Background and objectives: Major negative life-events including bereavement can precipitate perceived positive life-changes, termed posttraumatic growth (PTG). While traditionally considered an adaptive phenomenon, it has been suggested that PTG represents a maladaptive coping response similar to cognitive avoidance. To clarify the function of PTG, it is crucial to establish concurrent and longitudinal associations of PTG with post-event mental health problems. Yet, longitudinal studies on this topic are scarce. The present study fills this gap in knowledge.

Objective
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently associated with depression and anxiety, but the nature of the relationship is unclear. By removing mood and anxiety diagnostic criteria, the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) aims to delineate a distinct PTSD phenotype. We examined the effect of implementing ICD‐11 criteria on rates of codiagnosed depression and anxiety in survivors with recent PTSD.

Highlights

•In the general population the prevalence of subthreshold anxiety disorders is 11.4%.

•Subthreshold anxiety disorders have a heterogeneous three-year course.

•In 57.3% of respondents subthreshold anxiety symptoms are self-limiting.

•Symptoms were persistent in 29.0% and progressed into an anxiety disorder in 13.8%.

•People with persistent or progressive anxiety symptoms may benefit from intervention.

Abstract

For the past two decades, there has been substantial debate about whether there are qualitatively different symptom profiles that can develop in children from different types of traumatic events and life circumstances. The term “complex trauma” is often used to describe both the presumed causes and the consequences of exposure to traumatic stressors when the child has experienced other significant adversities and is manifesting more severe clinical presentations.