Dissociation: An insufficiently recognized major feature of complex posttraumatic stress disorder
Date
2005
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Journal of Traumatic Stress
Abstract
The role of dissociation in (complex) PTSD has been insufficiently recognized for at least two reasons:
the view that dissociation is a peripheral, not a central feature of PTSD, and existing confusion regarding
the nature of dissociation. This conceptual paper addresses both issues by postulating that traumatization
essentially involves some degree of division or dissociation of psychobiological systems that constitute
personality. One or more dissociative parts of the personality avoid traumatic memories and perform
functions in daily life, while one or more other parts remain fixated in traumatic experiences and
defensive actions. Dissociative parts manifest in negative and positive dissociative symptoms that
should be distinguished from alterations of consciousness. Complex PTSD involves a more complex
structural dissociation than simple PTSD.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
dissociation, complex trauma, diagnosis, PTSD
Citation
Van der Hart, O., Nijenhuis, E. R., & Steele, K. (2005). Dissociation: An insufficiently recognized major feature of complex posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 18(5), 413-423.