Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

A clinical condition originally conceptualized by Dr. Judith Herman to account for more complex adaptation to interpersonal trauma not captured by PTSD. Temporarily superseded by DESNOS during the field trials for DSM-IV and for some time thereafter. Revived by Dr. Marylene Cloitre and a cohort of international researchers, its latest configuration consists of three symptom clusters of PTSD: re-experiencing, avoidance, and persistent sense of current threat; and three symptom clusters of complex adaptation to trauma: affect dysregulation, negative self-concept, and disturbances in relationships. Formally recognized worldwide in 2018 as a bonafide psychiatric diagnosis through inclusion in the 11th edition of the ICD.