Criterion validity of the self-rating inventory for posttraumatic stress disorder (SRIP) in the community of older adults.
BACKGROUND
A validated screening instrument for PTSD in community dwelling older people is lacking. This study evaluates a newly developed measure, the self-rating inventory for posttraumatic stress disorder (SRIP) on its usefulness in survey research. The predictive value of the SRIP in a community setting is investigated.


METHODS
In a two-phase epidemiologic design the criterion validity of the SRIP was tested against diagnosis made with the comprehensive international diagnostic interview (CIDI) in 1721 older (55-90 years) inhabitants of the Netherlands. Optimal sensitivity and specificity was determined using a weighted receiver operator characteristic (ROC)-curve.


RESULTS
Optimal sensitivity (74.2%) and specificity (81.4%) was reached with a cut-off of 39 points.


CONCLUSIONS
According to a strictly applied CIDI algorithm the number of 'true' cases was limited.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall findings indicate that posttraumatic stress disorder can be identified adequately in a community-based population of older adults using the SRIP. Use of the SRIP may improve recognition and diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder in the community.
van Zelst
W H
WH
Department of Psychiatry of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Valerius Clinic, Valeriusplein 9, 1075 BG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. wh.van-zelst.emgo@med.vu.nl
de Beurs
E
E
Beekman
A T F
AT
Deeg
D J H
DJ
Bramsen
I
I
van Dyck
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*