Measurement object / dimensions
The Harvard War Trauma Tool is based on the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ; Mollica et al., 1992) and measures both traumatic events and symptoms contained in the questionnaire. In the first section, stressors that refugees have experienced, such as torture, rape, murder and lack of food or water, are recorded. This is followed by the symptom section, which also corresponds to the ICD-10 criteria, as well as questions about other aspects of stress.
It provides a rich scientific and ethnographic model and tools for the care of traumatized persons in different cultural settings worldwide.
Accurate identification of post-traumatic stress and dysfunction enables those working with refugees to allocate them more effectively to scarce health and mental health resources.
The degree of any existing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, ICD 10 code: F43.1) is calculated and a corresponding traffic light system including interpretation text is displayed.
ICD 10 definition: "PTSD arises as a delayed reaction to a stressful event (trauma) or situation of short or long duration, of exceptional threat or catastrophic magnitude, which would cause deep distress in almost anyone.
Typical characteristics are the repeated experience of the trauma in intrusive memories (aftermath memories, flashbacks), dreams or nightmares, which occur against a background of a persistent feeling of numbness and emotional dullness. There is also indifference towards other people, apathy towards the environment, joylessness and avoidance of activities and situations that could evoke memories of the trauma.
A state of vegetative overexcitement with increased concentration, excessive startle and sleep disturbance usually occurs. Anxiety and depression are often associated with the symptoms and characteristics mentioned and suicidal thoughts are not uncommon. The onset follows the trauma with a latency (delay) that can last from a few weeks to months.
The course is variable, but in the majority of cases a cure can be expected if treatment is started early. In some (usually untreated) cases, the disorder takes a chronic course over many years and then turns into a permanent personality change."