Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Differences in Standards and Practice between Licensed and Board-Certified Psychologists

The purpose of this study was to examine the current diagnostic standards and assessment practices of psychologists when diagnosing
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A web-based survey was employed to gather information on opinions and assessment practices
of psychologists who were either licensed with no board certification, board certified in clinical psychology, or board certified
in forensic psychology. Significant differences were found between the three groups of psychologists in frequency of inclusion
of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual–Fourth Edition–Text Revision Criterion A, in use of recommended collateral information
sources, in use of assessment methods or types of recommended instruments, and in assessing for over-reported PTSD symptoms.
Results indicated that board certification status had significant impact on psychologists’ diagnostic standards and assessment
practices related to PTSD.