The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD [511]. Responses for each symptom are answered using a five-point scale (where 4 = extremely, and 0 = not at all). The PCL-5 can be administered in three formats: without Criterion A (overview of instructions and items only), which is appropriate when trauma exposure is measured by some other method; with a brief Criterion A assessment; or with the LEC-5 and extended Criterion A assessment.
DSM-5 symptom cluster severity scores can be obtained by summing the scores for the items within a given cluster; that is, cluster B (items 1-5), cluster C (items 6-7), cluster D (items 8-14), and cluster E (items 15-20). These scores can be summed to obtain a total PTSD symptom severity score out of 80. Initial research suggests that a PCL-5 cut-off score between 31-33 is indicative of probable PTSD across samples [512]. A provisional PTSD diagnosis can be made by treating each item rated as 2 = ‘Moderately’ or higher as a symptom endorsed, then following the DSM-5 diagnostic rule which requires at least: 1 B item (questions 1-5), 1 C item (questions 6-7), 2 D items (questions 8-14), 2 E items (questions 15-20). At the time of writing, no studies have been conducted to validate the PCL-5 among people with AOD use disorders. The PCL-5 is included in Appendix S.