Posttraumatic stress disorder in childhood and adolescence: Issues on diagnosis and assessment

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare DSM-IV, DSM-5 and alternative criteria for PTSD, in three independent samples, with the purpose of analyzing their suitability. The sample consisted of 361 minors with ages between 8 and 18 years, (122 community sample, 86 minors that suffered chronic family violence and 153 minors exposed to intimate partner violence). From the entire sample, 52.9% (n = 191) were girls and 47.1% (n = 170) were boys. The CPPS (Child PTSD Symptom Scale) was administered. The results showed a better PTSD diagnostic valuation using alternative criteria for the different ages and sample groups. An exhaustive revision of current PTSD diagnostic criteria for childhood and adolescence stages seem necessary.