CAPS-CA-5 1

National Center for PTSD

CLINICIAN-ADMINISTERED PTSD SCALE FOR DSM-5

CHILD/ADOLESCENT VERSION
(Revised September 2015)

Child’s Name: __________________________ ID #________ Age: _____ Sex: □ Girl □ Boy

Grade in School: _____ School: _________________________________________________

Teacher: _______________________ City/State: __________________________________

Interviewer Name/ID # ________________________________________________________

Date (month, day, year): ____/____/____ (Session #________)

Robert S. Pynoos, Frank W. Weathers, Alan M. Steinberg, Brian P. Marx, Christopher M. Layne,
Danny G. Kaloupek, Paula P. Schnurr, Terence M. Keane, Dudley D. Blake, Elana Newman,
Kathleen O. Nader & Julie A. Kriegler

National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and National Center for Child Traumatic Stress

Do not use, duplicate or distribute without permission from: National Center for PTSD

Inquiries, comments, or requests for copies may be directed to the National Center for PTSD: [email protected]

Please note that several authors have switched affiliations; K. Nader is now at Nader and Associates, Aliso
Viejo, CA; J. A. Kriegler is at Permanente Medical Group, Santa Clara, CA; D. D. Blake is now at Boise
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and, E. Newman is at University of Tulsa.

The authors acknowledge the assistance of Julie Kaplow for pilot testing item wording for DSM-5.
 CAPS-CA-5 2

Instructions

Standard administration and scoring of the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 – Child/Adolescent Version
(CAPS-CA-5) are essential for producing reliable and valid scores and diagnostic decisions. The CAPS-CA-5 should be
administered only by qualified interviewers who have formal training in structured clinical interviewing and differential
diagnosis, a thorough understanding of the DSM-5 symptom criteria for PTSD, and detailed knowledge of the features
and conventions of the CAPS-CA-5 itself.

The CAPS-CA-5 is based upon DSM-5 criteria for PTSD for children and adolescents ages 7 and above. Because the
criteria and diagnostic thresholds are different for the Pre-school Subtype, the CAPS-CA-5 is not intended for the
evaluation of PTSD based on DSM-5 criteria for children ages 6 and younger.

Administration

1. Identify an index traumatic event to serve as the basis for symptom inquiry: administer a structured, evidence-based
method for taking a comprehensive trauma history, such as the Life Events Checklist – Child Version for DSM-IV and
Criterion A inquiry provided on p. 6. Alternatively, use the Trauma History Profile portion of the UCLA
Child/Adolescent PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5©. The index event may involve either a single incident (e.g., the
accident) or multiple related incidents (e.g., experiencing physical or sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence
affecting an adult in the home).

2. Read prompts verbatim, one at a time, and in the order presented, EXCEPT:

a. Use the respondent’s own words for labeling the index event or describing specific symptoms.

b. Rephrase standard prompts to acknowledge previously reported information, but return to verbatim phrasing as
soon as possible. For example, inquiry for item 20 might begin: “You already mentioned having problems
sleeping. What kinds of problems?”

c. If you don’t have sufficient information after exhausting all standard prompts, follow up ad lib. In this situation,
repeating the initial prompt often helps refocus the respondent.

d. As needed, ask for specific examples or direct the respondent to elaborate even when such prompts are not
provided explicitly.

3. In general, DO NOT suggest responses. If a respondent has pronounced difficulty understanding a prompt it may be
necessary to offer a brief example to clarify and illustrate. However, this should be done rarely and only after the
respondent has been given ample opportunity to answer spontaneously.

4. DO NOT read rating scale anchors to the respondent. They are intended only for you, the interviewer, because
appropriate use requires clinical judgment and a thorough understanding of CAPS-CA-5 scoring conventions.

5. Move through the interview as efficiently as possible to minimize respondent burden. Some useful strategies:

a. Be thoroughly familiar with the CAPS-CA-5 so that prompts flow smoothly.

b. Ask the fewest number of prompts needed to obtain sufficient information to support a valid rating.

c. Minimize note-taking and write while the respondent is talking to avoid long pauses.
 CAPS-CA-5 3

d. Take charge of the interview. Be respectful but firm in keeping the respondent on task, transitioning between
questions, pressing for examples, or pointing out contradictions.

