Validation of the Screening for Complex PTSD (SkPTBS) - Revision

Abstract

The aim was to develop further a screening instrument for complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). The screening for cPTSD (SkPTBS) tests a) potential traumatic experiences, b) influential features and risk factors, and c) symptoms of cPTSD. The SkPTBS by Dorr et al. (2016) was revised according to the current ICD-11 criteria set proposal for cPTSD and is explored in its revised edition. Impacts of long-lasting interpersonal trauma were tested in inpatients of psychosomatic rehabilitation and in patients consulting a university outpatient center for trauma therapy. Patients filled out the screening at the beginning of their treatment (N=525, among these n=359 rehabilitation patients and n=157 in the outpatient center, mean age 48 years, 68% female). Later diagnosed complex PTSD as well as results of the SCID and the Interview for complex PTSD (IkPTBS) served as primary validation criteria. 88 patients (17%) were diagnosed with complex PTSD. Metric SkPTBS items were selective and the scale had an internal reliability of Cronbachs α=0.91. The one-dimensional factor structure was replicated. SkPTBS correlated moderately with posttraumatic symptoms measured by IES-15, with dissociative symptoms (DES-Taxon), depressive symptoms (in BDI-II, PHQ-9), and global symptom severity (in SCL-90-R). Finally, norms for different groups of age, diagnosis and treatment settings were developed. The SkPTBS revision is a feasible and brief instrument to identify patients at risk for complex PTSD. It is provided freely and can be applied for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.