ITQ: International Trauma Questionnaire. A diagnostic screen for PTSD and Complex PTSD (ICD-11). Ratings: 0=Not at all, 2=Moderately, 4=Extremely.
Section 1: PTSD Clusters
Re-experiencing
Repeatedly reliving the trauma in the present (e.g., flashbacks)?
Having nightmares related to the trauma?
Avoidance
Avoidance of thoughts or feelings related to the trauma?
Avoidance of external reminders (people, places) of the trauma?
Sense of Threat
Excessive alertness or being easily startled?
Feeling jumpy or on edge?
Impairment
Do these symptoms cause significant impairment in personal, family, or social areas?
Do these symptoms cause significant impairment in work or education?
Section 2: DSO Clusters (Complex PTSD)
Affective Dysregulation
Having a hard time calming down after being upset?
Feeling numb or emotionally shut down?
Negative Self-Concept
Feeling like a failure or worthless?
Feeling ashamed or guilty?
Relationship Impairment
Feeling cut off or distant from other people?
Having difficulty staying close to people?
DSO Impairment
Do these self-organization problems interfere with your life?
Do they affect your ability to work?
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
When to Use
Diagnosis of ICD-11 PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
Screening for trauma-related symptoms in clinical and research settings
Symptom-tracking for patients with a history of interpersonal or complex trauma
Distinguishing between core PTSD and disturbances in self-organization (DSO)
Section 2
Formula & Logic
PTSD Criteria (ICD-11)
Requires at least one symptom from each of three clusters: (1) Re-experiencing, (2) Avoidance, and (3) Sense of Current Threat, plus functional impairment.
CPTSD Criteria (ICD-11)
Requires PTSD criteria plus at least one symptom from each of three DSO clusters: (1) Affective Dysregulation, (2) Negative Self-Concept, and (3) Disturbances in Relationships.
Scoring
Items rated 0 (Not at all) to 4 (Extremely). Symptoms are considered present if rated ≥ 2 (Moderately).
Section 3
Evidence Appraisal
Validation
The International Trauma Questionnaire: development of a self-report measure of ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD.
Cloitre M et al. • Acta Psychiatr Scand.. 2018;138(6):536-46. Primary validation showing excellent validity across multiple languages and cultures.
Validation of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ).
Hyland P et al. • J Trauma Stress.. 2017;Demonstrated the latent structure support for the distinction between PTSD and CPTSD.
