ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the different problems and symptoms that accompany complex trauma. This symptomatology is categorized in distinct layers that affect the choice of diagnostic instruments and are discussed separately. The chapter addresses the tests that have been developed for immigrants, including refugees; many of these instruments have limitations. One such instrument is the Structured Interview for Disorders of Extreme Stress (SIDES). The psychodiagnostic tests described below comply with minimum psycho-metric properties, have adequate to good validity and reliability, and are sufficiently sensitive and specific. Self-report inventories are commonly used when making standard assessments. The Symptom Checklist (SCL-90), which has been adapted by Arrindell and Ettema for use in the Netherlands is perhaps the most widely used inventory. Also commonly used is the Brief Symptom. The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) is frequently used to detect dissociative symptoms in traumatized people, as its psycho-metric properties are good.
