The DAPS is a self-report instrument that assesses peri- and posttraumatic symptoms and associated features related to a specific traumatic event. It provides a detailed assessment of PTSD in a short amount of time.

Features and benefits

• A 104-item measure, the DAPS generates a tentative diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorder in considerably less time than is required for a structured diagnostic interview. This diagnosis can then be confirmed by a clinical interview.
• Assesses both current and lifetime history of DSM-IV-TR™ trauma exposure and the severity and clinical significance of the client’s posttraumatic symptoms, including dissociative, cognitive, and emotional responses.

Test structure

• Includes three PTSD symptom clusters (Reexperiencing, Avoidance, and Hyperarousal) and three associated features of PTSD (Trauma-Specific Dissociation, Suicidality, and Substance Abuse).
• The Professional Manual provides data from the normative sample of trauma-exposed adults from the general population, as well as two validity samples: trauma-exposed adults in a clinical/community sample and a university validity sample.
• Two validity scales identify overreporting and underreporting of psychological symptoms.

Interpretive software available

The DAPS-IR is a comprehensive diagnostic and interpretive system that can be used to administer, score, and generate profiles and interpretive reports for the DAPS.

• The report includes score summary tables, a profile of DAPS T scores, narrative text on the validity of the protocol, detailed information about the individual’s scores on each scale or subscale, profiles, additional scale data (e.g., effortful avoidance vs. numbing avoidance), DSM-IV-TR diagnostic information, and an item response summary table for each scale.
• Administer on-screen (requires a Counter Serial Number) or enter an individual’s item responses from the paper-and-pencil form.