| Abstract [eng] |
The World Health Organization International classification of diseases ICD-11 classifies posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD as two distinct diagnoses (WHO, 2019), that are often experienced with other mental disorders (Hyland et al., 2018; Karatzias et al., 2018). Emerging adulthood is characterized by relatively poor mental health (Auerbach et al., 2019; Knapstad et al., 2021; Linden et al., 2021) and high number of traumatic events (Hatch & Dohrenwend, 2007), which is associated with a high risk of PTSD and complex PTSD (Hyland et al., 2020). Longitudinal studies in links between PTSD and complex PTSD symptoms and mental health change are insufficiently. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate links between traumatic events, post-traumatic stress reactions and mental health change in two years study. 134 students from Vilnius University (82,8% women), age range 19-26 (M = 20,99, SD = 0,82) participated in the present study. Measurement instruments used: Life Events Checklist (LEC, Weathers et al., 2013), International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ, Cloitre et al., 2018), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS, Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). The results revealed, that the level of PTSD remained stable, and symptoms of complex PTSD increased in a two year study. Young adult stress and depression stayed stable, while anxiety decreased significantly. The change in PTSD and complex PTSD is positively related to the change in mental health. Mental health intervention should be orientated to reduce specific symptoms of complex PTSD. |
