Psychology RootsPosttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale
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About Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale
Scale Name
Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale
Author Details
Edna B. Foa
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) is a widely used self-report screening instrument for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Developed by Dr. Edna Foa and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania, the PDS helps clinicians and researchers identify PTSD in adults exposed to a broad range of traumatic events.
The scale fills an important gap between brief PTSD symptom checklists and lengthy structured interviews such as the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). It can be used in clinical settings, epidemiological surveys, and treatment-outcome studies.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Format: Self-administered questionnaire; can also be read aloud to the respondent if necessary.
- Time Required: Approximately 10–15 minutes.
- Population: Adults (18+); has also been adapted for adolescents.
- Sections:
- Trauma Checklist – a list of potentially traumatic events (e.g., assault, accident, disaster) experienced or witnessed.
- Most Disturbing Event – identifies which trauma is currently most distressing.
- PTSD Symptom Items – 17 items corresponding to DSM-IV B (re-experiencing), C (avoidance/numbing), and D (hyperarousal) criteria.
- Functional Impairment Items – questions about how symptoms interfere with work, household tasks, relationships, or social activities.
- Scoring:
- Each symptom item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = “not at all or only once” to 3 = “5 or more times a week/almost always”).
- Symptom severity score ranges from 0 to 51.
- The number of DSM-IV criteria met determines whether full PTSD criteria are satisfied.
- Separate subscale scores can be computed for Re-experiencing, Avoidance/Numbing, and Hyperarousal.
Reliability and Validity
- Internal Consistency: α coefficients for the total symptom severity score are typically above 0.90 (Foa et al., 1997). Subscale α values range from 0.78 to 0.88.
- Test–Retest Reliability: High stability over 2–3 weeks (r ≈ 0.83 for total score).
- Convergent Validity: Correlates strongly with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), PTSD Checklist (PCL), and measures of depression and anxiety.
- Discriminant Validity: Differentiates between trauma-exposed individuals with and without PTSD diagnoses.
- Sensitivity and Specificity: Multiple studies report sensitivity of 0.89 and specificity of 0.75 at recommended cut points.
Available Versions
17-Items
Reference
Foa, E. B. (1995). Posttraumatic stress diagnostic scale (pp. 1-4). Minneapolis, MN: National Computer Systems.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between the PDS and PCL (PTSD Checklist)?
The PDS includes a trauma checklist, diagnostic scoring, and functional impairment questions aligned with DSM criteria, whereas the PCL is primarily a symptom severity checklist.
Q2: Can the PDS be used for DSM-5 criteria?
The original PDS is DSM-IV-based. The PDS-5 (developed later) aligns with DSM-5 PTSD criteria and includes updated symptom clusters.
Q3: Is the PDS suitable for non-clinical settings?
Yes. It has been used in community and occupational settings as a screening tool.
Q4: What’s the age range for administration?
Primarily adults, but versions have been adapted for adolescents with appropriate wording.
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