PTSD in People Navigating Divorce or Separation

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among people navigating divorce or separation? Separation itself isn't necessarily a qualifying trauma; intimate-partner violence/abuse changes the picture substantially
Are people navigating divorce or separation at higher risk? Only where relationship context includes trauma/abuse/threat
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? High when trauma occurs within abusive relationship
Does it show up differently among people navigating divorce or separation? Contextually yes
How might it look different? Intrusions, hypervigilance and avoidance may continue after abusive/coercive relationship ends
What commonly occurs alongside it? Depression; anxiety; substance use
What can it be confused with? Adjustment disorder; CPTSD; BPD; normal breakup distress
Common screening tool PCL-5 / PC-PTSD-5
Separate screening tool for people navigating divorce or separation None
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