This study reports on the results of an exploratory examination of the presenting diagnosis of 48 emotionally disturbed children from 11-16 years old in a residential Wilderness Treatment Program. Researchers explored the presence of symptoms indicative of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An assessment procedure was developed and applied by clinicians to review residents' case records. The analysis indicated most residents were diagnosed with conduct disorder at or prior to admission to the program. The DSM-IV criteria were used to assess the life events and symptoms reported in those records with psychosocial histories. Of the 43 records with a psychosocial, findings indicated the potential for alternate diagnoses, including events and symptoms suggesting PTSD with chronic traumatic events experienced for a majority and a single traumatic event and/or both types for a few of the children. Implications for assessment are discussed.
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