Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5) and Criterion A

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The LEC-5 is a self-report screening tool developed to identify exposure to potentially traumatic events across a person’s lifetime. It is used in conjunction with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to determine whether a person meets Criterion A—the diagnostic threshold for PTSD under the DSM-5.

Recommended Frequency: Use at intake when PTSD is suspected or as a preliminary screen before administering the PCL-5. Repeat only if new trauma exposure is disclosed or during reassessment.

About the LEC-5 and Criterion A

Developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, the LEC-5 lists 17 types of potentially traumatic events (e.g., combat, natural disasters, physical or sexual assault) and allows individuals to indicate how they experienced each one—directly, as a witness, or indirectly (e.g., through a loved one).

When paired with the Criterion A section, clinicians determine which event(s), if any, meet the DSM-5 definition of a qualifying traumatic exposure:

“Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.”

Only individuals with at least one Criterion A event should complete the full PTSD Checklist (PCL-5).

Psychometric Properties

The LEC-5 is a widely used and face-valid screener with strong utility in both clinical and research settings. Although it is not scored traditionally, research has supported its reliability and its ability to identify trauma histories relevant to PTSD diagnosis.

  • Excellent face validity
  • Used in large-scale studies and VA populations
  • Functions as a structured pre-screen for PTSD symptom assessments
Source: Weathers et al., 2013

The Scale

The LEC-5 includes 17 event types and one optional “other” item. Respondents indicate their exposure using the following options:

  • Happened to me
  • Witnessed it
  • Learned about it
  • Not sure
  • Doesn’t apply

A follow-up Criterion A section asks the clinician (or patient with guidance) to specify which event best qualifies as a traumatic stressor per DSM-5, including:

  • Nature of the event
  • Age at time of trauma
  • Brief description
  • Whether the event involved actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence

Score Range

The LEC-5 is not scored in a traditional numerical format. Instead:

  • A yes to one or more qualifying Criterion A events allows progression to the PCL-5
  • Lack of a Criterion A event typically excludes PTSD as a clinical diagnosis under DSM-5

Copyright

© U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The LEC-5 and associated PTSD tools are developed and maintained by the National Center for PTSD.

References

  1. Weathers, F. W., Blake, D. D., Schnurr, P. P., Kaloupek, D. G., Marx, B. P., & Keane, T. M. (2013). The Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5). National Center for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/temeasures/life_events_checklist.asp
  2. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).

Disclaimer

This summary is provided for informational use only. HiBoop does not interpret results or provide clinical diagnoses. The LEC-5 and Criterion A determination must be completed by a qualified healthcare provider trained in trauma assessment.

Permissions

The LEC-5 is freely available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for clinical and research use with attribution. No license is required for non-commercial distribution. LEC-5 is in the public domain

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can the LEC-5 diagnose PTSD?

    No. It only assesses trauma exposure. Symptom assessment (e.g., PCL-5) and clinical interviews are needed for diagnosis.

  • Is it useful if the client already knows their trauma?

    Yes. It still helps validate DSM-5 criteria and may uncover other exposures that influence symptom presentation.

  • What if a client marks “Not sure” for an item?

    Use it as an opportunity to explore. This may reflect partial memory, dissociation, or ambivalence about disclosure.

  • Can it be used remotely?

    Yes. HiBoop supports secure digital delivery and links responses directly to trauma-informed workflows. Some clinicians find that remote assessment, provides better quality responses.