{"title":"Adapting Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Dissociative Symptoms in PTSD: Clinical Challenges and Successes.","authors":"Samantha K Berg, Andrea L B Gottlieb","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2503706","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2025.2503706","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this clinical contribution, we describe the application of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for managing dissociative symptoms in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We examine how DBT, a treatment originally designed for life-threatening behaviors, can be tailored to address the complex needs of PTSD patients with dissociative symptoms. Through clinical vignettes, we illustrate the application of DBT modifications that enhance emotional stabilization, integrate mindfulness, and build distress tolerance to manage dissociative episodes. The vignettes demonstrate both the challenges encountered and the therapeutic breakthroughs achieved. We discuss how integrating DBT into trauma-informed care frameworks can improve emotional regulation and resilience, highlighting the therapy's effectiveness in fostering recovery and emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment strategies for trauma-related dissociation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elizabeth A Earle, Ashley Siegel, Talia Tissera, Kristen M Hernandez, Alyssa A Di Bartolomeo, Jennifer Ip, Skye Fitzpatrick
{"title":"The Impact of Non-Criterion A Traumas in Intimate Relationships on Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Elizabeth A Earle, Ashley Siegel, Talia Tissera, Kristen M Hernandez, Alyssa A Di Bartolomeo, Jennifer Ip, Skye Fitzpatrick","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2503713","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2025.2503713","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Currently, the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder necessitates exposure to a traumatic event as defined by DSM-5-TR Criterion A. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that experiences not meeting Criterion A stressor definitions, specifically related to intimate relationships (e.g., psychological abuse) can also elicit clinically significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, the literature examining the unique role of non-Criterion A intimate relationship stressors on PTSS is sparse. This systematic review synthesized the literature examining the influence of non-Criterion A intimate relationship stressors on PTSS. Electronic searches of three databases (i.e., PsychInfo, Scopus, and PubMed) identified 3257 articles which underwent title and abstract screening and, if potentially eligible, full-text review. Nine articles met inclusion criteria; four of which examined PTSS after a conflict in a relationship and/or divorce, two studies focused on infidelity, and three studies focused on partner psychological abuse in an intimate relationship. Results revealed that relationship conflict and divorce, infidelity, and psychological abuse can lead to clinically significant PTSS, however, these findings were not consistent across all studies. Findings reveal considerable variability in the frequency and severity of PTSS following non-Criterion A intimate relationship stressors that is in line with the variability found in Criterion A-exposed samples. Nevertheless, given the limited number of studies identified, further research is needed. Understanding the impact of these stressors may have important implications for diagnostic and treatment considerations and will provide valuable insights for our understanding of the PTSD construct in its entirety.</p>","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144034412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nikola M Stojanović, Nikola Ćirović, Maja Simonović
{"title":"Network Analysis of Prolonged Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression in Serbian War Veterans: The Role of Bridge Symptoms.","authors":"Nikola M Stojanović, Nikola Ćirović, Maja Simonović","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2503715","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2025.2503715","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often comorbid with depression in both the general population and among veterans who have experienced combat trauma. However, there is a lack of studies inquiring into the comorbidity of prolonged PTSD and depression. The network paradigm offers a novel approach to studying this comorbidity via bridge symptom analysis. This study explores the bridge symptoms between depression and prolonged/chronic PTSD in patients diagnosed with both conditions, 10 years after trauma exposure, using network analysis. The sample consisted of 60 male, treatment-seeking veterans (aged 31 to 59) with diagnoses of both depression and PTSD. Bridge nodes detected in the present bridge symptom analysis include reduced sleep, inner tension, poor concentration/concentration difficulties, pessimistic and suicidal thoughts, distressing dreams, restricted range of affects, and agitation. The detected bridge nodes could partially be attributed to the characteristics of the sample, which consisted of patients diagnosed with PTSD comorbid with depression.</p>","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144044863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ali Kandeğer, Fatih Ekici, Hasan Ali Güler, Ömer Bayırlı, M Seda Özaltın, Yavuz Selvi
