Investigations
1st investigations to order
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
Test
This is a 20-item self-report measure assessing the 20 symptoms of PTSD according to DSM-5. Validation studies have been undertaken but not yet published.[57] US Department of Veterans Affairs: PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) Opens in new window
Result
cut-off score depends on setting
Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ)
Test
Set of 10 items covering re-experiencing and arousal symptoms and allowing 2 response options.[55]
For each symptom, the respondent indicates whether or not they have experienced it at least twice in the past week.
US Department of Veterans Affairs: Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) Opens in new window
Result
endorsement by the respondent of at least 6 re-experiencing or hyper-arousal items in any combination
Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS-5)
Test
24-item self report measure assessing PTSD symptom severity in the last month, according to DSM-5 criteria.[56] US Department of Veterans Affairs (PTSD): Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS-5) Opens in new window
Result
symptom items are rated on a 5-point scale of frequency and severity ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (6 or more times a week / severe).
International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ)
Test
Brief, simply-worded self-report measure based on ICD-11 diagnostic criteria.[59] The International Trauma Consortium. International Trauma Questionnaire Opens in new window
Result
PTSD criteria are met if: P1 or P2 > 2 criteria for ‘re-experiencing in the here and now’ met, P3 or P4 > 2 criteria for ‘avoidance’ met, P5 or P6 > 2 criteria for ‘sense of current threat’ met, AND at least one of P7, P8, or P9 > 2 meets criteria for PTSD functional impairment
Investigations to consider
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)
Test
Items are based on the DSM-5 criteria. Publication on the validation of this instrument is expected shortly. Item scoring is based on a severity score, which is determined through symptoms' frequency and intensity.[57] US Department of Veterans Affairs: Clinician-administered PTSD scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) Opens in new window
Result
traumatic event meeting DSM-5 criteria for exposure plus at least 1 intrusion symptom, at least 1 avoidance symptom, at least 2 negative alterations in cognition or mood, and at least 2 alterations in arousal and reactivity, plus duration of symptoms >1 month, plus symptoms cause significant distress or functional impairment
PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5)
Test
This structured diagnostic interview is well supported psychometrically, widely used in the US, and relatively straightforward to administer. Corresponds directly to DSM-5 criteria.[61] US Department of Veterans Affairs: PTSD Symptom Scale - Interview for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5) Opens in new window
Result
the sum of the 20 PTSD symptoms items yield a total PTSD symptom severity score, ranging from 0-80; PTSD diagnosis requires the presence of 1 intrusion symptom, 1 avoidance symptom, 2 the presence of clinically significant distress or interference, operationalised as a score of 2 or higher on relevant items
International Trauma Interview (ITI)
Test
Clinician-administered diagnostic measure based on both ICD-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria.[62]
Result
to make a diagnosis of PTSD, one symptom must be present with at least a moderate severity (i.e., severity score ≥ 2) from each cluster, in conjunction with functional disability on account of the symptoms
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer