PCL-5: PTSD Checklist for DSM-5
The PCL-5 is the standard self-report screening and severity measure for post-traumatic stress disorder. 20 items aligned to DSM-5 PTSD diagnostic criteria; each item scored 0-4, total range 0-80. Common provisional PTSD threshold: 31-33.
How the PCL-5 is used
Developed by the National Center for PTSD, the PCL-5 is the most widely used PTSD measure in clinical practice, research, and quality reporting. The 20 items map to the four DSM-5 symptom clusters (intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, alterations in arousal and reactivity). Administration takes 5-10 minutes; scoring is straightforward sum.
Cohort analytics views
- Trajectory by patient — sequential scores over time; clinically meaningful change is typically a 5-10 point reduction.
- Response rate at the program level — % of patients with ≥10 point reduction from baseline.
- Cluster-specific tracking — sometimes intrusion or arousal symptoms respond before avoidance; cluster-level views surface treatment effect.
- Comorbidity overlay — joining PCL-5 trend to PHQ-9, AUDIT, or substance use diagnoses surfaces complex presentations.
Where Vizier fits
Vizier reads PCL-5 scores from EHR flowsheets and structured templates (Epic, Cerner, eClinicalWorks, NextGen) and surfaces patient and program trajectory analytics. Joining PCL-5 to other instruments (PHQ-9, GAD-7) gives the multi-instrument cohort view BH programs need for value-based contract reporting.