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The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria requires at least: 1 Criterion B item (questions 1-5), 1 Criterion C item (questions 6-7), 2 Criterion D items (questions 8-14), and 2 Criterion E items (questions 15-20). A score of 2 (Moderately on the likert scale ) or higher is an endorsed symptom. Given the PCL-5 questions closely reassembled the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5-TR, a provisional PTSD diagnosis can be made based on the following rule. Extremely Severe – Average score above 3.265.Severe – Average score above 2.455 and less than or equal to 3.265.Moderate – Average score above 1.64 and less than or equal to 2.455.Mild – Average score above 1.23 and less than or equal to 1.64.Normal Range – Average score less than or equal to 1.23.These descriptors are determined by the distance from the normative mean: Symptom descriptors are also presented for the total score and each of the subscale scores. These scores range between 0 to 4, where higher scores represent higher severity. The average score can help determine elevated symptom clusters when comparing each of the four subscales. In addition to a raw score being presented, a mean score is also computed, which is the subscale score divided by the number of items within that subscale. Hyper-arousal (Criterion E, items 15-20, max score = 24).
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Negative alterations in cognition and mood (Criterion D, items 8-14, max score = 28).Avoidance (criterion C, items 6-7, max score = 8).
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Total scores can range from 0 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater PTSD symptom severity. The PCL-5 is widely used in clinical and research settings to screen for PTSD, assess symptom severity, and monitor treatment progress over time (Forkus et al., 2023). Individuals with hyperarousal symptoms may feel constantly on edge, as if they are in a state of heightened alertness or danger. Hyperarousal (Criterion E): This subscale measures heightened arousal and reactivity that may present as difficulty sleeping, irritability, angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, and an exaggerated startle response.Symptoms may include persistent negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world distorted blame of oneself or others for causing the traumatic event persistent negative emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame diminished interest in activities once enjoyed feeling detached from others and an inability to experience positive emotions. Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood (Criterion D): This subscale measures the negative impact on thoughts and feelings that began or worsened after the traumatic event.Avoidance serves as a coping mechanism to reduce distress but can interfere with the individual’s ability to process and heal from the trauma. Avoidance behaviours may include avoiding places, people, activities, or conversations that remind the individual of the trauma. Avoidance (Criterion C): This subscale assesses efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or reminders associated with the traumatic event.Re-experiencing symptoms can be triggered by internal or external cues related to the traumatic event. Individuals may feel as if the traumatic event is recurring, leading to significant psychological distress. Re-experiencing (Criterion B): This subscale measures the persistent re-experiencing of the traumatic event(s) through intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, or distressing memories.Consistent with the DSM-5, the four symptom clusters are represented in the PCL-5 by the following subscales: