Psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Check List according to DSM-5 - PCL-5. / Wlasciwosci psychometryczne polskiej wersji Listy Zaburzen po Stresie Traumatycznym wedlug DSM-5 ­ PCL-5.

OBJECTIVES: The changes in the structure of PTSD symptoms introduced in the DSM-5 classification require the use of an appropriate measurement tool. For this purpose, the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) was constructed and popularized. In the presented studies, the psychometric properties of the Polish version of PCL-5 were assessed. In addition, referring to the controversy regarding the conceptualization of PTSD, various indicators of the fit of five PTSD structure models were checked based on our own research. METHODS: People (N = 1035) who experienced various traumatic events participated in the anonymous research. All completed PCL-5 and another questionnaires used to assess the validity of PCl-5. RESULTS: The psychometric properties of the Polish version of PCL-5 are satisfactory. In the differential diagnosis the optimal point of discrimination is the result of ⩾ 33. The CFA results showed that all tested PTSD models met the basic fit criteria. The four-factor model explained 58% of the variance, including changes in arousal and reactivity of 36%. CONCLUSIONS: PCL-5 is a reliable and accurate tool for PTSD measurement. It is used for the initial diagnosis of PTSD. The conducted analyzes, despite demonstrating the diagnostical utility of PCL-5, do not indicate ultimately favor a single PTSD dimensionality model.

Ruminations as predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder after hospitalization for Covid-19. / Ruminacje jako wyznaczniki zespolu stresu pourazowego po hospitalizacji z powodu Covid-19.

OBJECTIVES: The most widely-reported problems among people who have been hospitalized for COVID-19 are those associated with mental health. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of PTSD in patients hospitalized due to Covid-19 and to determine predictors of the risk of its occurrence. METHODS: The study group included 250 people after hospitalization due to Covid-19. Several standardized measurement tools were used: the PCL-5, PSS-10, ERRI, SPP-15 and PANAS. RESULTS: Overall, 55.6% of respondents qualified for a diagnosis of PTSD. These were mostly people hospitalized for more than two weeks, with a more severe course of the disease, examined within three months after hospitalization. The regression model includes factors related to the course of treatment and psychological variables: some increase the risk of PTSD, i.e. perceived stress, ruminations and negative emotions, while others are protective factors, i.e. resilience, and positive emotions. Overall, the regression model explains 72% of the total variance. Intrusive ruminations, explaining 59% of the variance, appeared the most significant for predicting PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: As patients diagnosed with PTSD require therapeutic assistance, it is essential to identify both risk and protective factors as these may be helpful in improving the therapy process and facilitating preventive activities.