Providing a quick and accurate measure of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, the DTS can be used to screen clients at initial evaluation, evaluate psychopathology in trauma victims, assess the effectiveness of treatment, and predict treatment success. The scale covers all types of trauma: accident, combat, sexual, criminal assault, natural disaster, torture, burns, loss of property, near death experiences, and bereavement. Each item corresponds to a DSM-IV™ symptom of PTSD, and each symptom is rated in terms of frequency and severity.

ASSESSMENT SCALES

• Intrusion: persistently re-experiencing the traumatic event (Criterion B–5 items)
• Avoidance/Numbing: avoiding trauma-related stimuli after the trauma (Criterion C –7 items)
• Hyperarousal: trauma-related arousal and reactivity thatbegan or worsened after the traumatic event (Criterion D –5 items)

AREAS OF APPLICATION

The DTS can be used by psychologists in a variety of settings, including mental health settings to help diagnose and develop treatment plans for patients.

REPORT OPTIONS

The DTS is hand-scored. The QuikScoreTM form allows practitioners to break down the DTS total score into the three trauma symptom clusters as well as frequency and severity, so that each element can be independently assessed.

SOUTH AFRICAN RESEARCH

Although South African research and norms are not yet available for the DTS, JVR Psychometrics welcomes the opportunity to partner with clients in conducting research studies in their organisations.