The Symptom Criteria for the Dissociative Subtype of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

• Published in: Psychological trauma 2024-05, Vol.16 (4), p.686-691
• Main Authors: Ross, Colin A., Ridgway, Jane, Myron, Taylor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Complex PTSD; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Dissociation; Dissociative Disorders; Dissociative Disorders - classification; Dissociative Disorders - diagnosis; Female; Human; Humans; Inpatient; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales - standards; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - classification; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - diagnosis; Subtypes (Disorders); Young Adult
• ISSN: 1942-9681; 1942-969X; 1942-969X
• DOI: 10.1037/tra0001612

Objective: The dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was incorporated into the diagnostic criteria for PTSD in Diagnostic and Statisical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The subtype requires the presence of persistent or recurrent depersonalization or derealization; however, several authors have suggested that a broader array of dissociative symptoms could be included in the criteria. The objective of the present study was to gather data on a wide range of dissociative symptoms in a sample of highly traumatized individuals. Method: The authors administered a set of measures to 62 inpatients in a private psychiatric inpatient program specializing in PTSD and dissociative disorders. Results: Almost every participant met International Classification of Diseases, 11th Edition criteria for complex PTSD, DSM-5 criteria for the dissociative subtype of PTSD, and DSM-5 criteria for dissociative identity disorder or other specified dissociative disorder; these four diagnoses seem to identify largely the same patients and may not be separate disorders. Conclusions: A broad range of dissociative symptoms was endorsed on the Dissociative Experiences Scale and the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule. The results support a recommendation that a broad array of symptoms be included in the criteria for the dissociative subtype of PTSD in future editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Clinical Impact StatementA wide array of symptoms should be included in the criteria for the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in future editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In cases of complex PTSD or dissociative PTSD, clinicians should consider using therapy techniques from the dissociative identity disorder literature.