PCL-5
Summary and structure
The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is a 20-item self-report measure developed by the U.S. National Center for PTSD. It assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and is one of the most widely used measures of post-traumatic stress worldwide.
Each item asks how much the respondent has been bothered by a problem in the past month in relation to a very stressful experience, with response options ranging from “not at all” (0) to “extremely” (4). The total score ranges from 0 to 80. Four cluster scores mirror the DSM-5 structure: intrusions (items 1–5), avoidance (items 6–7), negative changes in thinking and mood (items 8–14) and changes in arousal and reactivity (items 15–20).
Interpretation:
Total score of 31–33 or higher = probable PTSD, further assessment recommended
Change of 5 points = reliable change
Change of 10 points = clinically meaningful change
Key Data
Age group: Adults (≥18 years)
Completion time: about 5–10 minutes
Languages in SwissDTx: English (further languages on request)
Intended Use
The PCL-5 is used to screen for PTSD, to make a provisional diagnosis and to monitor symptom change during and after treatment. Typical settings are trauma therapy, psychiatry, civil and defence forces, humanitarian aid and research.
Because it can be repeated at regular intervals, the PCL-5 makes the course of post-traumatic symptoms visible over time, which supports treatment decisions in blended care.
Information for Practitioners
The PCL-5 asks the person to keep one specific stressful experience in mind. Agree on this index event beforehand. The PCL-5 does not replace a structured clinical interview such as the CAPS-5.
In SwissDTx, the total score and the four cluster scores are calculated automatically and shown over time in the Care Cockpit. Every completion ends with a support card that lists emergency numbers.
Authors
Frank W. Weathers
Brett T. Litz
Terence M. Keane
Patrick A. Palmieri
Brian P. Marx
Paula P. Schnurr
Scientific References
Weathers F.W., Litz B.T., Keane T.M., Palmieri P.A., Marx B.P., & Schnurr P.P. (2013). The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). National Center for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov
Blevins C.A., Weathers F.W., Davis M.T., Witte T.K., & Domino J.L. (2015). The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): Development and initial psychometric evaluation. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 28(6), 489–498. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22059
Licence
Developed by staff at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD. The PCL-5 is in the public domain and intended for use by qualified health professionals and researchers.