ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder and complex PTSD: prevalence, predictors, and construct validity in Swiss older adults

Myriam V. Thoma, Enya Redican, Nathanael Adank, Valerie B. Schneemann, Mark Shevlin, Andreas Maercker, Shauna L. Rohner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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+ (M age = 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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2445368
Pages (from-to)1-14
Number of pages14
JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology
Volume16
Issue number1
Early online date3 Jan 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished online - 3 Jan 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Data Access Statement

Requests to access the datasets and material should be directed to the corresponding author.

Keywords

  • ICD-11
  • Complex posttraumatic stress disorder
  • International Trauma Questionnaire
  • trauma
  • Construct validity
  • Switzerland

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