Actigraphy

Actigraphy data is acquired using a Philips Respironics Actiwatch 2 which is the size of a standard wristwatch. The unit is given to the participant on the morning of the first visit; they are asked to ware it on their non-dominant wrist and asked to wear it until they return for their second visit. Actigraphy data is obtained for a minimum of 24 hours and up to 1 week, depending on how far apart a participant’s first and second visits are. Participants were asked to wear the actigraphy unit continuously (unit is waterproof) and asked to press the event marker button right before they are about to go to sleep. Movement is recorded through an accelerometer and is analyzed with standard actigraphy software to obtain activity counts over time.

Note: Actigraphy data is acquired from all participants ages 6-85 years old.

References: Gironda, R. J., Lloyd, J., Clark, M. E., & Walker, R. L. (2007). Preliminary evaluation of reliability and criterion validity of actiwatch-score. J Rehabil Res Dev, 44(2), 223-30.

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

The PSQI is a 10-item self-report questionnaire that is designed to measure sleep quality in clinical populations, and assess usual sleep habits during the past one-month. This scale generates seven “component” scores: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction. Items 1-4 inquire about the amount of sleep and responses are recorded in free-text boxes. Items 5-10 inquire about specific sleep behaviors and quality, which are rated on 4-point scale.

Note: This assessment is given to adolescent and adult participants ages 13-85 years old.

References: Buysse,D.J., Reynolds,C.F., Monk,T.H., Berman,S.R., & Kupfer,D.J. (1989). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI): A new instrument for psychiatric research and practice. Psychiatry Research, 28(2), 193-213.

Trauma Symptom Checklist for Adults (TSC-40)

The TSC-40 is a 40-item self-report that evaluates symptomology in adults (ages 18 and older) associated with childhood or adult traumatic experiences. The TSC-40 consists of six subscales: Anxiety, Depression, Dissociation, Sexual Abuse Trauma Index (SATI), Sexual Problems, and Sleep Disturbance, and includes a Total Score as well. Each symptom item is rated according to it’s frequency of occurrence over the past two months using a 4-point scale: 0-Never, to 3-Often.

Note: This assessment is given to all adult participants, ages 18-85 years old.

References:

Elliot, D. M. & Briere, J. (1992). Sexual abuse trauma among professional women: Validating the Trauma Symptom Checklist – 40 (TSC-40). Child Abuse & Neglect, 16, 391-398.

Briere, J. N., & Runtz, M. G. (1989). The Trauma Symptom Checklist (TSC-33): early data on a new scale. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 4, 151-163.