Preliminary Evidence for Internal Structure, Sensitivity, and Specificity of a Brief PTSD and Complex PTSD Measure in Adolescents

Early detection of trauma-related psychopathology is fundamental for preventing symptom escalation in adolescents, and this strategy can be carried out by developing accurate measures. The aim of this study is to provide preliminary evidence for the internal structure, construct validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of a brief screening instrument for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD) in general population adolescents. 1,501 Chilean adolescents participated by responding to the Brief PTSD scale (BPTSD) along with a battery of additional questionnaires. The internal structure of the eight-item BPTSD was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, while criterion validity was assessed through receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated a two-dimensional internal structure that is in accordance with literature regarding C-PTSD. Our results suggest that BPTSD may measure PTSD with complex features rather than C-PTSD. The scale showed adequate reliability, and criterion validity. The BPTSD is a brief, reliable, and simply-worded measure for PTSD symptoms and C-PTSD features in adolescents. Public Significance Statement PTSD and complex PTSD can be severe in adolescents. Detection of PTSD symptoms is fundamental for early intervention in trauma, but it requires simple yet effective measures. The adjusted BPTSD is a short and reliable measure that assesses PTSD symptoms and complex PTSD features in the general population, adolescents, and young people.