A dissociative subtype of PTSD is being considered for inclusion in the forthcoming DSM-5 to address the symptoms of depersonalization and derealization found among a subset of patients with PTSD. This article reviews research related to the dissociative subtype including antecedent, concurrent, and predictive validators as well as the rationale for recommending the dissociative subtype. Compared to individuals with PTSD, those with the dissociative subtype of PTSD also exhibit a different pattern of neurobiological response to symptom provocation as well as a differential response to current cognitive behavioral treatment designed for PTSD.
Lanius, R. A., Brand, B., Vermetten, E., Frewen, P. A., Spiegel., D. (2012). Review.The dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder: rationale, clinical and neurobiological evidence, and implications. Depression and Anxiety,0, 1-8.
Doi: 10.1002/da.21889
