Complex post-traumatic stress disorder: a useful diagnostic framework?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases do not distinguish clearly between the clinical presentations resulting from exposure to single as opposed to multiple trauma. The developmental age of the victim is similarly not emphasized in symptom development and clinical presentation. Developmental trauma disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are emerging as useful diagnostic frameworks in children and adults. This article reviews the literature and highlights conceptual evolution and differences from simple PTSD, as well as discussing differential diagnoses and clinical management.