The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms. It's designed to help healthcare providers screen for PTSD, make a provisional diagnosis, and monitor symptom changes during and after treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assessments
The PCL-5 typically takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. Each item asks you to rate how much you've been bothered by a specific symptom over the past month.
While the PCL-5 is a reliable screening tool, it should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis. A proper PTSD diagnosis should be made by a qualified mental health professional based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
The PCL-5 uses a 0-4 scale for each symptom, with total scores ranging from 0-80. Higher scores indicate more severe PTSD symptoms. A provisional PTSD diagnosis is suggested when the total score is 31-33 or higher, but this should be confirmed by a mental health professional.
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