BACKGROUND: Brief screening instruments appear to be a viable way of detecting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but none has yet been adequately validated. AIMS: To test and cross-validate a brief instrument that is simple to administer and score. METHOD: Forty-one survivors of a rail crash were administered a questionnaire, followed by a structured clinical interview 1 week later. RESULTS: Excellent prediction of a PTSD diagnosis was provided by respondents endorsing at least six re-experiencing or arousal symptoms, in any combination. The findings were replicated on data from a previous study of 157 crime victims. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of the new measure was equivalent to agreement achieved between two full clinical interviews.
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