PCL-5
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5
Preparation: Before starting, please identify a very stressful or traumatic experience that has affected you. Keeping that specific event in mind, please read each problem carefully.
Instructions: In the past month, how much have you been bothered by the following problems in response to that stressful experience?
For each question, select the number that best describes your experience:
0 = Not at all
1 = A little bit
2 = Moderately
3 = Quite a bit
4 = Extremely
In the past month, how much were you bothered by:
Score (0-4)
1. Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?
2. Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?
3. Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again?
4. Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?
5. Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (e.g., heart pounding, trouble breathing)?
6. Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?
7. Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (e.g., people, places, conversations)?
8. Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?
9. Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world?
10. Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after?
11. Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?
12. Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
13. Feeling distant or cut off from other people?
14. Trouble experiencing positive feelings (e.g., unable to feel happiness or love)?
15. Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?
16. Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?
17. Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard?
18. Feeling jumpy or easily startled?
19. Having difficulty concentrating?
20. Trouble falling or staying asleep?
How to Calculate Your Score
Add up the numbers you selected for all 20 questions. Your total score will be between 0 and 80.
What Your Score Means
0–30: Sub-clinical Range. While you may be experiencing some distress, your scores do not currently meet the typical threshold for a provisional PTSD diagnosis.
31–33+: Clinical Range. Scores in this range suggest that you are experiencing significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress. It is highly recommended that you speak with a mental health professional for a full clinical assessment.
Interpretation: If you take this screener multiple times (for example, before and after starting therapy), a change of 5 to 10 points is considered a reliable sign of progress, and a 10 to 20 point drop is considered clinically significant improvement.
Important: If you are in immediate distress or having thoughts of hurting yourself, please reach out for support. You are not alone, and help is available 24/7.
Call or Text: Dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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Credits & Citations
Source: 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). This measure was developed by staff at VA’s National Center for PTSD and is in the public domain and not copyrighted.
