Analysis

The PTSD Symptom Scale Interview (PSS-I) is a clinical assessment tool designed to measure symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It was developed by David F. Stein and collaborators and is used to evaluate PTSD symptoms in various population groups. The tool includes questions that assess the intensity and duration of PTSD symptoms.

Objective

The main objective of the PSS-I is to identify, measure, and monitor the intensity of PTSD symptoms, which include recurrent reliving of the trauma, avoidance of situations, hyperarousal, and emotional numbness.

Scoring

The PSS-I is a structured interview that includes questions for evaluating the frequency and severity of PTSD symptoms. Assessment is typically done on a scale from 0 to 4 or 0 to 5, where scores reflect the frequency or severity of the symptoms. The total score is calculated by summing the scores of each question. Higher scores indicate greater intensity of PTSD symptoms.

References

Stein, D. J., & Wilkins, K. (2000). The PTSD Symptom Scale: A review of its application and use in clinical research. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 13(1), 55–73.
Foa, E. B., & Tolin, D. F. (2000). The PTSD Symptom Scale: A comprehensive measure for PTSD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 13(2), 309–322.
Blake, D. D., et al. (1995). The development of a clinical interview for PTSD: The PTSD Symptom Scale Interview. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 8(2), 175–189.
Weathers, F. W., & Keane, T. M. (1991). The PTSD Symptom Scale: Validation of a measure of PTSD symptoms. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 59(5), 717–724.
Haro, J. M., et al. (2006). Validity and reliability of the PTSD Symptom Scale in different clinical settings. European Psychiatry, 21(4), 263–270.