PTSD Checklist for DSM-5
20-item self-report measure of PTSD symptoms over the past month, aligned with DSM-5 criteria. Scores range from 0 to 80, with a provisional PTSD diagnosis suggested at a score of 31-33 or higher.
Purpose
Self-report research instrument, reproduced here under an open license for non-diagnostic educational, research, and self-reflection use.
Details
Scientific Documentation
- Developer / Author
- Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Keane, T. M., Palmieri, P. A., Marx, B. P., & Schnurr, P. P.
- Development Year
- 2013
Theoretical framework: Self-report measure of the 20 DSM-5 PTSD symptoms, aligned with the DSM-5 four-cluster symptom structure.
Reliability: Published validation studies report high internal consistency (alpha generally above .90).
Validity: Validated against structured clinical PTSD interviews; developed and distributed by the U.S. National Center for PTSD.
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.
License: Public Domain. Citation: 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. Available at: https://www.ptsd.va.gov This is not a diagnostic tool. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact a licensed mental health professional or a crisis helpline in your country immediately.
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