Complex PTSD in People Coping with Grief or Loss

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? 29.7% probable CPTSD in one perinatal-bereavement sample*
Is it more common among people coping with grief or loss? Traumatic/violent loss and repeated trauma are particularly relevant; ordinary bereavement alone does not imply CPTSD
Are people coping with grief or loss at higher risk? Yes when bereavement itself is traumatic or occurs on background of cumulative trauma
How much higher is the risk? Perinatal-loss convenience sample: 29.7% CPTSD vs 10.8% PTSD
How often can it be missed? Very high; may be viewed only as grief
Does it show up differently among people coping with grief or loss? Strong Yes contextually
How might it look different? Trauma intrusions + pervasive shame/self-blame + emotion dysregulation + relational disconnection may coexist with grief
What commonly occurs alongside it? Prolonged grief disorder; depression; anxiety
What can it be confused with? Prolonged grief disorder; PTSD; MDD; normal grief
Common screening tool ITQ
Separate screening tool for people coping with grief or loss None

Most often taken Self-Assessments

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