasibility, safety, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes at the end of treatment and 3-month follow-up. Methods: A total of N = 56 eligible veterans with CPTSD were randomised to either ESTAIR (n = 28) or TAU (n = 28). Linear mixed models were conducted to assess CPTSD severity, the primary outcome, as measured by the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Results: Treatment dropout in ESTAIR and TAU was low and equivalent (18% vs. 11%; χ2 (1) = 1.19, p = 0.275), and study retention was high, supporting the feasibility of the study. No serious adverse effects and very few adverse effects occurred, none of which were deemed related to the study. ESTAIR provided significantly greater reduction in CPTSD severity across time for ITQ PTSD (p p d = 1.78; DSO d = 2.00). Remission of probable CPTSD diagnosis at post-treatment was substantially greater in ESTAIR compared to TAU with only 13.6% versus 84% (p Conclusion: A trial of ESTAIR versus TAU for the treatment of ICD-11 CPTSD indicates the potential efficacy of ESTAIR as well as its feasibility, safety, and acceptability.

Complex PTSD symptom clusters and executive function in UK Armed Forces veterans: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLess is known about complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) than postrraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans, yet this population may be at greater risk of the former diagnosis. Executive function impairment has been linked to PTSD treatment outcomes. The current study therefore aimed to explore possible associations between each CPTSD symptom cluster and executive function to understand if similar treatment trajectories might be observed with the disorder.MethodsA total of 428 veterans from a national charity responded to a self-report questionnaire which measured CPTSD symptom clusters using the International Trauma Questionnaire, and executive function using the Adult Executive Function Inventory. Single and multiple linear regression models were used to analyse the relationship between CPTSD symptom clusters and executive function, including working memory and inhibition.ResultsEach CPTSD symptom cluster was significantly associated with higher executive function impairment, even after controlling for possible mental health confounding variables. Emotion dysregulation was the CPTSD symptom cluster most strongly associated with executive function impairment.ConclusionsThis is the first study to explore the relationship between executive function and CPTSD symptom clusters. The study builds on previous findings and suggests that executive function could be relevant to CPTSD treatment trajectories, as is the case with PTSD alone. Future research should further explore such clinical implications.

Prevalence and validity of ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD: A population-based survey of Hong Kong adults

The present study aimed to report the prevalence of ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) in the general adult Hong Kong population, and examine the validity of the Chinese International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). This descriptive cross-sectional population-based telephone survey included a representative sample of 1070 non-institutionalized permanent Hong Kong residents ages 18–64 years. Participants provided responses to the Chinese version of the ITQ, and measures of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on the diagnostic algorithm of the ITQ, 5.9% of the sample screened positive for either CPTSD or PTSD, with CPTSD (4.2%) being more common that PTSD (1.7%). Results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated the first-order correlated 6-factor model to be the best fitting solution. Symptom cluster summed scores were all positively and significantly correlated with all criterion variables. This investigation established the prevalence rates of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD using a general adult population sample in Hong Kong. The Chinese ITQ demonstrated sound factorial validity and concurrent validity. Future research can further characterize ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD in subgroups using the Chinese ITQ.

How effective are mood stabilizers in treating bipolar patients comorbid with cPTSD? Results from an observational study

BackgroundMultiple traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood, may predict and be a risk factor for the development of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). Unfortunately, individuals with bipolar disorder (BP) are more likely to have suffered traumatic events than the general population. Consequently, cPTSD could be comorbid with BD, and this may negatively affect psychopathological manifestations. To date, no one has explored whether such comorbidity also affects the response to treatment with mood stabilizers in BD patients.ResultsHere, a cross-sectional study was carried out by comparing the response to treatment, measured by the Alda scale, in a cohort of 344 patients diagnosed with BD type I and II, screened for the presence (or absence) of cPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire. The main result that emerged from the present study is the poorer response to mood stabilizers in BD patients with comorbid cPTSD compared with BD patients without cPTSD.ConclusionsThe results collected suggest the need for an add-on therapy focused on trauma in BD patients. This could represent an area of future interest in clinical research, capable of leading to more precise and quicker diagnoses as well as suggesting better tailored and more effective treatments.

