Objective: To asses the reaction of persons with developmental disabilities to posttraumatic stress disorder using Darryl, a cartoon-based measure of cardinal symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Method: We measured persons with developmental disabilities manifesting continuing emotions and behavioural difficulties following PTSD in the Cambridge community through the reports of patients and their parents and then administered Darryl to a sample of 46 persons who have suffered trauma.
Results: Darryl’s reliability is excellent overall and is acceptable for the re- experiencing, avoidance and arousal subscales. PTSD was the primary diagnosis in 35 (11 persons) of the overall referral group, and was the only diagnosis in 11 persons (3%).
Conclusions: Individuals with developmental disabilities who have suffered trauma may develop PTSD. It is possible to diagnose PTSD in these individuals using Darryl, a cartoon-based measure of PTSD. (Rawal Med J 2005;30:71-73).
Key words: PTSD, trauma, developmental disabilities.
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