Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) According to ICD-11: A Study Conducted in Turkiye Following the Kahramanmaras Earthquake
PTSD and C-PTSD According to ICD-11: A study Conducted in Turkiye Following the Kahramanmaras Earthquake
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63175/tjts.14Keywords:
Complex posttraumatic stress disorder, earthquake, International Trauma Questionnaire, posttraumatic stress disorderAbstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) are significant mental health conditions that arise following exposure to traumatic events. While PTSD is often associated with single traumatic experiences, C-PTSD develops due to prolonged and repeated trauma, particularly in early life. Despite the increasing recognition of C-PTSD as a distinct diagnosis in the ICD-11, research on its prevalence remains limited, particularly in populations affected by natural disasters. This study aims to determine the prevalence of PTSD and C-PTSD among individuals affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye and examine potential age-related differences in symptomatology.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 231 participants who directly experienced the earthquake. Participants completed the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), which assesses PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms in accordance with ICD-11 criteria. Sociodemographic variables were also collected and analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed between two age groups (18-31 years and 32-65 years) using chi-square and t-tests.
Results: The findings revealed that 11.3% of participants met the criteria for PTSD, while 7.3% were diagnosed with C-PTSD. No significant differences were observed between age groups in terms of PTSD and C-PTSD prevalence. However, younger participants (18-31 years) exhibited significantly higher scores for avoidance (p = 0.001) and disturbed relationships (p = 0.011).
Conclusion: This study contributes to the limited research on C-PTSD prevalence following natural disasters, highlighting the need for further investigations into age-related differences in trauma responses. The findings emphasize the importance of age-sensitive interventions and long-term mental health support for disaster-affected populations. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs and include diverse cultural and linguistic groups to enhance generalizability.
Keywords: Complex posttraumatic stress disorder, earthquake, International Trauma Questionnaire, posttraumatic stress disorder
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We are excited to announce the release of the inaugural issue of the Turkish Journal of Traumatic Stress. As a platform dedicated to advancing research and discussions on trauma-related stress, this first issue brings together insightful articles, reviews, and studies from experts in the field. We invite scholars, practitioners, and researchers to explore the diverse contributions and engage with the emerging knowledge in trauma care and intervention.
