The psychometric utility of two self-report measures of PTSD among women substance users

Given the high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among substance users, integrated programs that target PTSD and substance use are recommended as best practice. To effectively implement such treatments, accurate and reliable PTSD screening instruments are needed. Unfortunately, no standardized PTSD measure has been validated among women substance abusers. Therefore, the goal of this investigation was to examine the psychometric utility of two PTSD measures to optimize the number of women clients correctly identified as meeting diagnostic criterion for PTSD. Forty-four women in residential substance use treatment were administered diagnostic interviews for PTSD (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale) and then completed questionnaires regarding trauma exposure and related symptoms. In this group, 38.6% of the participants met diagnostic criteria for current PTSD. A score of 38 and above on the PTSD Checklist Civilian Version and a Penn Inventory score of 25 and above optimally maximized the number of women with PTSD identified and minimized false negative and false positive rates.