New research to enhance understanding of trauma and PTSD

By Marianne Lie Becker, mlbecker@health.sdu.dk, 6/20/2024

The project, "(no more) Gatekeeping vulnerability: The new generation of trauma-related disorders," aims to enhance understanding and treatment of severe psychological issues that arise from experiences such as war, violence, or illness.

The support comes from the Independent Research Fund Denmark, which has granted Maria Louison Vang a Sapere Aude – DFF Research Leader grant.

Increasing need for accurate diagnosis

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70% of the global population has experienced a potentially traumatising event. This can lead to mental health issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which negatively impacts people’s lives.

-With this project, we will investigate how traumatic experiences affect the Danish population, especially focusing on the exposure profile of those who develop symptoms of various forms of post-traumatic stress. The new generation of PTSD diagnoses is based on a broader trauma criterion than previous diagnostic manuals. By examining the breadth and nature of potential traumas, we can ensure that more people receive the help they need, says Maria Louison Vang.

Project goals

The new research project aims to understand and improve the diagnosis of PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD) in light of the latest revision of WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which Denmark will implement in 2027.

The new classification introduces significant changes, including a broader definition of trauma in Criterion A, the so-called gatekeeper criterion, and the addition of CPTSD, a more complex form of PTSD.

-The new criteria in ICD-11 mean that more people could potentially be diagnosed with PTSD or CPTSD. It is crucial that we prepare our healthcare system for this change to offer the best possible treatment options to those in need. This also involves examining when clinical professionals consider there is a need for trauma-focused assessment and supporting them in making this assessment according to the new criteria with a refined tool, explains Maria Louison Vang.

Better understanding and treatment

Maria Louison Vang and her colleagues at the Centre for Psychotraumatology at the Department of Psychology will focus on how traumatic experiences are distributed within the Danish population. They will also look at the relationship between trauma experiences and symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD, and finally how healthcare professionals perceive the new diagnostic criteria and their impact on diagnosis.

-When we gain a better understanding of traumas and their consequences according to the new diagnostic criteria, we can improve diagnosis and thereby ensure that treatment benefits those who need it. Hopefully, this will help reduce the time people suffer from these conditions. This will not only benefit the affected individuals but also their families and the entire society, explains Maria Louison Vang.

What are PTSD and CPTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can occur after a person has been exposed to or has witnessed an extremely threatening or horrific event or series of events. Symptoms include re-experiencing the event(s) in the present, avoidance behaviour towards reminders of the trauma, and a persistent feeling of current threat.

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) includes all symptoms of PTSD but also additional issues such as disturbances in self-concept, emotional regulation, and relationship problems. PTSD and Complex PTSD share the same trauma criterion and differ only in terms of symptom profile. However, complex PTSD tends to develop after prolonged or repeated traumas such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, or war experiences.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) is WHO’s system for classifying diseases and health-related conditions. The latest version, ICD-11, contains new guidelines for diagnosing mental disorders, including the changes that this project will investigate.