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Diagnostic Profiles and Trauma History Among Treatment-Seeking Young Adults with Positive PTSD Screens: Findings and Implications for Public Mental Health Care
  • +7
  • Weili Lu,
  • Jeganee Srijeyanthan,
  • Amanda Siriram,
  • Steven Silverstein,
  • Phillip Yanos,
  • Kim Mueser,
  • Jennifer Gottlieb,
  • Stephanie Marcello,
  • Min Kim,
  • Melissa Zeiss
Weili Lu
Rutgers University

Corresponding Author:luwe1@shp.rutgers.edu

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Jeganee Srijeyanthan
Rutgers University
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Amanda Siriram
Rutgers University
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Steven Silverstein
University of Rochester Medical Center
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Phillip Yanos
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
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Kim Mueser
Boston University
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Jennifer Gottlieb
Harvard Medical School
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Stephanie Marcello
Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare
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Min Kim
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
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Melissa Zeiss
Rutgers University
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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
28 Jul 20231st Revision Received
01 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
01 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
01 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Aug 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
01 Sep 20232nd Revision Received
04 Sep 2023Submission Checks Completed
04 Sep 2023Assigned to Editor
04 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Sep 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
19 Nov 2023Editorial Decision: Accept