PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
Assessment of symptoms related to stressful experiences
For clinical use only - Internal assessment tool
Patient Information
Instructions: Below is a list of problems that people sometimes have in response to a very stressful experience. Please read each problem carefully and then select one of the numbers to the right to indicate how much you have been bothered by that problem in the past month.
1. Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories
Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?
2. Repeated, disturbing dreams
Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?
3. Flashbacks
Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)?
4. Emotional distress
Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?
5. Physical reactions
Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)?
6. Avoiding internal reminders
Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?
7. Avoiding external reminders
Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)?
8. Trouble remembering
Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?
9. Negative beliefs
Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world (for example, having thoughts such as: I am bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can be trusted, the world is completely dangerous)?
10. Blaming yourself or others
Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it?
11. Strong negative feelings
Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?
12. Loss of interest
Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
13. Feeling distant or cut off
Feeling distant or cut off from other people?
14. Trouble experiencing positive feelings
Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)?
15. Irritable or aggressive behavior
Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?
16. Taking too many risks
Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?
17. Being "superalert"
Being "superalert" or watchful or on guard?
18. Feeling jumpy or easily startled
Feeling jumpy or easily startled?
19. Having difficulty concentrating
Having difficulty concentrating?
20. Trouble falling or staying asleep
Trouble falling or staying asleep?