“When my mind hurts, my body hurts”: Complex PTSD and chronic physical health conditions—A qualitative study exploring the factors contributing to their relationship

TY - JOUR

T1 - “When my mind hurts, my body hurts”

T2 - Complex PTSD and chronic physical health conditions—A qualitative study exploring the factors contributing to their relationship

AU - Blackett, Laura

AU - Radcliffe, Polly

AU - Rexhepi-Johansson, Teuta

AU - Reynolds, Nicola

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). British Journal of Clinical Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Psychological Society.

PY - 2025/11

Y1 - 2025/11

N2 - Objectives: Complex PTSD (cPTSD) has a high comorbidity rate with chronic physical health conditions. This is the first qualitative study to investigate what factors might be contributing to this relationship. Methods: Twelve participants with cPTSD and chronic physical health conditions were recruited from mental health services across London. Semi-structured interviews were completed. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Four themes were identified: Negative Health Behaviours; Mind–Body Link; Negative Core Beliefs about Self, Others and Health; and Negative Impact of Conditions on Wellbeing. The reciprocal relationship between cPTSD and chronic physical health conditions was highlighted: one condition was found to perpetuate or trigger the other, either directly (e.g., pain triggering flashbacks) or indirectly (interfering with treatment). Various factors were found to contribute to the relationship, including cognitive difficulties, sleep difficulties, and reduced social support. Conclusions: The importance of recognizing mind–body links and targeting factors maintaining both cPTSD and physical health conditions is highlighted.

AB - Objectives: Complex PTSD (cPTSD) has a high comorbidity rate with chronic physical health conditions. This is the first qualitative study to investigate what factors might be contributing to this relationship. Methods: Twelve participants with cPTSD and chronic physical health conditions were recruited from mental health services across London. Semi-structured interviews were completed. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Four themes were identified: Negative Health Behaviours; Mind–Body Link; Negative Core Beliefs about Self, Others and Health; and Negative Impact of Conditions on Wellbeing. The reciprocal relationship between cPTSD and chronic physical health conditions was highlighted: one condition was found to perpetuate or trigger the other, either directly (e.g., pain triggering flashbacks) or indirectly (interfering with treatment). Various factors were found to contribute to the relationship, including cognitive difficulties, sleep difficulties, and reduced social support. Conclusions: The importance of recognizing mind–body links and targeting factors maintaining both cPTSD and physical health conditions is highlighted.

KW - complex PTSD

KW - DSO symptoms

KW - health behaviours

KW - medically unexplained symptoms

KW - physical health

KW - trauma

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105006916362

U2 - 10.1111/bjc.12551

DO - 10.1111/bjc.12551

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:105006916362

SN - 0144-6657

VL - 64

SP - 1020

EP - 1042

JO - British Journal of Clinical Psychology

JF - British Journal of Clinical Psychology

IS - 4

ER -