Scoring

1. As with previous versions of the CAPS-CA, CAPS-CA-5 symptom severity ratings are based on symptom frequency
and intensity, except for items 8 (amnesia) and 12 (diminished interest), which are based on amount and intensity.
However, CAPS-CA-5 items are rated with a single severity score, in contrast to previous versions of the CAPS-CA
which required separate frequency and intensity scores for each item that were either summed to create a symptom
severity score or combined in various scoring rules to create a dichotomous (present/absent) symptom score. Thus,
on the CAPS-CA-5 the clinician combines information about frequency and intensity before making a single severity
rating. Depending on the item, frequency is rated as either the number of occurrences (how often in the past month)
or percent of time (how much of the time in the past month). Intensity is rated on a four-point ordinal scale with ratings
of Minimal, Clearly Present, Pronounced, and Extreme. Intensity and severity are related but distinct. Intensity refers
to the strength of a typical occurrence of a symptom. Severity refers to the total symptom load over a given time
period, and is a combination of intensity and frequency. This is similar to the quantity/frequency assessment approach
to alcohol consumption. In general, intensity rating anchors correspond to severity scale anchors described below and
should be interpreted and used in the same way, except that severity ratings require joint consideration of intensity
and frequency. Thus, before taking frequency into account, an intensity rating of Minimal corresponds to a severity
rating of Mild / subthreshold, Clearly Present corresponds with Moderate / threshold, Pronounced corresponds with
Severe / markedly elevated, and Extreme corresponds with Extreme / incapacitating.

2. The five-point CAPS-CA-5 symptom severity rating scale is used for all symptoms. Rating scale anchors should be
interpreted and used as follows:

0 Absent The respondent denied the problem or the respondent’s report doesn’t fit the DSM-5 symptom criterion.

1 Mild / subthreshold The respondent described a problem that is consistent with the symptom criterion but isn’t
severe enough to be considered clinically significant. The problem doesn’t satisfy the DSM-5 symptom criterion
and thus doesn’t count toward a PTSD diagnosis.

2 Moderate / threshold The respondent described a clinically significant problem. The problem satisfies the DSM-
5 symptom criterion and thus counts toward a PTSD diagnosis. The problem would be a target for intervention.
This rating requires a minimum frequency of 2 X month or some of the time (20-30%) PLUS a minimum intensity
of Clearly Present.

3 Severe / markedly elevated The respondent described a problem that is well above threshold. The problem is
difficult to manage and at times overwhelming, and would be a prominent target for intervention. This rating
requires a minimum frequency of 2 X week or much of the time (50-60%) PLUS a minimum intensity of
Pronounced.

4 Extreme / incapacitating The respondent described a dramatic symptom, far above threshold. The problem is
pervasive, unmanageable, and overwhelming, and would be a high-priority target for intervention.

3. In general, make a given severity rating only if the minimum frequency and intensity for that rating are both met.
However, you may exercise clinical judgment in making a given severity rating if the reported frequency is somewhat
lower than required, but the intensity is higher. For example, you may make a severity rating of Moderate / threshold if
a symptom occurs 1 X month (instead of the required 2 X month) as long as intensity is rated Pronounced or Extreme
(instead of the required Clearly Present). Similarly, you may make a severity rating of Severe / markedly elevated if a
symptom occurs 1 X week (instead of the required 2 X week) as long as the intensity is rated Extreme (instead of the
required Pronounced). If you are unable to decide between two severity ratings, make the lower rating.
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4. You need to establish that a symptom not only meets the DSM-5 criterion phenomenologically, but is also functionally
related to the index traumatic event, i.e., started or got worse as a result of the event. CAPS-CA-5 items 1-8 and 10
(reexperiencing, effortful avoidance, amnesia, and blame) are inherently linked to the event. Evaluate the remaining
items for trauma-relatedness (TR) using the TR inquiry and rating scale. The three TR ratings are:

a. Definite = the symptom can clearly be attributed to the index trauma, because (1) there is an obvious change
from the pre-trauma level of functioning and/or (2) the respondent makes the attribution to the index trauma with
confidence.

b. Probable = the symptom is likely related to the index trauma, but an unequivocal connection can’t be made.
Situations in which this rating would be given include the following: (1) there seems to be a change from the pre-
trauma level of functioning, but it isn’t as clear and explicit as it would be for a “definite;” (2) the respondent
attributes a causal link between the symptom and the index trauma, but with less confidence than for a rating of
Definite; (3) there appears to be a functional relationship between the symptom and inherently trauma-linked
symptoms such as reexperiencing symptoms (e.g., numbing or withdrawal increases when reexperiencing
increases).

c. Unlikely = the symptom can be attributed to a cause other than the index trauma because (1) there is an obvious
functional link with this other cause and/or (2) the respondent makes a confident attribution to this other cause
and denies a link to the index trauma. Because it can be difficult to rule out a functional link between a symptom
and the index trauma, a rating of Unlikely should be used only when the available evidence strongly points to a
cause other than the index trauma. NOTE: Symptoms with a TR rating of Unlikely should not be counted toward a
PTSD diagnosis or included in the total CAPS-CA-5 symptom severity score.

