The goal of assessment also should be considered. Further, because the population and the purpose of the screening may warrant different cutoff scores, users are encouraged to consider both of these factors when choosing a cutoff score.Ĭharacteristics of a respondent's setting should be considered when using PCL-5 severity scores to make a provisional diagnosis. Initial research suggests that a PCL-5 cutoff score between 31-33 is indicative of probable PTSD across samples.A provisional PTSD diagnosis can be made by treating each item rated as 2 = "Moderately" or higher as a symptom endorsed, then following the DSM-5 diagnostic rule which requires at least: 1 B item (questions 1-5), 1 C item (questions 6-7), 2 D items (questions 8-14), 2 E items (questions 15-20).
DSM-5 symptom cluster severity scores can be obtained by summing the scores for the items within a given cluster, i.e., cluster B (items 1-5), cluster C (items 6-7), cluster D (items 8-14), and cluster E (items 15-20).
It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The PCL-5 is a self-report measure that can be completed by patients in a waiting room prior to a session or by participants as part of a research study.
Monitoring symptom change during and after treatment.The PCL-5 has a variety of purposes, including: The PCL-5 is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. VA Software Documentation Library (VDL).Clinical Trainees (Academic Affiliations).War Related Illness & Injury Study Center.