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
- 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
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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