Understanding Barriers in Supporting Service Users with Complex PTSD: A Pilot Survey of Expert Perspectives

Experiences of Complex Trauma and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) may be associated with considerable barriers to effective intervention for service users and providers. This investigation sought to identify barriers perceived to affect individuals with CPTSD and those professionals who support them.A pilot survey was distributed via email to an expert group drawn from the International Traumatic Stress Society’s Complex Trauma Special Interest Group receiving N = 28 responses. The survey recorded quantitative ratings of potential barriers to service use and provision highlighted by previous research, and qualitative opinion of CPTSD-related barriers including opportunity to suggest alternative or specific barriers based on respondents’ research and clinical expertise. Quantitative data were subject to descriptive analyses in line with previous investigations of expert opinion related to PTSD intervention, and qualitative data were analysed using an inductive content analysis approach.Responses indicated that the majority of potential CPTSD-related barriers in this survey informed by previous research were perceived as usually or almost always barriers for service users and providers by this expert group. Results highlighted perceptions that CPTSD-related stigma/ misunderstanding, inability to drive systemic change, and accessibility of resources as most salient barriers for effective CPTSD support for service providers. The most salient barriers for individuals with CPTSD as perceived by this expert group were: access to supports and services, dissatisfaction with previous intervention, and availability of personal resources. Qualitative comments indicated relevant barriers for these groups in: Recognition of CPTSD, Availability of Training, Treatment Challenge, Misdiagnosis, Vulnerability due to CPTSD experiences, Structural Barriers, and Symptom-related Difficulties.These findings extend understanding of expert opinion related CPTSD intervention barriers, and offer indicative directions for future research. Extension of these results is called for integrating the opinions of more diverse expert groups, including: researchers/ practitioners in global settings, and those living with CPTSD.