Using experimental methodologies to assess posttraumatic stress

Abstract

The assessment of PTSD is hindered by the absence of an objective biological measure. There is no blood test or stress test or similar objective measurement that reliably indicates the presence or absence of PTSD. In this article we focus on experimental assessments of PTSD. The focus will be on psychobiological indices that have been shown to be dysregulated in PTSD sufferers and that are responsive to treatment for PTSD. This includes psychophysiological startle, cortisol, and related assessments that will be covered succinctly below. We will end this article with future directions in the experimental assessment of PTSD that include novel measures incorporated in the immediate aftermath of trauma to assess current impact and prediction of the development of PTSD.