learn.howToCalculate

learn.whatIsHeading

The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) Score Calculator computes a total severity score from 20 items rated 0-4, used by clinicians to screen for post-traumatic stress disorder and monitor symptom changes over time.

Wzór

PCL-5 Total Score = Sum of 20 item ratings (each 0-4); Range: 0-80; Provisional PTSD cutoff: 31-33

Ti: Item Score (points (0-4)) — Individual item rating: 0=Not at all, 1=A little bit, 2=Moderately, 3=Quite a bit, 4=Extremely
TS: Total Score (points (0-80)) — Sum of all 20 item scores representing overall PTSD symptom severity
CO: Cutoff Score (points) — Provisional diagnostic threshold, typically 31-33 for probable PTSD

Przewodnik krok po kroku

1Rate each of the 20 items on a 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely) scale based on the past month
2The calculator sums all 20 item scores to produce a total severity score (0-80)
3Scores are compared against the provisional diagnostic cutoff of 31-33
4Cluster scores (B: re-experiencing, C: avoidance, D: cognition/mood, E: arousal) are also computed

Rozwiązane przykłady

Wejście

20 items with average rating of 2.0

Wynik

Total score: 40/80 — above the provisional PTSD cutoff of 33, suggesting probable PTSD diagnosis

Wejście

20 items with average rating of 1.0

Wynik

Total score: 20/80 — below the cutoff, but clinically significant symptoms may still warrant treatment

Częste błędy do unikania

✕Using the PCL-5 as a standalone diagnostic tool — it is a screening instrument that must be confirmed by clinical interview
✕Applying the same cutoff score (33) to all populations — military, veteran, and civilian populations may use different thresholds
✕Ignoring cluster-specific scores which can reveal targeted treatment needs even when total score is below cutoff

Często zadawane pytania

What PCL-5 score indicates PTSD?

A total score of 31-33 or above is the provisional cutoff suggesting probable PTSD. However, a formal diagnosis requires a structured clinical interview. Scores of 28-32 warrant further assessment.

How often should the PCL-5 be administered?

In clinical settings, the PCL-5 is typically administered at intake and every 2-4 weeks during treatment to track progress. A change of 5-10 points is considered reliable change, and 10-20 points indicates clinically meaningful improvement.

Is the PCL-5 free to use?

Yes. The PCL-5 is in the public domain and freely available from the National Center for PTSD. No permission or licensing fees are required for clinical or research use.

Gotowy do obliczeń? Wypróbuj darmowy kalkulator PCL-5 PTSD Score

Spróbuj sam →