Dynamic symptom associations in posttraumatic stress disorder: a network approach

ABSTRACT Background and objective: The current study aimed to investigate the within-day symptom dynamics in PTSD patients, specifically focusing on symptoms that most predict changes in other symptoms. The study included a baseline diagnostic assessment, followed by an assessment using the experience sampling method (ESM) via a smartphone. Method: Participants answered questions related to their PTSD symptoms four times per day for 15 consecutive days (compliance rate 75%). The clinical sample consisted of 48 treatment-seeking individuals: 44 with PTSD as a primary diagnosis, and four patients with subsyndromal PTSD, all of whom had not yet begun trauma-focused treatment. The ESM assessment included the 20 items from the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, five items from the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) assessing disturbances in relationships and functional impairment, and two items from the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 assessing symptoms of depersonalization and derealization. Results: Temporal networks (prospective associations between symptoms) showed that changes in hypervigilance predicted changes in the greatest number of symptoms at the next time point. Furthermore, hypervigilance showed temporal connections with at least one additional symptom from each of the DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters. Conclusions: Results show that the contemporaneous network (representing the relationship between given symptoms within the same assessment occasion) and the temporal network (representing prospective associations between symptoms) differ and that it is important to estimate both. Some findings from earlier research are replicated, but heterogeneity across studies remains. Future studies should include potential moderators.

A network analysis of ICD-11 Complex PTSD, emotional processing, and dissociative experiences in the context of psychological trauma at different developmental stages.

Traumatic experiences are a significant risk factor for psychological disturbances, including disorders such as complex posttraumatic stress disorder, emotion-processing problems, and trauma-related dissociative experiences. The present investigation examined the coexistence of these symptoms using a network analysis model. This study included a sample of 406 people referred to comprehensive health centers in Tehran from September to December 2023 with psychopathological syndromes. Variables were assessed using The International Trauma Questionnaire, International Measurement of Exposure to Traumatic Event checklist, Baker Emotional Processing Questionnaire, and Dissociative Experiences. A regularized partial correlation network and Glasso algorithm, in combination with Extended Bayesian information criteria, were applied to estimate the network structure. Signs of unprocessed emotions and disturbance in self-organization symptoms were the most important symptoms in the symptom network, forming strong connections with other nodes. Thereby, these two symptoms can be regarded as the most important clinical manifestations in the symptom network following traumatic experiences. Three distinct symptom communities were identified: the community of traumatic experiences (childhood, adolescence, adulthood), the community of dissociative experiences (amnesia, depersonalization/derealization, and absorption), and the community of emotional processing (suppression, unpleasant emotional experience, Signs of unprocessed emotions, avoidance, and emotional control, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and disturbance in self-organization symptoms). The strongest edges observed were between childhood trauma-adolescence trauma (0.473) in the community of traumatic experiences, between amnesia and depersonalization/derealization (0.644) in the community of dissociative experiences, and between disturbance in self-organization symptoms and unprocessed emotions (0.324) in the community of emotional processing, indicating the recurrent occurrence of these symptoms. In this study, disturbance in self-organization symptoms was identified as the central psychopathologic symptom in individuals experiencing traumas at different developmental stages. It seems that adolescent trauma and not childhood trauma plays a more decisive role in the symptoms that a person manifests after traumatic experiences. Also, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and disturbance in self-organization symptoms were recognized in the cluster of emotional processing symptoms and can have substantial roles in prioritizing therapeutic measures.

