Diagnostic profiles and trauma history among treatment-seeking young adults with positive post-traumatic stress disorder screens: Findings and implications for public mental health care.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined diagnostic profiles and trauma history among treatment-seeking young adults with positive PTSD screens in public mental health care.

METHODS

Screening for trauma history and PTSD symptoms was implemented in a community mental health service system. 266 treatment-seeking young adults (aged 18-35) endorsed trauma exposure with a score of at least 45 on the DSM-IV PTSD Checklist, indicating probable PTSD.

RESULTS

Young adults with positive PTSD screens were predominantly female, minority, and diagnosed with mood disorders. Of those with positive screens, only 15% had a chart diagnosis of PTSD; 17.3% (ages 18-24) versus 14.1% (ages 25-35). Variables significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of PTSD detection included a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, exposure to fewer types of traumatic events, male gender, and white race.

CONCLUSION

Routine PTSD screening for young adults receiving public mental health care should be prioritized to address long-term impacts of trauma.