Various PTSD scales, such as the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS), can diagnose or screen for symptoms in children and adults. These scales measure symptom severity, level of impairment, and disability. PTSD can develop after exposure to trauma, and scales can help pinpoint the source of trauma and aid in early treatment.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scales could be used to diagnose the condition or screen for symptoms in children and adults. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) is the most commonly used tool to measure symptom severity and level of impairment. The Dimension of Stressful Events Scale (DOSE) might analyze brief exposure to trauma, while the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) can assess how symptoms change over time. Various PTSD scales designed specifically for children include the Child Behavior Checklist PTSD Scale (CBCL-PTSD) and the Angie/Andy Child Rating Scale.
Scales used to diagnose or screen for the disorder typically must meet the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to be considered valid. The manual serves as a guide for psychiatrists and psychologists diagnosing a wide variety of mental illnesses. It outlines the physical and mental symptoms for each type of disorder and the criteria for assessing symptom severity and defines the levels of functioning that may be affected.
The CAPS PTSD scales identify a range of symptoms that hinder a patient’s ability to function socially or in the workplace. These scales measure the intensity of symptoms and how often they occur, ranging from never to several times a day. A corresponding standard score accompanies each question on an exam. Symptom intensity is rated based on the level of discomfort experienced by a patient, ranging from no discomfort to complete inability to continue normal activities.
In addition to the CAPS scale, the Comprehensive Rating of Functioning Scale could be used to determine a person’s level of disability. These PTSD scales classify disability as mild, moderate, or severe. The total scores derived from this assessment reveal whether the disorder causes occasional symptoms that do not interfere with daily life, whether the patient is disabled under certain circumstances, or whether the disability affects all areas of functioning.
The PDS tool is a short diagnostic test that may be repeated over time to assess whether symptoms are improving or worsening. It can be administered in a group setting or for individual patients. This is one of the PTSD scales designed for civilians and could include computer questionnaires, along with pen and paper surveys. PDS testing could pinpoint the source of the trauma in its early stage so that treatment can begin early.
PTSD scales used with children typically include versions for very young patients and for older children. The Angie/Andy Rating Scale uses cartoons to measure a young person’s feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and other emotions. Behavioral checklist scales could allow assessment of preschoolers, with questionnaires completed by parents. These PTSD scales typically look at children who are physically or sexually abused or seriously injured.
PTSD might develop after a person has been exposed to fighting, violence, or natural disasters. After the event, a patient may experience flashbacks of the event, which could affect their ability to function normally. The patient may feel fear or a sense of doom long after the event has resolved. The Impact of Events scale measures how quickly a person could recover from a trauma.
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