Evaluating traumatic event scoring schemas for their predictive value to concurrent diagnostic profiles: Texas Childhood Trauma Research Network

The role of recurrent trauma on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and substance use among trauma exposed youth

Comorbidity between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder may be explained by a prospective trauma risk conferred by both conditions. The current study modeled concurrent and prospective associations of trauma, PTSD symptoms, and substance use (SU) behavior among trauma exposed youth (ages 8-20). Clinical interviews assessed trauma exposure, PTSD symptom severity, and SU behavior at baseline and at six- and 12-month follow up study visits (N = 2,069). Structural equation models assessed the associations of trauma, PTSD symptoms, and SU behavior. Lifetime trauma was associated with more severe PTSD symptoms and SU behaviors, whereas trauma exposure during the study was only associated with PTSD symptoms. PTSD symptom severity was prospectively associated with trauma exposure. PTSD symptom severity and SU behavior at follow-up study visits were prospectively associated. These results highlight the dynamic interplay between trauma, PTSD symptoms, and SU behavior during youth, a developmental period during which complex psychiatric presentations can have longstanding consequences for health.

Measurement-Based Care for Depression in Youth: Practical Considerations for Selecting Measures to Assess Depression, Associated Features and Functioning

Identification and management of major depressive disorder (MDD) in children and adolescents remains a significant area of public health need. The process for identifying depression (e.g. screening) and management (e.g. measurement based care [MBC]) is substantially enhanced by utilization of clinical measures and rating scales. Measures can be self- or caregiver reported or clinician rated. They can aid recognition of at-risk individuals for future assessment and assist in clinical diagnosis and management of depression. In addition to assessing symptoms of depression, rating scales can be used to assess important associated features (e.g. anxiety, trauma) and functional outcomes (e.g. quality of life, performance/productivity). In this manuscript, we discuss practical considerations for clinicians and researchers when selecting rating instruments for assessing depression, associated factors, functioning, and treatment outcomes (i.e. adherence and side effects) as part of MBC in youth and provide a summary of rating scales commonly used in research and clinical settings.