The prevalence and determinants of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in Ukrainian civilian physicians and paramedics in wartime–An observational cross-sectional study six months after outbreak

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is the largest European land offensive since World War II. Individuals affected by conflicts such as war are at an increased risk of mental disorders, which result from frequent exposure to traumatic events and the breakdown of supportive social networks. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in Ukrainian civilian physicians and paramedics six months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated questionnaires: The Life Events Checklist, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, The International Trauma Questionnaire (ICD-11), The Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7, The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. The study showed that 61.1 % of participants indicated combat or exposure to a war zone as the most bothersome event in their experience. Physicians and paramedics did not differ in the prevalence of PTSD according to the DSM-5 diagnostic rule and of depression (criteria met by 14.5 % and 9 % of participants, respectively). However, more physicians than paramedics met the criteria of PTSD according to the ICD-11 diagnostic rule (5.1 % vs. 1.2 %) and of anxiety (16.5 % vs. 10.0 %). The risk factors for the mental health problems included personal combat experience, total trauma exposure, parenthood, and economic situation. Despite the differences found in the prevalence of PTSD depending on the criteria used, the severity of mental problems and disability in this group is significant. It is advisable to monitor the mental state and need for help among Ukrainian civilian medical personnel.

Associations between International Trauma Questionnaire complex posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters and moral injury in a sample of U.K. treatment-seeking veterans: A network approach.

Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and moral injury are receiving increasing empirical attention. The network approach offers a novel method to understand the association between such mental health constructs. The present study investigated: (a) the network structure of CPTSD symptom clusters according to the International Trauma Questionnaire to determine centrality (i.e., the most influential symptom cluster) and (b) the network structure of CPTSD symptom clusters and moral injury symptoms according to the Moral Injury Outcome Scale to determine bridge symptoms (i.e., the symptoms linking comorbid presentation of CPTSD and moral injury) within a clinical sample of veterans. Emotional dysregulation, avoidance, and interpersonal difficulties were found to be most central in the CPTSD network, and interpersonal difficulties, negative self-concept, and emotional dysregulation were found to be the strongest bridge symptoms in the CPTSD and moral injury network. The two networks suggest a key role of disturbance in self-organization symptoms in the presentation of CPTSD and its association with moral injury among treatment-seeking veterans. Despite the limitations of the present study, it offers an insightful starting point as the first network analysis study of CPTSD in treatment-seeking veterans as well as its association with moral injury. Implications in terms of points of intervention and further research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Covid 19’s Social Quarantine-Moderated Self-Reported Mental Health and Substance Use Among US Adults

In 2019 the novel coronavirus spread quickly throughout the world. It was easily transmitted, resulting in a sudden increase in infection and death rates that overwhelmed hospitals. This sudden pandemic resulted in government and health officials mandating physical and social quarantines to decrease the spread of COVID-19. All these unexpected factors induced traumatic stress across the world. The impact of this trauma is seen to date, as many studies reported adverse mental health effects in an array of populations and researchers speculate these effects will continue long after COVID-19. The role of social quarantine as a moderating factor to these adverse mental health symptoms was assessed in a Qualtrics sample of 596 US adults. Participants completed a demographic survey, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire, COVID-19 Pandemic Mental Health Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, International Trauma Questionnaire, Brief Resiliency Scale, and the Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication and Other Substances Tool. Hierarchical regressions with demographic and risk factors as predictors assessed the role of social quarantine as a moderator in predicting mental health symptoms. ACEs and risk factors were stronger predictors of mental health symptoms, but social quarantine added significant incremental variance in self-reported anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex PTSD, and substance use; β<em> </em>ranged for 0.24 to 0.30. Quarantine had a significant adverse impact on mental health symptoms among these adults. Fostering resilience and distress tolerance is a proposed clinical intervention.

Exploring the Interplay between Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Severity: Implications for Clinical Practice.

