PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
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The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report measure designed to assess the core symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as defined by the DSM-5. It is validated for adults (18+) and is widely used for monitoring symptom changes during treatment. The PCL-5 can also support PTSD screening and help determine whether a full diagnostic interview or external referral is appropriate. A formal diagnosis must be made through a structured clinical interview.
At intake and Every 4–8 weeks during active treatment, or as clinically indicated following trauma disclosure or symptom changes.
About the PCL-5
The PCL-5 is one of the most commonly used PTSD measures due to its strong psychometric properties, including high internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and strong convergent and discriminant validity.
This version aligns with DSM-5 criteria and incorporates updates to symptom definitions. The 20 items correspond directly to PTSD symptom clusters B through E.
Available Formats
The PCL-5 is available in three versions that differ in how trauma exposure (Criterion A) is assessed:
- No Criterion A component
- Brief Criterion A component
- LEC-5 + extended Criterion A component
Considerations
Because the PCL-5 is self-reported, clinicians should keep in mind:
- It cannot independently determine diagnostic status; a clinical interview is required for confirmation.
- Trauma-specific information is gathered only in versions that include Criterion A.
- The measure does not describe functional impairment or how symptoms have progressed over time.
Reviewing results collaboratively in session can help surface missing context, clarify responses, and support therapeutic engagement.
Who the PCL-5 Is For
The PCL-5 is appropriate when:
- The client is 18 or older, and
- You are monitoring known PTSD symptoms or screening for a provisional diagnosis.
Completing the Assessment
The questionnaire typically takes 5–10 minutes to complete. Clients rate the extent to which each symptom has affected them in the past month using a 0–4 scale:
- 0 — Not at all
- 1 — A little bit
- 2 — Moderately
- 3 — Quite a bit
- 4 — Extremely
If a client intentionally skips an item, it’s generally recommended to respect that and not push them to answer in that moment.
Identifying Probable PTSD
A provisional classification may be supported using either:
DSM-5 Cluster Method
Symptoms rated 2 or higher (“Moderately” or above) count as present. A probable PTSD profile requires:
- 1 B-cluster symptom (items 1–5)
- 1 C-cluster symptom (items 6–7)
- 2 D-cluster symptoms (items 8–14)
- 2 E-cluster symptoms (items 15–20)
Total Severity Cutoff
Research suggests that a total score between 31–33 is an appropriate cutoff for provisional PTSD.
- Lower cutoffs may be used for broad screening.
- Higher cutoffs may be used to minimize false positives in diagnostic contexts.
A formal PTSD diagnosis still requires a structured clinical interview.
Understanding Severity
Total Score Interpretation
| Total Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0–32 | Below clinical threshold |
| 33–80 | Above clinical threshold |
Cluster Scores
Cluster scores are calculated by summing items within each DSM-5 domain:
- Cluster B: 1–5
- Cluster C: 6–7
- Cluster D: 8–14
- Cluster E: 15–20
These can help identify which symptom domains are most prominent and guide treatment planning.
Monitoring Change Over Time
Prior research suggests:
- 5–10 point change: reliable change
- 10–20 point change: clinically meaningful change
For treatment tracking, a change greater than 5 points should be considered meaningful, while 10+ points indicates significant clinical response.
Copyright
© U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Developed by the National Center for PTSD.
References
- 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
- National Center for PTSD. PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/adult-sr/ptsd-checklist.asp
Disclaimer
This summary is for informational use only and is not a substitute for professional evaluation. HiBoop does not provide diagnostic services or interpret clinical scores.
Permissions
Weathers, Litz, Keane, Palmieri, Marx, & Schnurr — National Center for PTSD.
This summary is based on published research and materials created by the measure’s developers and licensors. It is not a treatment recommendation. See Source
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I administer the PCL-5 remotely?
Yes. HiBoop supports secure digital delivery, automated scoring, and flagging for clinical review.
Can I use it with adolescents?
The PCL-5 is validated for adults. For younger clients, use the Child/Adolescent version (PCL-5-Y) or other age-appropriate trauma screeners.
Is it valid for complex trauma (CPTSD)?
Yes, though CPTSD may require additional assessments (e.g., for dissociation, emotional regulation, or identity disturbance).
What if a client scores high but hasn’t disclosed a trauma?
Follow up gently. Clarify that PCL-5 assumes trauma exposure. If needed, screen for Criterion A events and assess readiness to discuss them.
Can the PCL-5 diagnose PTSD?
No. It suggests probable PTSD, but diagnosis requires full DSM-5 criteria confirmed by a clinician.
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