Abstract

Background: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is typically diagnosed using self-reports and physician interviews and observations. For example, the US military has used the Warrior Administered Retrospective Causality Assessment Tool (WARCAT), which is a self-report method for diagnostics.
Methods: To help correct for associated deficiencies in self-reports, we utilized a computerized dual-task method and central nervous system (CNS) monitoring of reactions by participants who viewed troubling scenes.
Results: We found evidence to support unreported PTSD reactions to these incidents. Furthermore, we used a computerized technique to induce cognitive load to distract participants from the purpose of the assessment to gain more accurate assessments.
Conclusion: We conclude that using a computer apparatus is more effective in diagnosing PTSD than psychological instrumentation.