Background and Objectives: Traumatic events adversely affect the clinical course of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Our study explores the correlation between prolonged interpersonal trauma and the severity of symptoms related to OCD and anxiety disorders. Materials and Methods: The study follows a cross-sectional and observational design, employing the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) to examine areas linked to interpersonal trauma, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to assess anxious and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, respectively. Descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: We recruited 107 OCD-diagnosed patients, categorizing them into subgroups based on the presence or absence of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). The ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in the onset age of OCD (p = 0.083), psychiatric familial history (p = 0.023), HAM-A, and Y-BOCS (p < 0.0001). Logistic regression indicated a statistically significant association between the presence of cPTSD and Y-BOCS scores (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The coexistence of cPTSD in OCD exacerbates obsessive-compulsive symptoms and increases the burden of anxiety. Further advancements in this field are crucial for mitigating the impact of early trauma on the trajectory of OCD and associated anxious symptoms.

Unraveling the Complexity: Exploring the Intersection of Panic Disorder, Dissociation, and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Patients with panic disorder (PD) may experience increased vulnerability to dissociative and anxious phenomena in the presence of repeated traumatic events, and these may be risk factors for the development of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). The present study aims to find out whether the presence of cPTSD exacerbates anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from panic disorder and whether this is specifically associated with the occurrence of dissociative symptoms. One-hundred-and-seventy-three patients diagnosed with PD were recruited and divided into two groups based on the presence (or absence) of cPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) scale. Dissociative and anxious symptoms were assessed using the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (CDS) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), respectively. Significant differences in re-experienced PTSD (p < 0.001), PTSD avoidance (p < 0.001), PTSD hyperarousal (p < 0.001), and DSO dysregulation (p < 0.001) were found between the cPTSD-positive and cPTSD-negative groups. A statistically significant association between the presence of cPTSD and total scores on the HAM-A (p < 0.001) and CDS (p < 0.001) scales was found using regression analysis. This study highlights the potential link between dissociative symptoms and a more severe clinical course of anxiety-related conditions in patients with PD. Early intervention programs and prevention strategies are needed.

Impact of Syrian Conflict on the Oral Health of Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Syrian conflict has had a negative impact on the psychological and overall health of adolescents. However, little is known about the oral health of those who are internally displaced. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental health state and self-reported oral health and habits in Syrian adolescents. A total of 99 adolescents living in Syria were included in the study. The participants were given four questionnaires: the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Questionnaire for Children (2013). The relationship between self-reported oral and mental health was evaluated. Adolescents with symptoms of mental disturbances or abnormal sleep conditions were statistically more likely to self-report the health of their teeth and gums as below average, less likely to brush their teeth regularly, and reported more frequent smoking (p<0.05). Moreover, symptoms of mental disturbances and abnormal sleep conditions were statistically more likely in adolescents living in rural areas and whose parents' education did not exceed secondary school (p<0.05). Syrian adolescents reported mental disturbances, which were reflected in their poor oral health and habits. These findings confirm the need for psychiatric and oral health care programs for Syrians who remain in areas of conflict.

ICD-11 post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder in mental health support-seeking former-serving Australian defence force veterans.

