ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder and complex PTSD: prevalence, predictors, and construct validity in Swiss older adults
Background: This study assessed the prevalence rates, construct validity, predictors, and psychosocial factors linked to ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD), as assessed by the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) in a German-speaking sample of Swiss older adults...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | European Journal of Psychotraumatology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/20008066.2024.2445368 |
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| Summary: | Background: This study assessed the prevalence rates, construct validity, predictors, and psychosocial factors linked to ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD), as assessed by the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) in a German-speaking sample of Swiss older adults.Method: Participants were N = 1526 older adults aged 65+ (Mage = 72.34; SD = 6.20 years; age range = 65–95; female = 72.0%). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested alternative models of the latent structure of the ITQ. Risk factors and psychological outcomes associated with the ITQ subscales were also examined.Results: From the total sample, 86.2% had experienced at least one potentially traumatic event (PTE), with a median of three PTEs per person. Probable PTSD and CPTSD prevalence was 0.4% and 2.4%, respectively. CFA results indicated that a two-factor second-order model best captured the latent structure of the ITQ. Female gender and specific traumas, such as physical and sexual assault, were uniquely associated with PTSD. Fewer, non-specific factors were linked to disturbances in self-organization (DSO; encompassing affective dysregulation, a negative self-view, and difficulties in relationships). The PTSD and CPTSD factors were significantly associated with loneliness, anxiety, depression, and well-being.Conclusions: Results found that despite high trauma exposure among Swiss older adults, the prevalence of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD was low, with no significant gender differences. A two-factor second-order model provided the best fit for the ITQ. These findings indicate significant trauma exposure in Swiss older adults and the need for targeted interventions that address the trauma-specific and associated psychosocial challenges (i.e. loneliness, anxiety, depression, well-being) facing older adults. |
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| ISSN: | 2000-8066 |