Brief Description

The PTSD-17 is a self-report questionnaire consisting of 17 items based on the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-IV for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The questions are organized into three dimensions: re-experiencing the traumatic event, emotional numbing and avoidance, and hyperarousal or depressive symptoms. Respondents answer using a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely), reflecting the intensity of their symptoms over the past 30 days. The total score ranges from 17 to 85.

Purpose

The questionnaire is designed to evaluate the presence and severity of symptoms associated with PTSD in individuals who have been exposed to traumatic events. It is used both for research purposes and as a tool for preliminary screening or clinical diagnostic support.

Scoring Method

Scoring is based on the sum of the responses to all 17 items. Higher scores indicate more severe PTSD symptoms. Scores may also be analyzed by calculating the average per item or per symptom dimension. The results are interpreted in relation to the three symptom clusters defined in DSM-IV, and help estimate the likelihood of a PTSD diagnosis.

Validity

Exploratory factor analysis has shown that the scale possesses good construct validity. The three-dimensional structure of the symptoms has been confirmed and aligns with the theoretical framework of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.

Reliability

The internal consistency of the three subscales is satisfactory. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients are 0.75 for the re-experiencing dimension, 0.71 for emotional numbing and avoidance, and 0.70 for hyperarousal and depressive symptoms, indicating good reliability across all domains.

Data Analysis and Use

The PTSD-17 can be used to identify individuals with a high probability of having PTSD. It is suitable for both clinical and research settings. Data analysis may include the calculation of means, standard deviations, and correlations with other psychological or psychosocial variables. The scale is particularly useful for studying the impact of trauma and for monitoring symptom progression over time.

References

Andrykowski, M. A., Cordova, M. J., Studts, J. L., & Miller, T. W. (1998). Posttraumatic stress disorder after treatment for breast cancer: Prevalence of diagnosis and use of the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) as a screening instrument. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66, 586–590. Smith, M. Y., Redd, W. H., DuHamel, K., Vickberg, S. J., & Ricketts, P. (1999). Validation of the PTSD-Civilian Version in survivors of bone marrow transplantation. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 12, 485–499.