Introduced in 2011, the Shutdown Dissociation Scale (SHUT-D) serves as a semi-structured interview designed for the assessment of dissociative responses following traumatic stress. Grounded in the defense cascade model, the SHUT-D evaluates biological symptoms emblematic of the body’s innate freeze, fight/flight, fright, and flag/faint reactions to trauma. This scale is instrumental in understanding the physiological aspects of dissociation, particularly how the body and mind react to reminders of trauma.

Research involving individuals with various dissociation disorders indicates a noteworthy correlation: the presence of childhood trauma, rather than trauma encountered in adulthood, has a significant impact on SHUT-D scores. This finding emphasizes the critical role of early experiences in shaping dissociative responses.

The SHUT-D questionnaire mirrors the original interview’s format, employing identical questions and scoring methods. However, its effectiveness when used without the direct input and interpretation of a clinician or researcher remains unverified. Users of this test may require a baseline of medical knowledge to accurately distinguish between symptoms attributable to dissociative responses and those resulting from neurological conditions. This adaptation ensures the SHUT-D Scale’s relevance in both clinical and research contexts, facilitating the exploration of dissociation and its ties to trauma.

There are 13 questions. These questions have been designed for adults and cover experiences within the last 6 months or in the months since the trauma occurred (for people who have experienced only a single trauma that occurred less than 6 month before).

Symptoms known to be caused by an “acute or chronic medical condition or peripheral neuropathy”, alcohol or drug use, medication side-effects, or similar effects during adolescence or the beginning of the menopause should be excluded.