COMPLEX PTSD IN COLOMBIA: INSTRUMENT VALIDITY, ACCESS GAPS AND THERAPY OUTCOMES LATIN AMERICA COMPARISON
Keywords:
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Psychometric Instruments; Health Services Accessibility; Treatment Outcome; Latin America; ColombiaAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v8i16.0293
Abstract
ICD-11 recognizes Complex PTSD (CPTSD) as distinct from PTSD, combining core PTSD symptoms with disturbances in self-organization. Objective: To assess the validity of Spanish-language instruments, access gaps in Colombia, and therapy outcomes, with comparison to Latin America. Methods: Narrative review (PubMed, Scopus, SciELO; 2015–2025) covering validation of scales (ITQ, PCL-5, DTS, CAPS-5), service access, and intervention effectiveness. Results: Spanish measures show good reliability and validity; the ITQ differentiates PTSD from CPTSD. A substantial treatment gap persists: high burden among displaced and conflict-affected populations, stigma, workforce shortages, and uneven service availability restrict care. Trauma-focused psychotherapies (CBT, exposure, EMDR) significantly reduce symptoms; for CPTSD, phased approaches with stabilization and affect-regulation training prior to trauma processing are advantageous. Pharmacotherapy (SSRIs) provides modest, adjunctive benefits. Conclusions: Valid Spanish tools and effective treatments exist, but implementation in Colombia remains insufficient. Policies should integrate screening and treatment into primary care, expand community and tele-mental-health services, strengthen training and supervision in trauma therapies, and deploy anti-stigma strategies to close access gaps and improve outcomes.
Keywords: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Psychometric Instruments; Health Services Accessibility; Treatment Outcome; Latin America; Colombia.
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