The CAPS-5 is a structured interview and should be followed word-for-word, like a script. Consistent with this approach, you should always ask the standard prompt question provided for each item using the exact wording on the page. These prompt questions were developed to measure specific core and associated symptoms of PTSD and have evolved through numerous revisions of the CAPS-5. The prompt questions are listed in bold print outside of parentheses and should be verbalized to the interviewee exactly as they appear on the page.

The CAPS-5 also provides several suggested additional questions, which are listed after the prompt questions, in parentheses and italicized. Although these are optional, we strongly encourage interviewers to ask these questions in addition to the prompt questions, to ensure that enough information to score the item is ascertained. Like the standard prompt questions, these should be asked word-for-word. These are the scripted standard prompt questions (in bold) and the follow-up questions (in parentheses and italicized) in item 4 for assessing Criterion B4:

• In the past month, have you gotten emotionally upset when something reminded you of (EVENT)?
• What kinds of reminders make you upset?
• How much do these reminders bother you?
• Are you able to calm yourself down when this happens? (How long does this take?)
• How often has this happened in the past month?