CPTSD: An overview of arguments and a proposed "features" diagnostic model

[rachelmanija]

My paper for one of my trauma classes is copied below, on the question of including CPTSD (complex PTSD) in the DSM-V . It's 4 pages long, and as per the assignment, summarizes the arguments in a set of papers I read, then describes my own proposal. Quote marks used here as LJ doesn't support block quotes. Also, apologies for the alphabet soup.

Comments

[tool_of_satan]

If you haven't turned it in yet - "because they do not match a somewhat arbitrary criteria" doesn't agree in number.

[rachelmanija]

Thanks! No, I haven't yet. (See missing cites.)

[tanyahp]

Very interesting! I like where you talk about adding CPTSD as a subset of PTSD. (I forget the word for that. Qualifier? Variant? Whatever jargony word we're supposed to use.) Makes sense to me. I would like to read an essay on PTSD as it presents in children.

[rachelmanija]

I would too. From what I have read, it looks nothing like how it presents in adults.

[tanyahp]

Yep, experienced the difference first hand volunteering in a DV shelter.

[rachelmanija]

In general terms, what did you see?

[rachelmanija]

Thank you!

Seriously, I think my "simple/complex/mixed" model would solve a lot of the current problems. Granted, most people would be "mixed," but that's okay; it would both present a fuller picture and catch the people who are currently either unable to get a diagnosis, or get wrongly diagnosed with ADD/bipolar/borderline/WTF ever.

[gaudior]

*bookmarks*

I quite like your suggestion, and hope that the actual DSM-V comes up with something equally sensible!