5. CAPS-CA-5 total symptom severity score is calculated by summing severity scores for items 1-20. NOTE: Severity
scores for the two dissociation items (29 and 30) should NOT be included in the calculation of the total CAPS-CA-5
severity score.

6. CAPS-CA-5 symptom cluster severity scores are calculated by summing the individual item severity scores for
symptoms contained in a given DSM-5 cluster. Thus, the Criterion B (reexperiencing) severity score is the sum of the
individual severity scores for items 1-5; the Criterion C (avoidance) severity score is the sum of items 6 and 7; the
Criterion D (negative alterations in cognitions and mood) severity score is the sum of items 8-14; and the Criterion E
(hyperarousal) severity score is the sum of items 15-20. A symptom cluster score may also be calculated for
dissociation by summing items 29 and 30.

7. PTSD diagnostic status is determined by first dichotomizing individual symptoms as “present” or “absent,” then
following the DSM-5 diagnostic rule. A symptom is considered present only if the corresponding item severity score is
rated 2=Moderate/threshold or higher. Items 9 and 11-20 have the additional requirement of a trauma-relatedness
rating of Definite or Probable. Otherwise a symptom is considered absent. The DSM-5 diagnostic rule requires the
presence of least one Criterion B symptom, one Criterion C symptom, two Criterion D symptoms, and two Criterion E
symptoms. In addition, Criteria F and G must be met. Criterion F requires that the disturbance has lasted at least one
month. Criterion G requires that the disturbance cause either clinically significant distress or functional impairment, as
indicated by a rating of 2=moderate or higher on items 23-25.

8. Use the Frequency Rating Sheet (Appendix A) to help the child answer HOW MANY DAYS the reaction has
happened in the past MONTH. Hand the Frequency Rating Sheet to child and point to the calendar as you explain the
rating choices as follows: ‘0’ means that in the past month, you have not had the reaction at all, not even on one day.
‘1’ means that you have had the reaction around 1 to 3 days in the past month. ‘2’ means that you have had the
reaction around 2 to 3 days a week in the past month. ‘3’ means that you have had the reaction around 3 to 4 days a
week over the past month. And ‘4’ means that you have had the reaction almost every day over the past month.
 CAPS-CA-5 5

Interviewer: Note that a score of ‘0’ corresponds to a score of “Absent”; a score of ‘1’ corresponds to 5-10% of the
time; a score of ‘2’ corresponds to 20-30% of the time; a score of ‘3’ corresponds to approximately 50% of the time;
and a score of ‘4’ corresponds to a rating of “Pervasive.”

Practice trial questions using the calendar as follows: “Let’s do some practice questions to make sure that you
understand how to use the calendar. If I asked, ‘How many days in the past month have you had a headache,’ which
calendar tells how many days in the past month you have had a headache? What about, ‘How many days in the past
month have you watched television?’ Point to the calendar that tells how many days in the past month you have
watched television. How about if I asked, ‘How many days in the past month have you done homework? Point to the
calendar that tells how many days in the past month you have done homework.” Continue with these types of
questions until you are confident that the child can use the calendar to rate how many days the reaction has
happened in the past month. With school aged children, it is helpful to work with the child to identify a day 30 days
prior to the interview to serve as a temporal reference, (e.g., since your brother’s birthday, since school began, etc).

Use the Intensity Rating Sheet (Appendix B) to help the child answer HOW MUCH the problem has bothered him/her
over the past MONTH. The choices are: ‘Absent,’ ‘Mild,’ ‘Moderate,’ ‘Severe,’ and ‘Extreme.’ A rating of ‘Absent’
means that the child denied the problem or that the report doesn’t fit the DSM-5 symptom criterion. A rating of “Mild’
means that the child described the problem, but the problem is not severe enough to be clinically significant. A rating
of ‘Moderate’ means that the child described a clinically significant problem. A rating of ‘Severe’ means that the child
described a problem that is well above threshold. A rating of ‘Extreme’ means that the child described a dramatic
symptom far above threshold. See Section 2 above for instructions on the interpretation of symptom severity score
using both frequency and intensity ratings.

Hand the Intensity Rating Sheet to child and point to the glasses as you explain the rating choices for how much the
child is bothered by the problem as follows: The first glass (marked ‘Not at all’) that is empty, means that the problem
doesn’t bother you at all. The second glass (marked ‘Mild’), that has just a little bit in it, means that the problem
bothers you only a little bit. The third glass (marked ‘Moderate’), that is almost half full, means that the problem
bothers you quite a bit. The fourth glass (marked ‘Severe’), that is much more than half full, means that the problem
bothers you a lot and it is hard to know how to handle it . And the fifth glass (marked ‘Extreme’) that is totally full
means that the problem is so bad that it couldn’t be worse.
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Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one (or more) of the
following ways:
1. Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s).
2. Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others.
3. Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend. In cases of actual or
threatened death of a family member or friend, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental.
4. Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s) (e.g., first
responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse). Note:
Criterion A4 does not apply to exposure through electronic media, television, movies, or pictures, unless
this exposure is work related.

[Administer Life Events Checklist – Child Version for DSM-IV or other structured trauma screen.]

I’m going to ask you about the stressful experiences questionnaire you filled out. First I’ll ask you to tell me a
little bit about the event you said was the worst for you. Then I’ll ask how that event may have affected you over
the past month. In general I don’t need a lot of information – just enough so I can understand any problems you
may have had. Please let me know if you find yourself becoming upset as we go through the questions so we can
slow down and talk about it. Also, let me know if you have any questions or don’t understand something. Do you
have any questions before we start?

The event you said was the worst was (EVENT). What I’d like for you to do is briefly describe what happened.

Index event (specify):

What happened? (How old were you? How were you involved? Exposure type:
Who else was involved? Was anyone seriously injured or killed?
Was anyone’s life in danger? How many times did this happen?) Experienced ___

Witnessed ___

Learned about ___

Exposed to aversive details___

Life threat? NO YES [self ___ other ___]

Serious injury? NO YES [self ___ other ___]

Sexual violence? NO YES [self ___ other ___]

Criterion A met? NO PROBABLE YES

For the rest of the interview, I want you to keep (EVENT) in mind as I ask you about different problems it may
have caused you. You may have had some of these problems before, but for this interview we’re going to focus
just on the past month. For each problem I’ll ask if you’ve had it in the past month, and if so, how often and how
much it bothered you.
 CAPS-CA-5 7

Criterion B: Presence of one or more of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s),
beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred:

1. (B1) Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s). Note: In children older than 6
years, repetitive play may occur in which themes or aspects of the traumatic event(s) are expressed.

In the past month, have you had upsetting thoughts, pictures or sounds of what 0 Absent
happened come into your mind when you didn’t want them to? Did this happen while
1 Mild / subthreshold
you were awake, so not counting dreams? [Rate 0=Absent if only during dreams]
2 Moderate / threshold
How did these upsetting thoughts, pictures or sounds of what happened come into
your mind? 3 Severe / markedly elevated

[If not clear:] Do these unwanted thoughts, pictures or sounds just pop into your head, 4 Extreme / incapacitating
or do you think about what happened on purpose?

[Rate 0=Absent unless perceived as involuntary and intrusive]

How much do these thoughts, pictures or sounds bother you?

Are you able to put these thoughts, pictures or sounds out of your mind and think
about something else?
Circle: Distress = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often have you had these thoughts, pictures or sounds come into your mind in
the past month? # of times __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of distress

Moderate = at least 2 X month / distress clearly present, some difficulty dismissing memories
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced distress, considerable difficulty dismissing memories

2. (B2) Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the event(s). Note: In
children, there may be frightening dreams without recognizable content.

In the past month, have you had any bad dreams about the bad thing that happened or 0 Absent
other bad dreams?
1 Mild / subthreshold

Describe one of these dreams for me. (What happens?)

2 Moderate / threshold

[If not clear:] (Do these bad dreams wake you up?) 3 Severe / markedly elevated

(How do you feel when you wake up? How long does it take you to get back to
[If yes:] 4 Extreme / incapacitating
sleep?)

How much do these bad dreams bother you?

Circle: Distress = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often have you had these bad dreams in the past month? # of times __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of distress

Moderate = at least 2 X month / distress clearly present, less than 1 hour sleep loss
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced distress, more than 1 hour sleep loss
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3. (B3) Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were
recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of
awareness of present surroundings.) Note: In children, trauma-specific reenactment may occur in play.

In the past month, have there been times when you suddenly feel like you are back at 0 Absent
the time when the bad thing happened, like it’s happening all over again?
1 Mild / subthreshold

(This is different than thinking about it or dreaming about it – now I’m

[If not clear:] 2 Moderate / threshold
asking about feeling like you’re actually back at the time of the bad thing happening,
actually going through it again.) 3 Severe / markedly elevated

4 Extreme / incapacitating
How much does it seem as if the bad thing was happening again? (Are you confused
about where you actually are?)

What do you do when it feels like the bad thing is happening again? (Do other people
notice how you are acting? What do they say?)

How long does the feeling that the bad thing is happening all over again last?

Circle: Dissociation = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often has this feeling happened in the past month? # of times __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of dissociation

Moderate = at least 2 X month / dissociative quality clearly present, may retain some awareness of surroundings but
relives event in a manner clearly distinct from thoughts and memories
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced dissociative quality, reports vivid reliving, e.g., with images, sounds, smells

4. (B4) Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an
aspect of the traumatic event(s).

In the past month, did you get very upset, afraid, or sad when something reminded 0 Absent
you of the bad thing that happened?
1 Mild / subthreshold

What kinds of things reminded you of the bad thing that happened? 2 Moderate / threshold

How much do these reminders bother you? 3 Severe / markedly elevated

4 Extreme / incapacitating
Are you able to calm yourself down when this happens? (How long does it take?)

Circle: Distress = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often in the past month have you been reminded of the bad thing that happened?
# of times __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of distress

Moderate = at least 2 X month / distress clearly present, some difficulty recovering
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced distress, considerable difficulty recovering
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5. (B5) Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic
event(s).

In the past month, have you had strong feelings in your body when something 0 Absent
reminded you of the bad thing that happened, like your heart beats fast, your head
1 Mild / subthreshold
aches or your stomach aches?
2 Moderate / threshold
Can you give me some examples of these strong feelings in your body? (Does your
heart race or your breathing change? What about sweating or feeling really nervous or 3 Severe / markedly elevated
shaky?)
4 Extreme / incapacitating

What kinds of reminders (things that remind you of the bad thing that happened) make
you have strong feelings in your body?

How long does it take you to feel better?

Circle: Physiological reactivity = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often has this happened in the past month? # of times __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of physiological arousal

Moderate = at least 2 X month / reactivity clearly present, some difficulty recovering
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced reactivity, sustained arousal, considerable difficulty recovering

Criterion C: Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic
event(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following:

6. (C1) Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the
traumatic event(s).

In the past month, have you tried not to think about or have feelings about the bad 0 Absent
thing that happened?
1 Mild / subthreshold

What kinds of thoughts or feelings do you try to stay away from or avoid? 2 Moderate / threshold

How hard do you try to avoid these thoughts or feelings? (What kinds of things do you 3 Severe / markedly elevated
do?)
4 Extreme / incapacitating
Circle: Avoidance = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often has this happened in the past month? # of times __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of avoidance

Moderate = at least 2 X month / avoidance clearly present
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced avoidance
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7. (C2) Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations)
that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).

In the past month, have you tried to stay away from people, places, or things that 0 Absent
remind you of the bad thing that happened?
1 Mild / subthreshold
What kinds of things do you try to stay away from or avoid?
2 Moderate / threshold
How hard do you try to stay away from or avoid these people, places or things? (Do
3 Severe / markedly elevated
you have to make a plan or change your activities to avoid them?)
4 Extreme / incapacitating
(Overall, how much of a problem is this for you? How would things be
[If not clear:]
different if you didn’t have to avoid these reminders?)

Circle: Avoidance = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often have you tried to stay away from or avoid people, places or things in the
past month?
# of times __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of avoidance

Moderate = at least 2 X month / avoidance clearly present
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced avoidance

Criterion D: Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or
worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:

8. (D1) Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s) (typically due to dissociative amnesia and not
to other factors such as head injury, alcohol, or drugs).

