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Brief screening instrument for post-traumatic stress disorder

Subdepartment of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London

SUZANNA ROSE, PhD

West Berkshire Traumatic Stress Service

BERNICE ANDREWS, PhD

Royal Holloway, University of London

JOHN GREEN, PhD, PHILIP TATA, MPhil and CHRIS McEVEDY, MRCPsych

Brent, Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Mental Health Trust, London

STUART TURNER, MD

Camden & Islington Community Health Services NHS Trust, London

EDNA B. FOA

University of Pennsylvania, USA

Correspondence: Chris R. Brewin, Subdepartment of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK

Declaration of interest The study was funded by the NHSE London Regional Office (project no. RDC01702). The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the NHSE (LRO) or the Department of Health.

Background Brief screening instruments appear to be a viable way of detecting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but none has yet been adequately validated.

Aims To test and cross-validate a brief instrument that is simple to administer and score.

Method Forty-one survivors of a rail crash were administered a questionnaire, followed by a structured clinical interview 1 week later.

Results Excellent prediction of a PTSD diagnosis was provided by respondents endorsing at least six re-experiencing or arousal symptoms, in any combination. The findings were replicated on data from a previous study of 157 crime victims.

Conclusions Performance of the new measure was equivalent to agreement achieved between two full clinical interviews.

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