[Stabilisation therapy as an answer to complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Diagnosis, treatment and research in women abused in childhood with a complex post-traumatic stress disorder].

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from traumatic experiences in childhood includes not only the customary post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms such as intrusions, avoidance and hyperarousal, but it also includes affect-dysregulation, dissociation, problems with self-image, relationships, interpretation and somatisation. The specialist literature expresses some support for stabilisation treatment. Preliminary results of a pilot study that evaluated a stabilisation course with a psycho-educational and cognitive behavioural content indicate that a course of that kind, if linked to research, is both feasible and effective. We therefore believe that further research by means of a randomized controlled trial is warranted.