The concept of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) was first proposed by Herman in 1992 (Herman, 1992), but it has only recently been officially recognized as a diagnosis in classification manuals such as the ICD-11 by the World Health Organization. This lack of structured definition for over three decades has led to inconsistency in treatment methods. Two main psychological approaches have emerged: a three-phase protocol of stabilization, trauma memory processing, and reintegration (Cloitre et al., 2012), or trauma-focused psychotherapy without stabilization.
Reintegration, a phase that brings the new self into everyday life, is a key component of CPTSD treatment. However, there is limited research on this phase, with most studies focusing on stabilization and trauma memory processing. In response to this gap, Condon et al. conducted a study to explore expert opinions on the definition, composition, and delivery of reintegration interventions.
Sixteen leading experts with extensive experience in working clinically with CPTSD participated in the study. Thematic analysis revealed five main themes: definition, the value of reintegration, composition, key principles, and evaluation. Experts emphasized the importance of a person-centered and collaborative approach to reintegration, with interventions tailored to individual needs. They also highlighted the need for ongoing evaluation and suggested a duration of at least three months to several years for reintegration work.
The study identified a lack of consensus on the definition and composition of reintegration interventions, pointing to the need for more specific research in this area. While the findings shed light on the framework of reintegration, further research is needed to establish a coherent understanding of its role in CPTSD treatment.
In practice, increased awareness of reintegration interventions is crucial for improving outcomes for patients with CPTSD. The study highlights the importance of including the reintegration phase in treatment discussions and calls for future research to address key questions around definition, composition, delivery, and evaluation of these interventions. Randomized controlled trials and qualitative research may offer valuable insights into the nuances of the reintegration phase from a patient perspective. Ultimately, a more detailed knowledge base on reintegration interventions is essential for enhancing treatment outcomes for individuals with CPTSD.
