Utility of psychophysiological measurement in the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder: Results from a department of veterans affairs cooperative study

This multisite study tested the ability of psychophysiological responding t o predict posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis (current, lifetime , or never) in a large sample of male Vietnam veterans. Predictor variables for a logistic regression equation were drawn from a challenge task involv ing scenes of combat. The equation was tested and cross-validated, demonstr ating correct classification of approximately 2/3 of the current and never PTSD participants. Results replicate the finding of heightened psychophysio logical responding to trauma-related cues by individuals with current PTSD, as well as differences in a variety of other domains between groups with a nd without the disorder. Follow-up analyses indicate that veterans with cur rent PTSD who do not react physiologically to the challenge task manifest l ess reexperiencing symptoms, depression, and guilt. Discussion addresses th e value of psychophysiological measures for assessment of PTSD.