ASSESSMENT OF POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER IN OLDER ADULTS - A CRITICAL-REVIEW

Three trauma-related areas (combat, natural and man-made disasters, and the Holocaust) are reviewed to ascertain the extent to which assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has been carried out with an older adult population. Investigations that include subjects who are at least 50 years of age were considered for selection in each area. Although no single assessment strategy emerged as a reliable evaluative tool, many studies in the three areas found that older adults meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD-delayed onset as long as 45 years after experiencing such trauma. Lack of consistency in the findings is discussed in terms of methodological problems, differing theoretical perspectives, and revisions in the criteria for diagnosis from DSM-III to DSM-III-R. Recommendations for future research are made with proposed DSM-IV changes in criteria and subtype considered.