ICD-11 complex post-traumatic stress disorder is a more severe condition than post-traumatic stress disorder, and recent studies indicate it is more prevalent among military samples. In this study, we tested the psychometric properties of the International Trauma Questionnaire, assessed the relative prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder in the sample population and explored relationships between complex post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder and a range of risk factors. Survey participants (N = 189) were mental health support-seeking former-serving veterans of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) recruited from primary care. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factorial validity of the International Trauma Questionnaire. The latent structure of the International Trauma Questionnaire was best represented by a two-factor second-order model consistent with the ICD-11 model of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. The International Trauma Questionnaire scale scores demonstrated excellent internal reliability. Overall, 9.1% (95% confidence interval = [4.8%, 13.5%]) met diagnostic requirements for post-traumatic stress disorder and an additional 51.4% (95% confidence interval = [44.0%, 58.9%]) met requirements for complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Those meeting diagnostic requirements for complex post-traumatic stress disorder were more likely to have served in the military for 15 years or longer, had a history of more traumatic life events and had the highest levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. The International Trauma Questionnaire can effectively distinguish between post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder within primary care samples of Australian Defence Force veterans. A significantly greater proportion of Australian Defence Force veterans met criteria for complex post-traumatic stress disorder than post-traumatic stress disorder. Australian military mental health services should adopt the International Trauma Questionnaire to routinely screen for complex post-traumatic stress disorder and develop complex post-traumatic stress disorder specific interventions to promote recovery in Australian Defence Force veterans with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Impact of Complex PTSD on Suicide Risk in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are more likely than the general population to experience traumatic events, particularly during childhood, and these may predict and be a risk factor for the development of complex PTSD (cPTSD). The presence of multiple traumas plays a relevant role from a psychopathological point of view, but little is known about the effect this may have on suicide attempts in patients with BD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted comparing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, recruiting 344 patients diagnosed with BD I and II, screened for the presence (or absence) of cPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Suicide attempts were assessed directly during the clinical interview and from the patient’s medical record. Results: The results emerging from the study indicate that cPTSD can be considered a risk factor for suicide attempts in patients with BD. Furthermore, evidence is provided to support the idea that cPTSD is highly prevalent in patients with BD and is related to a higher psychopathological burden. Conclusions: The results recommend an urgent and comprehensive assessment of suicidal risk in patients with comorbidity of both bipolar disorder and cPTSD. There is a crucial demand for early intervention initiatives and proactive prevention strategies to address the intricate intersection of these mental health challenges.

Predictors and (in-)stability of ICD-11 complex posttraumatic stress disorder in older adults: findings from a longitudinal study in Switzerland.

Objective: There is a lack of research on complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in older individuals, with little known about the temporal course of CPTSD. Therefore, this study assessed and compared the demographic characteristics, adverse childhood experiences (ACE), and well-being of Swiss older adults with and without probable CPTSD. The (in-)stability of probable CPTSD was also examined in relation to the predictive value of various emotion-related factors.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in Switzerland with N = 213 participants (Mage = 69.98 years, SD = 10.61; 45.5% female). Data was collected via face-to-face assessments at baseline and follow-up, 21 months apart. The German version of the International Trauma Questionnaire was used to screen for (C)PTSD. Standardized instruments were used to assess ACE as well as the predictors anger, embitterment, emotion regulation, and meaning in life.Results: From the total sample, n = 16 participants (7.5%) were identified as having probable CPTSD, with only five of these (31.25%) having probable CPTSD at both baseline and follow-up. Individuals with and without probable CPTSD differed significantly regarding age and employment status. Significant predictors of probable CPTSD were anger (β = 0.16), embitterment (β = 0.06), cognitive reappraisal (β = -0.41), and the presence of meaning in life (β = -0.10).Conclusions: Probable CPTSD appears to be relatively unstable over the course of a 21-month period in older individuals. The links between CPTSD and emotion-related predictors highlight potential targets for intervention.

The use of 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in Ukrainian refugees: translation and validation study of the Ukrainian version

Following the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the well-being of millions of Ukrainians has been jeopardised. This study aims to translate and test the psychometric features of the Ukrainian version of the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12). The study included Ukrainian refugees housed in Verona (Italy) between November/2022 and February/2023. The Ukrainian translation was obtained through a ‘forward-backward’ translation. Questionnaire was completed by 141 refugees (females: 78.7%). Median age was 36 years (IQR 23–43). Individuals with a score suggestive of psychological distress were 97 (68.8%). Cronbach’s coefficient was 0.84 (0.95CI 0.80–0.88). According to confirmatory factor analysis, both single- (modelB1) and two-factor (model B2) structures with bimodal scoring method fitted the data satisfactorily. The two factors of model B2 had a 0.88 correlation. Pearson coefficient showed a positive significant correlation between the GHQ-12 and International Trauma Questionnaire scores (ρ = 0.53, 0.95CI 0.40–0.64, p < 0.001). The GHQ-12 Ukrainian translation showed good psychometric features being a reliable and valid instrument to assess Ukrainian refugees’ general well-being.

