Question 1

What is the recommended cutoff score for the PC-PTSD-5?

Accepted Answer

A cutoff of 3 maximizes sensitivity (0.95) for screening. A cutoff of 4 maximizes diagnostic efficiency by balancing false positives and negatives. The instrument demonstrated excellent overall diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.941) using the CAPS-5 as the gold standard (Prins et al., 2016).

Question 2

How does the PC-PTSD-5 differ from the original PC-PTSD?

Accepted Answer

The original PC-PTSD had 4 items aligned with DSM-IV criteria. The PC-PTSD-5 added a fifth item addressing negative alterations in cognitions and mood (guilt/blame), reflecting the new DSM-5 Criterion D cluster. Both begin with a trauma exposure screening question.

Question 3

Should different cutoffs be used for men and women?

Accepted Answer

Research found that a cutoff of 4 works well for men but results in more false negatives for women. Clinicians may consider using the lower cutoff of 3 for women, particularly where follow-up evaluation resources are available.

Question 4

Is the PC-PTSD-5 validated outside veteran populations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While developed in a VA sample (Prins et al., 2016), subsequent studies validated it in civilian primary care and trauma-exposed populations. A 2022 civilian study found 100% sensitivity and 85.2% specificity at a cutoff of 4.

Question 5

What does my PC-PTSD-5 score mean?

Accepted Answer

We have a detailed scoring guide that explains how to interpret your PC-PTSD-5 results, including severity ranges and recommended clinical actions. Read our full scoring guide.

PC-PTSD-5: Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5

Take the PC-PTSD-5 assessment. Ultra-brief 5-item PTSD screening for primary care settings. Evidence-based rapid trauma screening tool.

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