PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)

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The PCL-5 is a 20-item self-report tool used to screen for and monitor symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on DSM-5 criteria. It is commonly used in clinical, primary care, and research settings to assess symptom severity and response to treatment.

Recommended Frequency: 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 was developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an updated version of the original PTSD Checklist. It aligns directly with DSM-5 criteria, measuring 20 symptoms across the four diagnostic clusters of PTSD: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition/mood, and arousal/reactivity. It can be administered independently or in conjunction with a trauma exposure assessment.

Psychometric Properties

The PCL-5 has been shown to have excellent internal consistency (α > 0.90), high test-retest reliability, and strong convergent validity with structured PTSD interviews.

A score of 33 or higher is often used as a provisional threshold for identifying probable PTSD, although this may vary depending on the population or setting. The PCL-5 is validated in both civilian and veteran samples.

Source: Blevins et al., 2015

The Scale

Respondents rate how much each of 20 PTSD symptoms has bothered them in the past month using a 5-point scale:

  • “Not at all” (0)
  • “A little bit” (1)
  • “Moderately” (2)
  • “Quite a bit” (3)
  • “Extremely” (4)

Items are grouped to reflect DSM-5 diagnostic clusters, and responses can be summed to provide a total symptom severity score (0–80) or cluster-specific scores.

Score Range

  • 0–32: Subthreshold or minimal symptoms
  • 33–80: Probable PTSD (clinical follow-up recommended)

Score interpretation should always consider functional impact, clinical history, and the context of trauma exposure.

Copyright

© U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Developed by the National Center for PTSD.

References

  1. 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
  2. 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

The PCL-5 is freely distributed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It may be used and reproduced in clinical and research settings without restriction for non-commercial use. 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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