## Summary The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, or PCL-5, is a 20-item self-report measure designed to assess the presence and severity of symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on the criteria outlined in the DSM-5. It is utilized to screen individuals for PTSD, monitor changes in symptoms over time, and support a provisional diagnosis of PTSD, though it is not definitive on its own and should be accompanied by structured interviews and clinical assessment.
## Administration Instructions The PCL-5 is a self-report measure that individuals can complete independently or with assistance. It is suitable for administration in a variety of environments, including clinical settings and remote consultations. The questionnaire is designed to be completed within 5-10 minutes and focuses on symptoms experienced over the past month, although this period can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the assessment process.
## Scoring Methodology The PCL-5 is scored using a 5-point Likert scale for each item, ranging from 0 ("Not at all") to 4 ("Extremely"). The total score can vary from 0 to 80, with initial studies suggesting a provisional diagnosis of PTSD for scores between 31 to 33. A confirmed PTSD diagnosis, however, requires additional comprehensive assessments, such as the use of CAPS-5.
## Authors and Citations - Blevins, C. A., Weathers, F. W., Davis, M. T., Witte, T. K., & Domino, J. L. (2015). Journal of Traumatic Stress, 28, 489–498. doi:10.1002/jts.22059 - Bovin, M. J., Marx, B. P., Weathers, F. W., Gallagher, M. W., Rodriguez, P., Schnurr, P. P., & Keane, T. M. (2016). Psychological Assessment, 28, 1379-1391. doi:10.1037/pas0000254 - Clapp, J. D., Kemp, J. J., Cox, K. S., & Tuerk, P. W. (2016). Depression and Anxiety, 33, 807-815. doi:10.1002/da.22518
Item No. | Statement | 0 (Not at all) | 1 (A little bit) | 2 (Moderately) | 3 (Quite a bit) | 4 (Extremely) |
1 | Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
2 | Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
3 | Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
4 | Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
5 | Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (e.g., heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
6 | Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
7 | Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (e.g., people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
8 | Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
9 | Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world (e.g., I am bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can be trusted, the world is dangerous)? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
10 | Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
11 | Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
12 | Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
13 | Feeling distant or cut off from other people? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
14 | Trouble experiencing positive feelings (e.g., unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
15 | Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
16 | Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
17 | Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
18 | Feeling jumpy or easily startled? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
19 | Having difficulty concentrating? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
20 | Trouble falling or staying asleep? | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |