Posttraumatic Symptomatology and Dissociation in Outpatients with Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

A number of studies have concluded that dissociative features are common in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study aimed to investigate correlates of dissociation in outpatients with chronic PTSD in Scotland. For the purposes of this study, a total of 102 participants completed the Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale. Information regarding trauma characteristics (i.e., type and presence of physical injury) was also collected. Regression analysis revealed that increased severity and frequency of posttraumatic symptoms, as measured by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale total, was the only significant predictor of dissociation. In line with previous research, our findings indicate that chronic PTSD symptoms could be contributing to the maintenance of clinical dissociation and vice versa in this sample of Scottish outpatients.

KEYWORDS:

• posttraumatic stress disorder
• predictors
• dissociation