Living with complex PTSD and a long-term physical health condition
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the perceptions of those living with complex PTSD and a long-term physical health condition
IRAS ID
309685
Contact name
Polly Radcliffe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King’s College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition which some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic life event. Complex PTSD is a relatively new diagnosis that is comprised of the core symptoms of PTSD, as well as additional symptoms, such as a negative view of oneself and difficulties with relationships and managing emotions. Complex PTSD is often a result of multiple traumas, typically experienced in childhood.
There is considerable evidence confirming a relationship between PTSD and various chronic physical health conditions, such as cardiorespiratory disorders, diabetes and chronic pain. Furthermore, multiple traumas have been shown to have a cumulative effect on physical health. Some research has suggested that psychological factors, such as one’s beliefs about themselves and their health (e.g. “I am damaged”), contributes to this relationship. However, there is very little research investigating this in PTSD and, to our knowledge, no research assessing this in complex PTSD.
This study aims to fill this gap, by investigating the perspectives of individuals living with a diagnosis of complex PTSD and a physical health condition. By addressing this gap in the literature, we wish to help services move towards treating both physical and mental health conditions in an integrated way, improving continuity of care and outcomes for service-users.
This study wishes to better understand the psychological factors involved in the association between complex PTSD and physical health conditions. E.g. to gain a further understanding of the link between cognitive appraisals, subsequent emotional responses and health behaviours. Secondary aims of the study are to understand patients’ pathways to care and how care and treatment can be improved for patients on this care pathway.
Due to wanting to investigate the experiences and accounts of those living with such conditions, this study proposes interviewing people with a diagnosis of complex PTSD and a self-reported chronic physical health condition(s). Participants are eligible if they are at least 18 years old, meet the threshold for a diagnosis of complex PTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and self-report a long-term physical health condition. People will be recruited from mental health services, where they may be waiting for treatment, in treatment or post-treatment. The interviews will be conducted either online via video call, or at the mental health services the participant is recruited from (e.g. community mental health team).
Participants will be informed of their study by the clinicians working in the mental health teams, and their contact details will be passed over to the research team, should they consent. Participants will first complete the ITQ to ensure they meet inclusion criteria and be consented. A time will then be arranged to complete the interview, that will last approximately an hour. The interview will ask questions on whether participants see a link between their physical and mental health, the effect both conditions have on their everyday life and engagement in treatment and their pathways to care. This study will also ask participants for their perspectives of the services they have accessed and how they could be improved. The interview transcripts will then be analysed for common themes and the results will be published.
It is expected that this study will be completed by May 2023.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0193
Date of REC Opinion
16 Aug 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion