PTSD Checklist Calculator
Helps diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder based on DSM-5 criteria via 17 self-report standardized questions.
Refer to the text below the tool for more information about scoring the 17 items and about the criteria for positive diagnosis.
This PTSD checklist is a standardized self-report rating scale for diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder in civilians, thus can be applied generally to any traumatic event.
The checklist consists in 17 items that correspond to the key symptoms of PTSD as defined by DSM-5 criteria and each item is scored on a 5-point scale from Not at all (bothered by symptoms) to Extremely (bothered by symptoms).
Positive diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by DSM-5 Criteria, via the PTSD Checklist PCL (if all three below apply):
- At least 1 answer of 3, 4 or 5 points at questions 1 to 5;
- At least 3 answers of 3, 4 or 5 points at questions 6 to 12;
- At least 2 answers of 3, 4 or 5 points at questions 13 to 17.
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Steps on how to print your input & results:
1. Fill in the calculator/tool with your values and/or your answer choices and press Calculate.
2. Then you can click on the Print button to open a PDF in a separate window with the inputs and results. You can further save the PDF or print it.
Please note that once you have closed the PDF you need to click on the Calculate button before you try opening it again, otherwise the input and/or results may not appear in the pdf.
PTSD Diagnostic Checklist Explained
This PTSD diagnostic checklist is a standardized self-report rating scale for diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder in civilians, thus can be applied generally to any traumatic event.
The checklist consists in 17 items that correspond to the key symptoms of PTSD as defined by DSM-5 criteria. The respondent is asked to consider how bothered they have been by each symptom over the past month and choose an answer on a 5-point scale:
- Not at all (1);
- A little bit (2);
- Moderately (3);
- Quite a bit (4);
- Extremely (5).
Whilst the checklist may be scored with a final score of up to 85, where the higher the score, the greater the impact of PTSD symptoms, a positive PTSD diagnosis is valid if all three of the below apply:
- At least 1 answer of 3, 4 or 5 points at questions 1 to 5;
- At least 3 answers of 3, 4 or 5 points at questions 6 to 12;
- At least 2 answers of 3, 4 or 5 points at questions 13 to 17.
Currently, PTSD diagnosis is based on the 2013 update of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) where post-traumatic stress disorder has been included in the Trauma- and Stressor- Related Disorders.
The conditions included in the classification require exposure to a traumatic or stressful event, whether in military or civilian life.
A separate version of diagnostic criteria is also available for children aged 6 or younger.
The criterion categories from the DSM-5 include:
DSM-5 PTSD criteria classification | Description |
Criterion A: stressor | The person was exposed to: death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence. |
Criterion B: intrusion symptoms | The traumatic event is persistently re-experienced (e.g. upsetting memories, nightmares etc.) |
Criterion C: avoidance | Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli after the trauma |
Criterion D: negative alterations in cognitions and mood | Negative thoughts or feelings that began or worsened after the trauma |
Criterion E: alterations in arousal and reactivity | Trauma-related arousal and reactivity that began or worsened after the trauma |
Criterion F: duration | Symptoms last for more than 1 month. |
Criterion G: functional significance | Symptoms create distress or functional impairment (e.g. social, occupational). |
Criterion H: exclusion | Symptoms are not due to medication, substance use, or other illness. |
Reference
Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Keane, T. M., Palmieri, P. A., Marx, B. P., & Schnurr, P. P. (2014, February 5). PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). National Center for PTSD.
Specialty: Psychiatry
Year Of Study: 2015
Article By: Denise Nedea
Published On: August 31, 2020 · 12:00 AM
Last Checked: August 31, 2020
Next Review: August 31, 2025