The diagnosis of complex Posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a relatively new diagnosis which has been spoken about for some time. There is much debate about this diagnosis, as there are different systems of diagnosis used across the world and one system does not use it at all.
CPTSD was listed in what is known as the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision or ICD-11. It was released on 18 June 2018, and officially endorsed by all WHO members during the 72nd World Health Assembly on 25 May 2019.
The other widely used system of understanding mental health is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). It was published 18 May 2013. It only includes a category of PTSD. The DSM-5 system is commonly used in Australia.
If you received a diagnosis of CPTSD before 2019 it might be prudent to discuss this with your therapist. Because before this diagnosis was officially endorsed it could have meant many things and the common language meaning or a popular culture meaning may have been applied.
At the Centre for Clinical psychology, we focus on understanding your traumatic experience so we can offer the best available therapy. Please call to make an appointment 03 9077 0122.
