Free Abuse Survivor Recovery Resource: International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ)
Healing From FSA: A Valid and Reliable Measure of PTSD and Complex Trauma
The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is an assessment tool I use frequently when working with new clients in my clinical practice who present with symptoms that indicate they may be suffering from PTSD or complex trauma (C-PTSD). Given that my original research on what I eventually named ‘Family Scapegoating Abuse’ (FSA) indicated that many FSA adult survivors suffer from unrecognized complex trauma symptoms, the ITQ can be particularly beneficial by providing a clear and focused framework for assessing the trauma-related symptoms they may experience.
The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is a concise and clearly articulated tool that specifically targets the essential characteristics of PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) and C-PTSD (complex PTSD, also referred to as complex trauma), utilizing straightforward diagnostic criteria. It was designed to align with the organizing principles of the ICD-11 established by the World Health Organization, aiming to enhance clinical usefulness and ensure worldwide relevance by concentrating on the core symptoms of these disorders.
The DSM-5-TR (the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States) classifies complex trauma as an "unspecified trauma-and stressor-related disorder." This is because there is disagreement among psychologists about whether C-PTSD is a distinct condition, and the definition of C-PTSD was still evolving when the DSM-5 was developed.
Unlike the DSM-5-TR, the World Health Organization's (WHO) 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) does recognize C-PTSD as a diagnosis. Many mental health professionals and organizations, including the National Center for PTSD, also consider C-PTSD a valid diagnosis.
Survivors of FSA often face complex psychological challenges, including PTSD and C-PTSD, stemming from chronic emotional neglect, blame, and rejection within their family dynamics. The ITQ's straightforward language and targeted approach enables these individuals to articulate their experiences without the added burden of complicated terminology.
Furthermore, the ITQ’s alignment with the ICD-11 ensures that the assessment is relevant to their unique trauma history, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis. By identifying and validating their core symptoms, the ITQ empowers survivors to seek appropriate support and treatment, fostering a deeper understanding of their trauma and facilitating their journey toward healing and recovery.
The ITQ serves as a valuable tool for both clinicians and researchers in effectively assessing and diagnosing trauma-related disorders. There are several compelling reasons to use the International Trauma Questionnaire:
1. Focused Assessment: The ITQ is specifically designed to assess the core features of PTSD and C-PTSD, providing a targeted approach to diagnosis that prioritizes the most relevant symptoms.
2. Simplicity and Clarity: With its brief and straightforward wording, the ITQ is easy for both clinicians and their clients / patients to understand, reducing potential confusion during the assessment process.
3. International Consistency: The ITQ aligns with the ICD-11 standards set by the World Health Organization, ensuring that it meets global diagnostic criteria and can be used reliably across different cultural contexts.
4. Clinical Utility: Its design maximizes clinical utility, allowing practitioners to efficiently evaluate and diagnose trauma-related disorders, which can lead to timely and appropriate treatment interventions.
5. Research and Validation: The ITQ has been developed and validated through rigorous research, ensuring its reliability and effectiveness in measuring PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms.
6. Facilitates Treatment Planning: By identifying the core symptoms of trauma-related disorders, the ITQ helps clinicians develop tailored treatment plans that address the specific needs of their clients / patients.
7. Time-Efficient: As a brief measure, the ITQ can be administered quickly, making it suitable for busy clinical settings where time is a critical factor.
To learn more about the ITQ and/or to download a copy of the ITQ assessment tool in your preferred language, click on the button below.
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Is this the same one that's in your book. Rebecca?
Downloaded and hope to get to this later this weekend. Many thanks as always Rebecca.