Assessment of a new self-rating scale for post-traumatic stress disorder | Psychological Medicine | Cambridge Core (original) (raw)

Hostname: page-component-6bf8c574d5-j5c6p Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-03-11T19:31:20.750Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 January 1997

J. R. T. DAVIDSON

Affiliation:

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, Department of Psychology, Duke University and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, SC; Department of Psychiatry, University of Miami, FL; and Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Summit, NJ, USA

S. W. BOOK

Affiliation:

J. T. COLKET

Affiliation:

L. A. TUPLER

Affiliation:

S. ROTH

Affiliation:

D. DAVID

Affiliation:

M. HERTZBERG

Affiliation:

T. MELLMAN

Affiliation:

J. C. BECKHAM

Affiliation:

R. D. SMITH

Affiliation:

R. M. DAVISON

Affiliation:

R. KATZ

Affiliation:

M. E. FELDMAN

Affiliation:

Article contents

Abstract

Abstract

Background. In post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) there is a need for self-rating scales that are sensitive to treatment effects and have been tested in a broad range of trauma survivors. Separate measures of frequency and severity may also provide an advantage.

Methods. Three hundred and fifty-three men and women completed the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), a 17-item scale measuring each DSM-IV symptom of PTSD on 5-point frequency and severity scales. These subjects comprised war veterans, survivors of rape or hurricane and a mixed trauma group participating in a clinical trial. Other scales were included as validity checks as follows: Global ratings, SCL-90-R, Eysenck Scale, Impact of Event Scale and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R.

Results. The scale demonstrated good test–retest reliability (r = 0·86), internal consistency (r = 0·99). One main factor emerged for severity and a smaller one for intrusion. In PTSD diagnosed subjects, and the factor structure more closely resembled the traditional grouping of symptoms. Concurrent validity was obtained against the SCID, with a diagnostic accuracy of 83% at a DTS score of 40. Good convergent and divergent validity was obtained. The DTS showed predictive validity against response to treatment, as well as being sensitive to treatment effects.

Conclusions. The DTS showed good reliability and validity, and offers promised as a scale which is particularly suited to assessing symptom severity, treatment outcome and in screening for the likely diagnosis of PTSD.

Type

Research Article

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)