Latent profile analysis and principal axis factoring of the DSM-5 dissociative subtype
Paul Frewen, Matthew F. D. Brown, Carolin Steuwe, Ruth A. Lanius
European Journal of Psychotraumatology April 7, 2015 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v6.26406 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study (online community sample, latent class and factor analysis) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 557 |
| Population | Adults recruited online who endorsed PTSD symptoms of at least moderate severity on the PCL-5 |
| Measures | PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), two added items assessing depersonalization and derealization |
| Keywords | Posttraumatic stress disorder Dissociative subtype Dissociation Psychological trauma |
| Key findings | A five-class solution identified two PTSD classes with dissociative experiences, one at severe and one at moderate PTSD symptom severity; the severe dissociative class was particularly likely to report childhood physical and sexual abuse. Factor analysis identified six latent symptom variables, including a distinct dissociation factor. The authors conclude these results further support a dissociative subtype within DSM-5 PTSD criteria. |
Abstract
Objective: A dissociative subtype has been recognized based on the presence of experiences of depersonalization and derealization in relation to DSM-IV posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the dissociative subtype has not been assessed in a community sample in relation to the revised DSM-5 PTSD criteria. Moreover, the 20-item PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) currently does not assess depersonalization and derealization.
Method: We therefore evaluated two items for assessing depersonalization and derealization in 557 participants recruited online who endorsed PTSD symptoms of at least moderate severity on the PCL-5.
Results: A five-class solution identified two PTSD classes who endorsed dissociative experiences associated with either 1) severe or 2) moderate PTSD symptom severity (D-PTSD classes). Those in the severe dissociative class were particularly likely to endorse histories of childhood physical and sexual abuse. A principal axis factor analysis of the symptom list identified six latent variables: 1) Reexperiencing, 2) Emotional Numbing/Anhedonia, 3) Dissociation, 4) Negative Alterations in Cognition & Mood, 5) Avoidance, and 6) Hyperarousal.
Conclusions: The present results further support the presence of a dissociative subtype within the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD.
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- "I can't tell whether it's my hand": a pilot study of the neurophenomenology of body representation during the rubber hand illusion in trauma-related disorders. European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2016
- Cannabis-assisted psychotherapy for complex dissociative posttraumatic stress disorder: A case report Frontiers in Psychiatry February 9, 2023
- Resolution of Dissociated Ego States Relieves Flashback-Related Symptoms in Combat-Related PTSD: A Brief Mindfulness Based Intervention. Military psychology : the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association 2020
- Neurobiological and Genetic Correlates of the Dissociative Subtype of PTSD Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science April 6, 2023
- Peripersonal Space and Bodily Self-Consciousness: Implications for Psychological Trauma-Related Disorders Frontiers in Neuroscience December 10, 2020
and 3 more in the library
Cites 3
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- Dissociative disorders in DSM‐5 Depression and Anxiety September 1, 2011
- Unpacking the depersonalization syndrome: an exploratory factor analysis on the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale Psychological Medicine October 1, 2005