Validation of the PCL-5, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 in a Sample of Veterans

The study aimed to validate measures assessing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety in veterans seeking treatment from non-government mental health agencies, a focus not yet explored in veteran studies outside the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Utilizing a sample of 493 treatment-seeking veterans, the measures PTSD Checklist 5, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were validated. The results showed a seven-factor hybrid configuration as the best fit for PTSD assessment. A two-factor structure was the best fit for measuring depression, distinguishing between cognitive-affective and somatic depression. Generalized anxiety was found to be a unidimensional model. The study notes a limitation of needing follow-up validations on non-treatment-seeking discharged veterans. The findings are discussed in the context of veteran scholarship and explored for clinical implications for healthcare providers.