ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder and complex PTSD: prevalence, predictors, and construct validity in Swiss older adults
Creators: name: Thoma, Myriam V.
name: Redican, Enya
name: Adank, Nathanael
name: Schneemann, Valerie B.
name: Shevlin, Mark
name: Maercker, Andreas
name: Rohner, Shauna L.
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Cell Biology
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Science Policy
subject: Mental Health

description: <b>Background:</b> 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 <i>International Trauma Questionnaire</i> (ITQ) in a German-speaking sample of Swiss older adults. <b>Method:</b> Participants were <i>N</i> = 1526 older adults aged 65+ (<i>M<sub>age</sub></i> = 72.34; <i>SD</i> = 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. <b>Results:</b> 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. <b>Conclusions:</b> 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. Most (86.2%) Swiss adults aged 65 + reported having experienced at least one potentially traumatic event in their lifetime.Rates of probable ICD-11 PTSD (0.4%) and Complex PTSD (2.4%) were low in older Swiss adults.Gender and specific trauma types predicted PTSD, with fewer factors linked to Complex PTSD symptoms.Confirmatory factor analysis supported the ITQ structure in assessing ICD-11 PTSD and Complex PTSD in older adults.PTSD and Complex PTSD symptoms strongly correlated with loneliness, anxiety, depression, and well-being. Most (86.2%) Swiss adults aged 65 + reported having experienced at least one potentially traumatic event in their lifetime. Rates of probable ICD-11 PTSD (0.4%) and Complex PTSD (2.4%) were low in older Swiss adults. Gender and specific trauma types predicted PTSD, with fewer factors linked to Complex PTSD symptoms. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the ITQ structure in assessing ICD-11 PTSD and Complex PTSD in older adults. PTSD and Complex PTSD symptoms strongly correlated with loneliness, anxiety, depression, and well-being.