Tool-Description

The Young Child PTSD Screen (YC-PTSD-S) is a screening tool designed to assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young children, typically aged 3-6 years old. It helps clinicians identify PTSD symptoms that may appear in children after traumatic experiences, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or natural disasters.
This questionnaire is usually directed at parents or caregivers, who are asked to report the child’s behaviors and emotional symptoms following the traumatic event. The questions focus on four main areas:
Re-experiencing the traumatic event (e.g., nightmares, flashbacks)
Avoidance (e.g., avoiding anything related to the event)
Increased arousal (e.g., being easily startled, hyper-arousal)
Difficulties in emotional regulation (e.g., anger, sadness, emotional withdrawal)

Data Analysis and Usage

Data analysis from the YC-PTSD-S involves assessing the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms based on the caregivers’ responses. These responses are scored to determine whether the child is displaying PTSD symptoms and to what extent. Analyzing this data can offer crucial insights for developing appropriate interventions or managing trauma-related consequences.
Clinicians can use this data to:
Identify children at high risk for PTSD.
Monitor children’s progress during treatment.
Create tailored treatment plans and interventions.
Promote further psychological assessment and therapy.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the tool is the timely and accurate detection of PTSD symptoms in young children who have experienced traumatic events. Since young children often cannot clearly express their feelings or concerns, this tool allows professionals to assess symptoms based on behaviors and reactions observed by caregivers. The YC-PTSD-S facilitates early intervention, reducing the risk of long-term psychological effects.

Calibration

The calibration of the YC-PTSD-S is based on the caregiver’s response to each question, where they evaluate the frequency and intensity of the symptoms. The final score indicates the child’s risk level for PTSD.
Typically, the scores are categorized into levels that indicate different degrees of clinical intervention need, such as:
Low risk
Moderate risk
High risk
The reliability and validity of the calibration have been confirmed through studies with control groups, and this tool is widely used in clinical psychological services.

Bibliography

Scheeringa, M. S., & Zeanah, C. H. (2001). “A relational perspective on PTSD in early childhood.” Journal of Traumatic Stress, 14(4), 799-815.
Scheeringa, M. S., Zeanah, C. H., Myers, L., & Putnam, F. W. (2005). “Predictive validity in a prospective follow-up of PTSD in preschool children.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 44(9), 899-906.
Pynoos, R. S., Steinberg, A. M., & Layne, C. M. (2009). “PTSD in children and adolescents: DSM-IV criteria and beyond.” Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22(5), 345-354.