What is the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)?

The CAPS-5 is a structured clinical interview designed to assess PTSD symptoms and make a PTSD diagnosis according to DSM-5 criteria.

Who developed the CAPS-5 and when?

Developed by the National Center for PTSD, updated for DSM-5 in 2013 by Weathers, Blake, and colleagues.

What does the CAPS-5 assess?

• Criterion A: Trauma exposure
• Criterion B: Intrusion symptoms (5 items)
• Criterion C: Avoidance symptoms (2 items)
• Criterion D: Negative cognitions and mood (7 items)
• Criterion E: Alterations in arousal and reactivity (6 items)
• Criteria F-H: Duration, functional significance, substance exclusion

How is the CAPS-5 administered?

This is a clinician-administered structured interview that typically takes 45-60 minutes. Each symptom is rated on frequency and intensity (0-4 scale).