Algorithm versus cut-point derived PTSD in ex-prisoners of war

This study compared symptom-based algorithm to cut-point scoring of the PTSD Checklist (PCL) in a sample of 504 World War II ex-prisoners of war not seeking treatment. There was relatively high correspondence (kappa = .80) between the scoring methods; the algorithm identified more participants as having PTSD than the standard cut-point of 50. Receiver Operator Curve analyses revealed that a cut-point of 42 distinguished optimally between the algorithm-defined PTSD and non-PTSD groups. An optimal scoring method might use both cut-point and algorithm, ensuring individuals have the symptoms necessary for a diagnosis and of sufficient severity.