Diagnostic criteria and the standardized diagnostic interview for posttraumatic embitterment disorder (PTED).

Objective. The posttraumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) is a specific form of adjustment disorder. The purpose of this study was to specify diagnostic criteria of PTED, and to develop a standardized instrument which allows a standardized diagnosis. Method. Data were obtained from 50 clinically defined PTED patients and 50 patients with other mental disorders (N=100) using a semi-standardized interview for PTED. Based on the answers of the participants, the description of PTED was refined and a standardized diagnostic interview for PTED was derived. Results. The diagnostic algorithm reached satisfying levels of sensitivity (94%) and specificity (92%). Conclusion. The diagnostic interview for PTED allows a standardized diagnosis of PTED.