Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey (ACES)
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Survey was created between 1995 and 1997 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente. This assessment measures potentially traumatic events that occurred in childhood (ages 0-17), such as abuse, neglect and household challenges. The survey aims to understand the impact of these experiences on long-term health and well-being of adults.
Who Can Use?
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) survey can be administered by a variety of professionals, typically those working in healthcare, mental health, and social services. Here are some examples:
Healthcare Providers: Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals often administer the ACE survey during routine check-ups or as part of a comprehensive health assessment.
Mental Health Professionals: Psychologists, therapists, and counselors use the ACE survey to better understand their clients’ backgrounds and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
Social Workers: Social workers may administer the ACE survey to assess the needs of children and families they work with, helping to identify necessary support services.
Educators and School Counselors: In some cases, school counselors and educators might use the ACE survey to identify students who may need additional support or resources.
It’s important that the survey is administered in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner to ensure the well-being of the individuals being assessed.
Where can I find this Assessment?
https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ACE-Questionnaire.pdf
References
Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults Felitti, Vincent J et al. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 14, Issue 4, 245 – 258.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS)
The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM- 5 (CAPS) was created in 2015 by government employees Weathers, Blake, Schnurr, Kaloupek, Marx and Keane. It is a 30-item structured interview designed to assess the severity of PTSD symptoms based on the DSM-5 criteria. There are 3 versions of the assessment: 1.) Past week version, 2.) Past month version, and 3.) Worst month version. The assessment is intended for adults, typically those age 18 and older.
Who Can Use?
According to the National Center for PTSD’s website, “The American Psychological Association’s ethical guidelines on psychological test instruments require advanced graduate level training in the administration and interpretation of psychodiagnostic assessment instruments. Thus, access to these measures requires proof of clinical status or research credentials.” The applicant is also asked to make clear their intended use of the assessment requested. Furthermore, students who are requesting the document for course papers are encouraged to use sample items or have their clinical professors make the request.
Where can I find this Assessment?
The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) may be requested by filling out an Assessment Request Form at: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/ncptsd-instrument-request-form.asp
References
Marx, B. P., Lee, D. J., Norman, S. B., Bovin, M. J., Sloan, D. M., Weathers, F. W., Keane, T. M., & Schnurr, P. P. (2021). Reliable and clinically significant change in the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 among male Veterans. Psychological Assessment, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0001098.
Weathers, F. W., Bovin, M. J., Lee, D. J., Sloan, D. M., Schnurr, P. P., Kaloupek, D. G., Keane, T. M., & Marx, B. P. (2018). The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): Development and initial psychometric evaluation in military Veterans. Psychological Assessment, 30(3), 383-395. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0000486.
SPAN
The SPAN, which is an acronym for Startle, Physiological Arousal, Anxiety and Numbness, is a trauma assessment that was created in 2002 by Jonathan Davidson. It is a four-item self-report screen derived from the Davidson Trauma Scale, designed to measure the severity of PTSD symptoms. The SPAN assesses how distressing each of the four symptoms has been over the past week. This assessment is intended for adults, typically those aged 18 and older.
Who Can Use?
According to the National Center for PTSD, this measure is intended for use by, “qualified mental health professionals and researchers.”
Where can I find this Assessment?
To obtain a copy of the SPAN, please send an email to: mail@cd-risc.com.
References
Davidson, J. (2002). SPAN Addendum to DTS Manual. Multi-Health Systems Inc. New York.
Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ)
The Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) was created in 2002 by Chris Brewin and colleagues. It is a 10- itme symptom screen designed to identify individuals at risk for post-traumatic stress disoder (PTSD) by measuring re-experiencing and arousal symptoms. The TSQ is intended for use with survivors of all types of traumatic stress, typically administered three to four weeks post-trauma. It is suitable for adults, making it a valuable tool for mental health professionals working with this age group.
Who Can Use?
This assessment is intended for us by qualified mental health clinicians and those conducting research. To obtain a copy of the assessment, please inquire through the following: Chris Brewin, PhD
Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology
University College London
Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Email: c.brewin@ucl.ac.uk
This assessment is intended for us by qualified mental health clinicians and those conducting research. To obtain a copy of the assessment, please inquire through the following: Chris Brewin, PhD
Sub-Department of Clinical Health Psychology
University College London
Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Email: c.brewin@ucl.ac.uk
Where can I find this Assessment?
More information can be found at the National Center for PTSD through the US Department of Veterans Affairs at: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/screens/tsq.asp#obtain
References
Brewin, C. R., Rose, S., Andrews, B., Green, J., Tata, P., McEvedy, C., Turner, S., and Foa, E. B. (2002). Brief screening instrument for post-traumatic stress disorder. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 181, 158-162.