Clinical Report: Sexual Functionality Among Women Diagnosed with Complex PTSD
Overview
This study investigates sexual functioning in women with complex PTSD (CPTSD) compared to those with PTSD and trauma-exposed controls. Findings indicate that CPTSD is associated with significantly lower overall sexual function and greater sexual pain, independent of PTSD severity and age.
Background
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is known to impair sexual functioning in women, but the specific effects of complex PTSD (CPTSD) are less understood. Understanding these effects is crucial, as they can significantly impact women's quality of life and interpersonal relationships. The distinction between PTSD and CPTSD is important for tailoring effective treatment strategies.
Data Highlights
Group
FSFI Total Score (Mean ± SD)
CPTSD
26.56 ± 6.41
Trauma-exposed Controls
28.86 ± 5.03
Key Findings
CPTSD severity is associated with lower overall sexual function (β = -0.22, p < 0.001).
Women with CPTSD reported significantly lower FSFI scores compared to trauma-exposed controls (p = 0.047).
The pain domain showed significant differences, with CPTSD women reporting greater sexual pain (F = 6.35, p = 0.002).
Age was the only significant predictor of sexual pain after adjusting for CPTSD severity.
Group differences in sexual pain were attenuated after adjusting for age.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider the impact of CPTSD on sexual functioning when assessing and treating women with trauma histories. Addressing sexual health may be an important aspect of comprehensive care for women diagnosed with CPTSD.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the need for further research into the sexual health of women with CPTSD, as well as the importance of considering CPTSD severity in clinical assessments.
