COMPLEX post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) affects nearly one in ten people worldwide, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis examining community prevalence of this ICD-11 defined condition. The findings underscore a substantial global burden that warrants greater attention from clinicians and policymakers.
C-PTSD was introduced in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases to capture the symptoms linked to prolonged, repeated, or multiple traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional post-traumatic stress disorder, this condition encompasses disturbances in self-organization including difficulties in relationships, emotional regulation, and self-perception.
To quantify prevalence, researchers systematically searched four databases, applying strict eligibility criteria to identify relevant studies. Sixteen studies comprising 22 effect sizes were included in the meta-analysis. Methodological quality was assessed, and findings were synthesized using random-effects modeling to account for variability across study populations.
The pooled analysis revealed a one-month prevalence of 8.59% for C-PTSD in community samples, with a confidence interval ranging from 5.84 to 11.34%. This translates to approximately 9 out of every 100 individuals living with the disorder at any given time. Moderator analyses demonstrated significant differences in prevalence across continents, assessment scales, sample types, countries, and languages, suggesting that sociocultural and methodological factors may influence reported rates.
The results emphasize that C-PTSD is not confined to clinical settings but represents a significant community-level mental health challenge. For U.S. healthcare professionals, these findings highlight the importance of awareness, screening, and culturally sensitive approaches to trauma-informed care. The authors stress the need for further investigation into how C-PTSD prevalence differs among specific populations, such as individuals exposed to war, childhood adversity, or other severe traumatic events.
By identifying the widespread nature of C-PTSD, this study provides evidence to support the integration of targeted interventions and public health strategies. Addressing the burden of this condition may improve outcomes for millions of patients worldwide who are struggling with the long-term effects of trauma.
Reference: Hualparuca-Olivera L et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Global Prevalence of ICD-11 Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Community. Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2025;207640251368064.
