Not everyone who experiences trauma needs the same kind or intensity of support. The PsyComplexity Scale™ is designed to help understand the complexity of a person’s trauma and mental health challenges and provide guidance on when professional support may need to be considered.
In this video, we explore the PsyComplexity Scale™ presented in the book What Happened to Me? Indian Perspectives on Childhood Trauma and Recovery by Dr Gunjan Y Trivedi, Dr Riri G Trivedi and Dr Hemalatha Ramani.
The scale considers four key areas:
• Childhood Trauma Exposure – including the number and frequency of adverse childhood experiences
• Suicidal Thoughts or Attempt History
• Mental Health Symptoms – such as depression, anxiety, insomnia or very low well-being
• Repeated Behavioural Struggles – including difficulties involving relationships, self-harm, eating, substance dependence and other recurring challenges
Based on these factors, the PsyComplexity Scale™ places complexity on a 0 to 4 level. Lower levels may indicate that self-regulation, lifestyle changes and support could be useful, while higher levels suggest that professional trauma-informed support becomes increasingly important.
The purpose of the framework is not simply to label a person. It is to better understand “What happened to you?”, how those experiences may be affecting you today, and what level of support your recovery journey may require.
This video is for educational and awareness purposes only. The PsyComplexity Scale™ is a screening framework and is not a substitute for a complete assessment by a qualified mental health professional. If suicidal thoughts are present, the book recommends seeking professional help rather than relying on self-assessment.