{"title":"Childhood Trauma and Dissociation Pathway as a Mediator for the Persistence of ADHD Symptoms from Childhood to Adulthood in Nonclinical and Clinical Samples.","authors":"Ali Kandeğer, Fatih Ekici, Hasan Ali Güler, Ömer Bayırlı, M Seda Özaltın, Yavuz Selvi","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2503709","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2025.2503709","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aims to assess the mediating effect of childhood trauma and dissociative experiences on the relationship between self-reported ADHD symptoms during childhood and adulthood in two separate cross-sectional studies. In Study 1, undergraduate students completed an online survey including a sociodemographic form, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). Data from 1,148 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mediation analysis. In Study 2, sociodemographic, clinical, and diagnostic data from 202 adults with ADHD, followed at the Adult Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic at Selçuk University, were analyzed. Diagnostic evaluations were conducted using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Clinician Version. Clinical data included age, gender, years of education, comorbid conditions, and current ADHD medication use. The same self-report scales (ASRS, WURS, CTQ, and DES) were administered in both studies. The two samples differed significantly in terms of clinical characteristics and self-reported symptoms. Current ADHD symptoms were not only directly associated with childhood ADHD symptoms but also indirectly associated with them through increased childhood trauma and dissociative experiences, independent of demographic and clinical confounding factors in both studies. The pathway involving childhood trauma and dissociation may partially mediate the persistence of ADHD symptoms from childhood to adulthood in both undergraduate and adult ADHD samples. Longitudinal clinical studies are needed to better understand how the childhood trauma and dissociation pathway may influence the persistence of ADHD symptoms as individuals age, potentially extending into adulthood.</p>","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144034470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Vancappel, R Chkili, H Kerbage, A Leroy, W El-Hage
{"title":"Development of a Short Version of the Dissociation Questionnaire (sDIS-Q) : Assessment of Its Psychometric Properties within a Non-Clinical and Clinical Sample.","authors":"A Vancappel, R Chkili, H Kerbage, A Leroy, W El-Hage","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2503718","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2025.2503718","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dissociation is a prevalent phenomenon. Existing psychometric tools for measuring dissociation have faced several criticisms. The Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q) is a noteworthy tool but suffers from being lengthy (63 items) and including non-pathological components of dissociation. This study aims to develop a shorter version of the DIS-Q (sDIS-Q) that focuses on the core pathological manifestations of dissociation.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We recruited 511 participants from the non-clinical sample and used archival data from 86 patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They completed the DIS-Q along with other questionnaires assessing related psychological mechanisms (e.g. PTSD, emotion regulation, beliefs about dissociation). Drawing on the expertise of clinicians, we selected items that were more indicative of pathological forms of dissociation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified a two-factor structure of the sDIS-Q. The first factor was associated with perceived detachment, while the second was related to amnesia. The fit indices were satisfactory in both the non-clinical and the clinical sample. We also observed good internal consistency (α=[.89-.91]) and concurrent validity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The sDIS-Q is a reliable tool that can be used in both clinical and research settings. Its shorter length is beneficial for patients, researchers, and clinicians.</p>","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144064963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Görkem Ayas, Vedat Sar, Sevin Hun Senol, Tuğba Türk-Kurtça
{"title":"The Internal Moderation Questionnaire (IMQ): A Novel Measure of Self-Regulation.","authors":"Görkem Ayas, Vedat Sar, Sevin Hun Senol, Tuğba Türk-Kurtça","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2481030","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2481030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Internal moderation is theorized as a regulatory mental mechanism that mitigates the impact of incongruent stimuli by generating a calibrated internal response. The aim of this study was to develop a standardized self-report instrument designed to measure an individual's current level of internal moderation. An initial version of the Internal Moderation Questionnaire (IMQ), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-33) were applied to 329 college students. A test-retest evaluation was conducted on a separate group of 50 college students with two administrations in a 7-day interval. Reliability and validity analyses yielded a 24-item final version of the questionnaire with excellent internal consistency. The IMQ demonstrated strong to moderate correlations with DES and DERS total scores, while its association with CTQ-33 total scores was rather minimal. In principal components analysis, a three-factor solution yielded the \"dual,\" \"on,\" and \"off\" modes of internal moderation. Higher scores on these modes, and in particular the dual mode score, which represented the largest proportion of the total variance, and the sum of the on and off scores were associated with higher disturbance overall, while the difference between them was not. This preliminary study supported the validity and reliability of the IMQ in a self-referred non-clinical sample of young adults. Further studies on larger, diverse, and clinical samples should identify its significance in detection of prodromal risk syndromes, assessment of treatment response, forensic evaluations, prediction of self-destruction and impulsivity, and decision-making in uncertain conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":" ","pages":"331-346"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143694094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Truth is Truth.","authors":"Julian D Ford","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2481335","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2025.2481335","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":"26 3","pages":"311-313"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Judith Weiss, Pia Bornefeld-Ettmann, Nikolaus Kleindienst, Meike Müller-Engelmann, Kathlen Priebe, Regina Steil