Living with a friend mediates PTSD and CPTSD symptoms among trauma-exposed Ukrainians during the second year of 2022 Russian invasion

Purpose This study aims to develop and test multivariable psychosocial prediction models of perceived post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) symptoms development among trauma-exposed Ukrainian adults (n = 761) after 1.5 years of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Design/methodology/approach This research was designed as a survey in line with the methodology of “Transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis” checklist. The survey included a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and specifics of trauma exposure, as well as validated self-reported inventories: The International Trauma Questionnaire, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire – version 2, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10 and the Modified BBC Subjective Well-being Scale. Findings Regression analysis revealed different prediction models for PTSD and CPTSD symptoms, explaining 18.4% and 41.4% of their variance with five and eight predictors, respectively. Four variables were similar in predicting PTSD and CPTSD: war-relatedness of trauma, living with a friend, perceived physical health and regret for the past. War-relatedness of trauma the respondents were exposed to was among the strongest predictors for PTSD and CPTSD severity. However, living with a friend was almost equally strong in mitigating these mental consequences. Regret for past and lowly rated physical health were assessed as relatively weaker but statistically significant predictors in this study. Originality/value Upon the original theoretical framework, two psychosocial prediction models were developed for PTSD and CPTSD symptoms in a non-clinical sample of trauma-exposed Ukrainian adults.

COGNITIVE EMOTION REGULATION STRATEGIES IN RELATIONSHIP WITH CPTSD SYMPTOMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

Objective. The article is devoted to the peculiarities of traumatisation of victims affected by domestic violence. The subject is the nature of the relationship between strategies for cognitive regulation of emotions and symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). The impact of mental trauma, which is the basis of CPTSD, gives rise to cognitive distortions in a person, manifested in constant or periodic intense experiences of fear, helplessness, guilt, shame, anger, that is, it leads primarily to emotional disturbances and difficulties with relationships.&#x0D; Methodology. Method or methodology for carrying out work. The study was carried out using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). The respondents were 99 people aged from 18 to 61 years with experience of domestic violence. The methods used were descriptive analysis, checking the normality of variables using the Kolmagorov-Smirnov test, and C. Spearman’s correlation analysis.&#x0D; Results. It has been shown that the severity of CPTSD symptoms is positively associated with such coping cognitive regulation of emotions as «rumination» and «catastrophizing», and negatively associated with «positive reappraisal».&#x0D; Practical implications. The results are applicable to the process of providing crisis and rehabilitation psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence.

The war in Ukraine and the dynamics of PTSD and depression in Poles aged 50+

Introduction and objective: Older Poles are a group particularly exposed to mental health disturbances in connection with the war in Ukraine. The aim of this research was to determine the severity and dynamics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and somatic symptoms in the first year of the war in Ukraine, the relationship between PTSD and depression and sociodemographic factors, as well as to identify factors that increase the risk of PTSD and depression persisting a year after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Materials and methods: People aged ≥50 years (N = 116) were included in the study. The respondents were asked to complete the questionnaires twice, i.e. taking into account 2022 (beginning of war) and 2023 (a year after the outbreak). The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and 8 items from the Patient Health Questionnaire – Somatic Symptoms (PHQ-15) were used. Results: In 2022, nearly 40% of respondents presented with PTSD, and over 60% showed depressed mood. In 2023, the number of people meeting the criteria for PTSD and depression decreased. Women showed higher levels of PTSD and depression. Higher levels of PTSD symptoms were observed among people with higher education. A greater decrease in the severity of PTSD was found among those declaring involvement in providing help for Ukraine. Older age and a higher baseline ITQ or PHQ-9 score favoured the persistence of PTSD and depression in 2023. Conclusions: Factors contributing to poor mental health other than the war itself may include the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, current socioeconomic changes and past traumas.