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PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), ready to run

A 20-item self-report measure of the DSM-5 symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder over the past month, across four symptom clusters.

20 items · 4 sections · 5-point severity scale (0-4)

The instrument

Below is a list of problems that people sometimes have in response to a very stressful experience. Keeping your worst event in mind, please read each problem carefully and then select one of the numbers to the right to indicate how much you have been bothered by that problem in the past month. In the past month, how much were you bothered by:

1. Intrusion

2. 1

   Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?

   Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
3. 2

   Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?

   Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
4. 3

   Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)?

   Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
5. 4

   Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?

   Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
6. 5

   Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)?

   Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

7. Avoidance

8. 6

   Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?

   Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
9. 7

   Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)?

   Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

10. Negative alterations in cognitions and mood

11. 8

    Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
12. 9

    Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world (for example, having thoughts such as: I am bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can be trusted, the world is completely dangerous)?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
13. 10

    Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
14. 11

    Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
15. 12

    Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
16. 13

    Feeling distant or cut off from other people?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
17. 14

    Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

18. Alterations in arousal and reactivity

19. 15

    Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
20. 16

    Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
21. 17

    Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
22. 18

    Feeling jumpy or easily startled?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
23. 19

    Having difficulty concentrating?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely
24. 20

    Trouble falling or staying asleep?

    Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

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