{"title":"Changes in Psychological and Relationship Dimensions of Sexuality After Trauma Focused Therapy in Women with Interpersonal Child Abuse Related PTSD.","authors":"Judith Weiss, Pia Bornefeld-Ettmann, Nikolaus Kleindienst, Meike Müller-Engelmann, Kathlen Priebe, Regina Steil","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2481028","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2481028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Women with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often report problems with sexuality. Relationship dimensions and psychological dimensions of sexuality seem to be impaired. We examined whether trauma focused therapies improve relationship and psychological dimensions of sexuality. In a randomized controlled trial that took part between 2014 and 2016 in Germany, <i>N</i> = 193 cisgender women with PTSD after child abuse (mean age = 36.3 years) completed the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire, assessing psychological dimensions of sexuality and the Resources in Sexuality and Partnership, assessing relationship dimensions of sexuality. PTSD was assessed via Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. Assessments took part in the beginning and after Dialectical Behavior Therapy for PTSD or Cognitive Processing Therapy. Using hierarchical linear modeling, changes in psychological and relationship dimensions of sexuality from beginning to post treatment were assessed, also the association between PTSD symptom reduction and reduction in psychological and relationship dimensions. From beginning to post treatment, relationship dimensions of sexuality improved (<i>p</i> < .01; Cohen's <i>d</i> = .36). PTSD symptom reduction moderated this effect. The psychological dimension sexual satisfaction increased (<i>p</i> < .05; Cohen's <i>d</i> = .32), sexual anxiety (<i>p</i> < .001; Cohen's <i>d</i> = ‒.51) and sexual depression (<i>p</i> < .001; Cohen's <i>d</i> = ‒.44) decreased. PTSD symptom reduction moderated these effects. Sexual esteem and sexual motivation did not change after therapy. Our results suggest that relationship dimensions and some psychological dimensions of sexuality can improve after trauma focused therapy. Other psychological dimensions like sexual esteem might need specific therapeutic interventions to improve.</p>","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":" ","pages":"372-391"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143694092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ivano Caselli, Marta Ielmini, Giulia Gastaldello, Alessandro Bellini, Camilla Callegari
{"title":"Biological Correlates of Dissociative Disorders: A Systematic Review on Biomarkers and Trauma Connections.","authors":"Ivano Caselli, Marta Ielmini, Giulia Gastaldello, Alessandro Bellini, Camilla Callegari","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2481031","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2481031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pathological dissociation is characterized by disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, perception, and affect, often linked to trauma and observed across various psychiatric conditions. Previous reviews do not fully cover key biological correlates used as biomarkers and do not clearly define the trauma-dissociation link. Therefore, this systematic review gives an overview of the studies on biomarkers research of the most relevant findings in associations between dissociative disorders and biological correlates. Additionally, it seeks to explore potential links between specific trauma types and recurrent biomarkers. A total of 123 studies were included, highlighting the role of increased prefrontal cortex activation and reduced hippocampal volume as potential biomarkers for pathological dissociation. Altered connectivity in the limbic system, frequently tied to childhood trauma, further underscores the neurobiological basis of dissociative symptoms. Biochemical and genetic studies, while promising, present inconsistent results and require further validation. This review underscores the importance of identifying reliable biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy, inform personalized treatment strategies, and monitor therapeutic responses. Future research should aim to unify methodologies and explore novel approaches to enhance clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":" ","pages":"357-371"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143796614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sydney N Stone, Kaleigh M Newcomb, Matthew M Yalch
{"title":"Influence of Childhood Maltreatment on Schizoid Personality Pathology.","authors":"Sydney N Stone, Kaleigh M Newcomb, Matthew M Yalch","doi":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2481034","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15299732.2025.2481034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Schizoid personality disorder (SPD) is among the most enduring forms of personality pathology. Research suggests that one factor associated with schizoid pathology is childhood maltreatment, although it is unclear which specific experiences of childhood maltreatment may be most impactful. In this study, we examined associations between different experiences of childhood maltreatment (e.g. physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and physical and emotional neglect) and schizoid pathology in a sample of men and women recruited online (<i>N</i> = 327) using a Bayesian approach to structural equation modeling. Results suggest that emotional neglect had the strongest association with schizoid pathology over and above other forms of maltreatment and other traumatic life events. Findings further indicate that emotional and physical neglect as well as other negative life events are associated with schizoid pathology in men but only emotional abuse is associated with schizoid pathology for women. These findings provide support for the influence of childhood maltreatment on schizoid pathology and have implications for future research and clinical intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":47476,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trauma & Dissociation","volume":" ","pages":"347-356"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143677325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}