SCREENERS
PCL-5

PTSD Checklist for DSM-5

PTSD Checklist for DSM-5

The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is a validated, self-reported questionnaire used to assess the presence and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria. It measures symptom severity across four PTSD symptom clusters over the prior month, supporting efficient screening and monitoring in primary care, behavioral health, and trauma-focused care settings.

Delivered digitally through the BrainCheck platform, the PCL-5 supports structured PTSD symptom screening and longitudinal monitoring that integrates with broader cognitive and behavioral care workflows.

Benefits include:

  • Validated PTSD screener aligned with DSM-5 criteria for accurate symptom assessment.
  • Measures symptom severity across all four DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters.
  • Patient self-administration reduces clinician burden in behavioral health and primary care settings.
  • Longitudinal tracking supports monitoring of symptom change in response to treatment.

What the PCL-5 Measures

PTSD symptom clusters aligned with DSM-5 criteria: intrusion, avoidance, negative cognitions/mood, and hyperarousal.


Symptom severity and frequency over the prior month.


Functional impact of trauma-related symptoms on daily life

Common Clinical Use Cases

  • PTSD screening in primary care and behavioral health settings.
  • Psychiatry, psychology, and trauma-focused care workflows.
  • Monitoring symptom change over time in response to psychotherapy or medication.
  • Supporting referrals, treatment planning, and documentation of PTSD symptom burden.

On the BrainCheck Platform

  • Fully digital, patient self-administered on tablets or computers.
  • Automated scoring with longitudinal tracking of PCL-5 scores across visits.
  • Designed for easy integration into cognitive and behavioral care workflows within BrainCheck.
  • Supports coordinated brain health care by combining PTSD screening with other cognitive and behavioral assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key things to know about the PCL-5

What is the PCL-5 used for?

The PCL-5 is a validated self-report questionnaire used to screen for PTSD symptoms and measure symptom severity based on DSM-5 criteria. It helps clinicians identify patients who may be experiencing clinically significant post-traumatic stress.

Is the PCL-5 a diagnostic test for PTSD?

No. The PCL-5 is a screening tool, not a stand-alone diagnostic instrument. Results are intended to support clinical judgment and help guide further evaluation, monitoring, or treatment planning.

How is the PCL-5 scored and interpreted?

Each of the 20 items is scored from 0 to 4 based on symptom frequency, generating a total score from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate greater PTSD symptom burden. Clinicians use established cut-off scores and symptom cluster analysis to support clinical decision-making.

How does administering the PCL-5 through BrainCheck support clinical care?

On BrainCheck, the PCL-5 is digitally self-administered, automatically scored, and tracked longitudinally, allowing PTSD symptom data to be reviewed alongside cognitive and behavioral assessment results.

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