A PTSD Screen for Forensic Populations

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been observed in a sizable proportion of the U.S. adult correctional population. Jail administrators must pay particularly close attention to inmates with PTSD symptoms, considering these facilities serve as the gateway to the criminal justice system and inmates with PTSD may pose a risk to themselves, other inmates, and staff. The reality of conducting behavioral health assessments in a jail environment is wrought with significant challenges, including limited time. The current study examined prior research on PTSD screening tools to establish an empirical basis for a practical screen to be used among adults recently booked into local jails. Data from a random sample of 283 adults assessed specificity and sensitivity rates of different combinations of criteria. Results indicated a two-item screen achieved an 86.4% sensitivity rate as well as an 80.4% specificity rate. This evidence demonstrates a practical and clinically relevant approach to conducting PTSD screens among adult jail inmates.

An Ultra-Brief 2-Item Depression Screening Tool for Correctional Populations

“…All inmates were administered the Comprehensive Addictions and Psychological Evaluation-5 (CAAPE-5; Hoffmann, 2013) within 1-4 days of booking to determine mental health needs. The CAAPE-5 is a valid and reliable structured diagnostic assessment interview (e.g., Gallagher et al, 2006;Guston et al, 2019;Proctor et al, 2019) commonly used in a variety of correctional settings. Interviews were conducted by clinical psychology graduate students with formal clinical interview training.…”

Increased propensity for violence among female jail detainees with PTSD, panic disorder and alcohol use disorder

“…Outsourcing screening and referral efforts to community services or other coverage resources removes the burden of providing services beyond budget from the jail. Additionally, recent work has been conducted to determine efficient screening procedures for jail inmates with special attention paid to PTSD and other indicators of jail readmission which can help make efficient use of limited resources (Guston et al , 2019; Kopak et al , 2019). After these co-occurring conditions have been identified, detainees can be connected to behavioral health providers upon release from the detention center to initiate a case management plan.…”