Brief Description
The Brief Dissociative Symptoms Scale (DSS-B) is a short self-report measure designed to assess dissociative symptoms, including depersonalization, derealization, memory gaps, and dissociative re-experiencing. It serves as a streamlined version of the full Dissociative Symptoms Scale (DSS) and is particularly useful in clinical and research settings where time constraints are a consideration. The DSS-B is comprised of a subset of DSS items, specifically items 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 15, 17, 18.
Assessment Administration Type
Self-Report
Number of questions
8
Age Range for Administration
16+
Recommended Frequency of Administration
The DSS-B can be administered at intake for baseline assessment and periodically throughout treatment (e.g., weekly or monthly) to monitor symptom fluctuations.
Summary of Scoring and Interpretations
Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = “Not at all,” 1 = “Once or twice,” 2 = “Almost every day”, 3 = “About once a day,” 4 = “More than once a day”). The total score for the DSS is the sum of the item scores. There are no established clinical cut-off scores; interpretation is based on comparisons with normative and clinical sample data.
Blueprint Adjustments
N/A
Clinical Considerations
Estimated completion time: 2-4 minutes
The DSS-B is not a diagnostic tool but a screening measure for dissociative symptoms.
Results should be interpreted in conjunction with a comprehensive clinical evaluation, particularly in trauma-exposed populations.
The measure's brevity makes it suitable for frequent administration, enhancing real-time symptom tracking.
Consider using the full DSS when a more in-depth dissociation assessment is needed.
Blueprint’s library also includes the full Dissociative Symptoms Scale (DSS), Dissociative Experiences Scale II (DES-II), and Dissociative Experiences Scale - Adolescent (A-DES-II).
Citation
Relevant Articles + Further Resources
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