6B41ICD-11 MMS 2026-01
Complex post traumatic stress disorder
Description
Complex post traumatic stress disorder (Complex PTSD) is a disorder that may develop following exposure to an event or series of events of an extremely threatening or horrific nature, most commonly prolonged or repetitive events from which escape is difficult or impossible (e.g. torture, slavery, genocide campaigns, prolonged domestic violence, repeated childhood sexual or physical abuse). All diagnostic requirements for PTSD are met. In addition, Complex PTSD is characterised by severe and persistent 1) problems in affect regulation; 2) beliefs about oneself as diminished, defeated or worthless, accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt or failure related to the traumatic event; and 3) difficulties in sustaining relationships and in feeling close to others. These symptoms cause significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
Index terms
- Complex post traumatic stress disorder
- complex PTSD
- enduring personality change after catastrophic experience
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- personality change after disasters
- Personality change after concentration camp experiences
- Personality change after prolonged captivity with an imminent possibility of being killed
- Personality change after prolonged exposure to life-threatening situations such as being a victim of terrorism
- Personality change after torture
Excludes
Exclusions from above levels
Sibling codes
6B40– Post traumatic stress disorder6B42– Prolonged grief disorder6B43– Adjustment disorder6B44– Reactive attachment disorder6B45– Disinhibited social engagement disorder6B4Y– Other specified disorders specifically associated with stress6B4Z– Disorders specifically associated with stress, unspecified
Foundation entity
Complex post traumatic stress disorder – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/585833559
Part of: 06: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders