PTSD Checklist for
DSM-5 (PCL-5)
Version date: 29 August 2023
Reference: Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Keane, T. M.,
Palmieri, P. A., Marx, B. P., & Schnurr, P. P. (2013).
The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) – Standard
[Measurement instrument]. Available from
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
URL: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/
assessment/adult-sr/ptsd-checklist.asp
Note: This is a fillable form. You may complete it electronically.
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PCL-5 (18 August 2023) Page 3 of 3National Center for PTSD
PCL-5
Instructions:
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 one of the numbers to the right
to indicate how much you have been bothered by that problem in the past month.
Your worst event:
_______________________________________________________________________________
In the past month, how much were you bothered by: Not at all A little bit Moderately Quite a bit Extremely
1. Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the
stressful experience?
0 1 2 3 4
2. Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?
0 1 2 3 4
3. Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience
were actually happening again (as if you were actually
back there reliving it)?
0 1 2 3 4
4. Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the
stressful experience?
0 1 2 3 4
5. Having strong physical reactions when something
reminded you of the stressful experience (for example,
heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)?
0 1 2 3 4
6. Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the
stressful experience?
0 1 2 3 4
7. Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience
(for example, people, places, conversations, activities,
objects, or situations)?
0 1 2 3 4
8. Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful
experience?
0 1 2 3 4
9. 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)?
0 1 2 3 4
10. Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful
experience or what happened after it?
0 1 2 3 4
11. Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger,
guilt, or shame?
0 1 2 3 4
12. Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
0 1 2 3 4
13. Feeling distant or cut off from other people?
0 1 2 3 4
14. Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example,
being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for
people close to you)?
0 1 2 3 4
15. Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?
0 1 2 3 4
16. Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause
you harm?
0 1 2 3 4
17. Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard?
0 1 2 3 4
18. Feeling jumpy or easily startled?
0 1 2 3 4
19. Having difficulty concentrating?
0 1 2 3 4
20. Trouble falling or staying asleep?
0 1 2 3 4
