Diagnostic Profiles and Trauma History Among Treatment-Seeking Young
Adults with Positive PTSD Screens: Findings and Implications for Public
Mental Health Care
Abstract
Objectives: Early trauma exposure is common among young adults receiving
public mental health services, posing increased risk for PTSD. While d
supports the feasibility of PTSD screening, clinicians often fail to
screen for PTSD in this population. This study aimed to examine the
demographic factors, psychiatric comorbidity, and predictors of charted
PTSD diagnosis among treatment-seeking young adults with positive PTSD
screens in a community mental health care system. Methods: Screening for
trauma history and PTSD symptoms was implemented among clients receiving
community mental health services. There were 266 treatment seeking young
adults (aged 18-35) endorsed at least one traumatic event and had a
score of at least 45 on the DSM-IV PTSD Checklist (PCL), indicating
probable PTSD. Results: Treatment-seeking young adults with positive
PTSD screens were predominantly female (68%), minority (69%), and
diagnosed with mood disorders (66%), with nearly 25% diagnosed with
major depressive disorder. Of the young adults with positive PTSD
screens (PCL >=45), only 15% had a chart diagnosis of
PTSD. 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 and early trauma
intervention for treatment-seeking young adults with mental health
conditions should be prioritized to address the long-term impact of
trauma. Keywords: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression,
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma screening, community mental
health care