A PTSD Screen for Forensic Populations

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Correctional Mental Health
• Psychological Assessment

Background:

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in the U.S. adult correctional population.
• Jail environments present unique challenges for behavioral health assessments, particularly time constraints.
• Inmates with PTSD symptoms may pose risks to themselves, others, and staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an empirical basis for a practical PTSD screening tool for recently booked adult jail inmates.
• To examine existing PTSD screening tools for their utility in a jail setting.

Main Methods:

• A review of prior research on PTSD screening tools was conducted.
• Data from a random sample of 283 adult jail inmates were analyzed.
• Specificity and sensitivity rates for various screening criteria combinations were assessed.

Main Results:

• A two-item screen demonstrated an 86.4% sensitivity rate.
• The same two-item screen achieved an 80.4% specificity rate.
• This combination of criteria proved to be a practical and clinically relevant approach.

Conclusions:

• A brief, two-item PTSD screen is effective for use with adult jail populations.
• This screening method offers a feasible solution for identifying PTSD in correctional settings.
• The findings support the implementation of this practical approach to PTSD screening in jails.