Validation of PTSD measures for older combat veterans

Abstract

This study evaluated three nosologically similar older groups (Older PTSD, POW, and Older Psychiatric) and a group of Younger PTSD veterans from Vietnam. Group membership was derived from index admission diagnoses and clinical validation of status. Groups were compared on the MMPI, PTSD measures, background variables, health measures and an outcome measure. Results showed that the Older PTSD group is closer to the Younger PTSD group than to the other groups on the MMPI and PTSD measures and also that members of this group remain in the hospital longer than do members of the other older groups. Parameters of effective test classification showed the PTSD measures to be helpful in correct identification of this disorder for the older groups.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in older adults: an overview of characteristics and treatment approaches

“…However, the wide range of reported prevalence rates may result not only from the different times of traumatization. Rather, the use of retrospective reports and of different diagnostic instruments (interview versus self-reported checklist) across the studies may have contributed to the variability of their findings (Hyer et al, 1992). Also, the definition of PTSD has changed over time.…”

Assessment of older combat veterans with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale

“…Misdiagnoses can also result from the inappropriate use of tests in older populations normed solely on Vietnam veterans (Davidson, Kudler, Saunders, & Smith, 1990;Hyer et al, 1992), or problems with comorbidity (Boudewyns, Albrecht, Blbert, & Hyer, 1991;Rosen, Fields, Falsettie, & van Karnmen, 1989;Sierles, Chen, McFarland, & Taylor, 1983). Finally, stresses associated with the aging process and later-life events, such as loss of spouse, retirement, and physical impairments (Archibald & Tuddenham, 1965;Elder & Clipp, 1989), may trigger exacerbations after years of relative freedom from symptoms (e.g., Davidson et al, 1990;Kluznik, Speed, Van Valkenburg, & McGraw, 1986;Tait & Silver, 1984).…”

Effects of a group experiential therapy program on the psychological health of military veterans: a preliminary investigation

“…Group differences in Mississippi PTSD scores between military veterans with and without a PTSD diagnosis support the discriminating power of the measure (Bhattarai et al, 2020). The Mississippi PTSD has also yielded high temporal stability (.97), internal consistency of scores (.85 to .94), sensitivity (.93 to 1.00), and specificity (.89 to .93) in clinical and community samples of military veterans (Hyer et al, 1992;Keane et al, 1988). In the current study, omega total (ω t ) ranged from .91 to .94 across all four measurements.…”