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The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report measure assessing the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. Each item is rated 0-4, producing a total score of 0-80. Used as the IAPT ADSM for PTSD.
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 how much you have been bothered by that problem in the past month.
Use as a validated outcome measure to assess PTSD symptom severity at assessment, during treatment (every 2-4 sessions), and at discharge. The PCL-5 maps directly onto DSM-5 PTSD diagnostic criteria and provides a reliable measure of treatment response.
Present as a standard questionnaire used widely in trauma services to track how symptoms change over time. Emphasise that it is not a diagnostic test but a monitoring tool, and that scores naturally fluctuate — the overall trend matters more than any single score.
For clients who find the 20-item measure overwhelming, consider using the PCL-5 short form or administering it verbally. For clients who minimise symptoms, review individual items collaboratively rather than relying solely on the total score. Use the cluster subscores to identify which symptom domains are most prominent.
The PCL-5 is a self-report measure and should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis. Be aware that clients may under-report (due to avoidance or minimisation) or over-report (due to hypervigilance or symptom focus). Contextualise scores within the broader clinical picture.
A score of 31-33 is the recommended clinical cut-off for probable PTSD. A change of 10+ points represents reliable change, and a change of 5-10 points represents clinically meaningful change. Use these benchmarks when discussing progress with clients and in supervision. Graph scores over time to make treatment gains visible.
Scores are calculated automatically when your client completes this measure (range 0–80).
Suitable for clients working with outcome-measure, ptsd, pcl-5, validated, iapt-adsm. This tool can be used as a standalone worksheet or as part of a structured homework plan.
Create a free account to access 10 worksheets per month.
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a 9-item self-report measure of depression severity. Each item is rated 0-3 (not at all to nearly every day), producing a total score of 0-27. It is the IAPT core depression measure and is administered at every clinical contact.
The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) is a 17-item self-report measure of social anxiety. Each item is rated 0-4, producing a total score of 0-68. Used as the IAPT ADSM for social anxiety disorder.
The PHQ-15 is a 15-item somatic symptom severity measure. Each item is rated 0-2, producing a total score of 0-30. Used as the IAPT measure for medically unexplained symptoms (MUS).
The Chalder Fatigue Scale is an 11-item measure of fatigue severity. Each item is rated 0-3 using Likert scoring, producing a total score of 0-33. Used as the IAPT measure for CFS/ME presentations.