Concept of complex posttraumatic stress disorder

The long-term effects of complex and sequential traumatization and the related diverse symptomatology have resulted in the development of the concept of complex posttraumatic stress disorder. The disorder is characterized by enduring disturbances of the affective system, self-perception and interpersonal as well as social relationships. The number of randomized controlled trials on complex posttraumatic stress disorder is relatively limited. The results of these studies show that cognitive-behavioral trauma-focused interventions are efficacious with good effect strengths.