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Short PTSD Rating Scale
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About Short PTSD Rating Scale
Scale Name
Short PTSD Rating Scale
Author Details
Kathryn M. Connor and Jonathan R. T. Davidson
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT), developed by Connor and Davidson (2001), is an 8-item self-report scale designed to assess the core symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults (18+ years). Published in International Clinical Psychopharmacology, the SPRINT evaluates intrusion (e.g., unwanted memories), avoidance (e.g., avoiding reminders), numbing (e.g., emotional detachment), and arousal (e.g., hypervigilance), along with related aspects like somatic malaise, stress vulnerability, and functional impairment. Two additional items measure global improvement and symptom change over time, making it useful for tracking treatment outcomes. The scale was developed to provide a brief, time-efficient alternative to longer PTSD measures like the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS).
Participants rate symptom severity over the past week on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = “Not at all” to 4 = “Very much”). Total scores range from 0–32, with a suggested cutoff of 14 for probable PTSD, warranting further assessment with a structured interview. The SPRINT was validated with clinical trial participants and a population survey (sample size not fully specified, U.S.-based, mean age ≈ 30–50 years), showing that 20–30% of trauma-exposed individuals met the cutoff. It correlates with the Davidson Trauma Scale (r ≈ 0.70–0.85), MINI structured interview (r ≈ 0.60–0.80), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (r ≈ 0.50–0.70). The SPRINT is used in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and public health for rapid PTSD screening, treatment monitoring, and research. It is freely available at https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/screens/sprint.asp.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Connor and Davidson (2001) or the National Center for PTSD website (https://www.ptsd.va.gov), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults with potential trauma exposure) that the questionnaire assesses PTSD symptoms, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 8-item scale (plus 2 optional items for treatment tracking) in a clinical or controlled setting, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to rate symptom severity over the past week.
- Estimated completion time is 5–10 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide mental health resources (e.g., crisis hotlines) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., simplified language) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The SPRINT demonstrates strong psychometric properties (Connor & Davidson, 2001). Internal consistency is high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.77–0.85), and test-retest reliability is robust (r ≈ 0.78–0.88 over 1–2 weeks), based on clinical and population samples. Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Davidson Trauma Scale (r ≈ 0.70–0.85), Treatment Outcome for PTSD Scale (r ≈ 0.65–0.80), and Sheehan Disability Scale (r ≈ 0.50–0.70).
Discriminant validity is evidenced by weak correlations with unrelated constructs like general life satisfaction (r < 0.20). Criterion validity is shown by its ability to detect PTSD severity and treatment changes, with a cutoff score of 14 offering high sensitivity (≈ 0.85–0.90) for probable PTSD. The scale’s unidimensional structure focuses on core PTSD symptoms and related impairments. Pairing with measures like the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) or Trauma Symptom Inventory (Briere, 1995) enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
Connor, K. M., & Davidson, J. R. T. (2001). SPRINT: A brief global assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder. International clinical psychopharmacology, 16(5), 279-284.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Short PTSD Rating Scale measure?
It measures core PTSD symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, numbing, arousal) and related issues (somatic malaise, stress vulnerability, impairment).
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) with potential trauma exposure.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5–10 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it screens for PTSD and monitors treatment progress.
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