After assessing core DSM-5 PTSD criteria (Criteria A – G), you will then complete three global rating scales. These scales provide additional information on:

• Validity of the CAPS-5 interview (generally, validity score of 2 or higher would be cause for concern).
• Global PTSD severity level (this is generally an average of the scores you gave on items 1-20).
• Global PTSD symptom improvement since an earlier assessment (if this is not known or no earlier assessment was given, mark "5 – insufficient information").

Scales assessing validity of the CAPS-5 interview, global PTSD severity, and global improvement do not require administration of interview prompts or questions. Rather, these scales provide explicit guidelines and criteria for the clinician to use in rendering a judgment, based on all information available.

 

Select Tab 2 to examine each global rating scale.