Predictive validity of the Trauma Screening Questionnaire in detecting post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with psychotic disorders

Paul A J M de Bont; David P G van den Berg; Berber M van der Vleugel; Carlijn de Roos; Ad de Jongh; Mark van der Gaag; Agnes van Minnen

doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.114.148486

Predictive validity of the Trauma Screening Questionnaire in detecting post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with psychotic disorders

Br J Psychiatry. 2015 May;206(5):408-16. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.114.148486. Epub 2015 Mar 19.

Authors

Paul A J M de Bont¹, David P G van den Berg¹, Berber M van der Vleugel¹, Carlijn de Roos¹, Ad de Jongh¹, Mark van der Gaag¹, Agnes van Minnen¹

Affiliation

¹ Paul A. J. M. de Bont, MSc, Community Mental Health Service GGZ Oost Brabant Land van Cuijk en Noord Limburg, Boxmeer and Radboud University Nijmegen, Behavioural Science Institute, NijCare, The Netherlands; David P. G. van den Berg, MSc, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Den Haag, The Netherlands; Berber M. van der Vleugel, MSc, Community Mental Health Service GGZ Noord-Holland Noord, Alkmaar, The Netherlands; Carlijn de Roos, MSc, MHO Rivierduinen, Leiden, The Netherlands; Ad de Jongh, PhD, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and School of Health Sciences, Salford University, Manchester, UK; Mark van der Gaag, PhD, VU University Amsterdam and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Clinical Psychology, Amsterdam and Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Den Haag, The Netherlands; Agnes van Minnen, PhD, Radboud University Nijmegen, Behavioural Science Institute, NijCare and MHO 'Pro Persona', Centre for Anxiety Disorders Netherlands, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

PMID: 25792693
DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.114.148486

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent in patients with a psychotic disorder. Because a PTSD diagnosis is often missed in patients with psychosis in routine care, a valid screening instrument could be helpful.

Aims: To determine the validity of the Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) as a screening tool for PTSD among individuals with psychotic disorders.

Method: Among 2608 patients with a psychotic disorder, the rate of trauma exposure was determined and the TSQ was administered to screen for PTSD. PTSD status was verified in 455 patients using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (trial registration: ISRCTN 79584912).

Results: Trauma exposure was reported by 78.2% of the 2608 patients. PTSD prevalence was estimated at 16% (95% CI 14.6-17.4%) compared with 0.5% reported in the patients' clinical charts. A TSQ cut-off score of six predicted PTSD with 78.8% sensitivity, 75.6% specificity, 44.5% correct positives and 93.6% correct negatives.

Conclusions: The TSQ seems to be a valid screening tool for PTSD in patients with a psychotic disorder.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Validation Study

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Male
Mass Screening
Middle Aged
Predictive Value of Tests
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology*
Sensitivity and Specificity
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis*
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology
Surveys and Questionnaires*
Young Adult

Associated data

ISRCTN/ISRCTN79584912