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    Trauma · 20 items · 0–80 · Weathers FW, Litz BT, Keane TM, et al. (2013). National Center for PTSD.

    PTSD Checklist for DSM-5: Scoring, Cutoffs & Interpretation

    Twenty-item self-report measure of DSM-5 post-traumatic stress symptoms.

    PCL-50 / 20

    Over the past month, how often have you been bothered by…

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    01Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?
    02Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?
    03Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again?
    04Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?
    05Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)?
    06Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?
    07Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)?
    08Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?
    09Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world?
    10Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it?
    11Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?
    12Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
    13Feeling distant or cut off from other people?
    14Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)?
    15Irritable behaviour, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?
    16Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?
    17Being super-alert, watchful, or on guard?
    18Feeling jumpy or easily startled?
    19Having difficulty concentrating?
    20Trouble falling or staying asleep?
    0 of 200 / 80

    02 - The clinician's brief

    01 - Scoring & cutoffs

    How scoring works.

    Score
    Severity
    Interpretation
    0–32
    Below threshold
    Below the provisional cutoff of 33.
    33–49
    Probable PTSD
    At or above the provisional cutoff of 33. Probable PTSD; confirm with a structured interview such as the CAPS-5.
    50–80
    High symptom burden
    High symptom burden. Structured diagnostic assessment is strongly recommended.

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