In the past month, have you had trouble remembering important parts of the bad thing 0 Absent
that happened? (Do you feel there are gaps in your memory of [EVENT]?)
1 Mild / subthreshold
What parts have you had trouble remembering?
2 Moderate / threshold
Do you feel like you should be able to remember these things and just can’t?
3 Severe / markedly elevated
Prompts for younger children: Did you hurt your head when the bad thing
[If not clear:]
happened? Did things seem really blurry or fuzzy at the time? Prompts for older 4 Extreme / incapacitating
children/adolescents: Why do you think you can’t remember? Did you hurt your head
when the bad thing happened? Did things seem blurry or fuzzy at the time? Were you
knocked out? Were you intoxicated from alcohol or drugs?
[Rate 0=Absent if due to head injury or loss of consciousness or intoxication during event]

(Is this just normal forgetting? Or do you think you may have blocked it
[If still not clear:]
out because it would be too painful to remember?) [Rate 0=Absent if due only to normal forgetting]
Circle: Difficulty remembering = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

In the past month, how many of the important parts of what happened have you had
trouble remembering? (What parts do you still remember?)
# of important aspects __________

Would you be able to remember these things if you tried?

Key rating dimensions = amount of event not recalled / intensity of inability to recall
Moderate = at least one important aspect / difficulty remembering clearly present, some recall possible with effort
Severe = several important aspects / pronounced difficulty remembering, little recall even with effort
 CAPS-CA-5 11

9. (D2) Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,”
“No one can be trusted,” “The world is completely dangerous,” “My whole nervous system is permanently ruined”).

In the past month, have you had bad thoughts about yourself, like “I am bad”? 0 Absent

In the past month, have you had bad thoughts about the world, like “The world is 1 Mild / subthreshold
really dangerous”?
2 Moderate / threshold
In the past month, have you had bad thoughts about other people, like “I will never be
able to trust other people”? 3 Severe / markedly elevated

Can you give me some examples? 4 Extreme / incapacitating

How strong are these beliefs? (How sure are you that these beliefs are actually true? Can
you see other ways of thinking about it?)

Circle: Conviction = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How much of the time in the past month have you had these kinds of beliefs?

% of time __________

Did these beliefs start or get worse after the bad thing happened? (Do you think they are
related to what happened? How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness = Definite Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of beliefs

Moderate = some of the time (20-30%) / exaggerated negative expectations clearly present, some difficulty
considering more realistic beliefs
Severe = much of the time (50-60%) / pronounced exaggerated negative expectations, considerable difficulty
considering more realistic beliefs

10. (D3) Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the
individual to blame himself/herself or others.

In the past month, have you felt that part or even all of what happened was your fault? 0 Absent
Tell me more about that. (In what sense do you see yourself as having caused the bad
thing to happen? Is it because of something you did? Or something you think you should 1 Mild / subthreshold
have done but didn’t?
2 Moderate / threshold
What about being angry with someone or something for making the bad thing happen,
not doing more to stop it, or to help after? Tell me more about that. (In what sense do 3 Severe / markedly elevated
you see other people as having caused the bad thing to happen? Is it because of something
they did? Or something you think they should have done but didn’t?) 4 Extreme / incapacitating

How much do you blame yourself?

How much do you blame others?

How much do you believe that you or other people are really responsible for what
happened? (Do other people agree with you? Can you see other ways of thinking about it?)
[Rate 0=Absent if only blames perpetrator, i.e., someone who deliberately caused the event and intended harm]

Circle: Conviction = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How much of the time in the past month have you felt that way? % of time __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of blame

Moderate = some of the time (20-30%) / distorted blame clearly present, some difficulty considering more realistic
beliefs
Severe = much of the time (50-60%) / pronounced distorted blame, considerable difficulty considering more realistic
beliefs
 CAPS-CA-5 12

11. (D4) Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame) associated with the traumatic event.
In the past month, have you felt that what happened was sickening or gross? 0 Absent
In the past month, have you felt ashamed or embarrassed over what happened?
1 Mild / subthreshold
In the past month, have you felt guilty about what happened?
2 Moderate / threshold
In the past month, have you felt very afraid or scared?
In the past month, have you wanted to get back at someone for what happened or get 3 Severe / markedly elevated
revenge?
4 Extreme / incapacitating
Can you give me some examples of having these feelings? (What negative feelings do
you experience?)

How strong are these upsetting feelings?

How well are you able to handle or cope with these feelings?

Circle: Negative emotions = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How much of the time in the past month have you had these upsetting feelings?
% of time __________

Did these upsetting feelings start or get worse after the bad thing that happened? (Do
you think they’re related to [EVENT]? How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness = Definite Probable
Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of negative emotions

Moderate = some of the time (20-30%) / negative emotions clearly present, some difficulty managing
Severe = much of the time (50-60%) / pronounced negative emotions, considerable difficulty managing

12. (D5) Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.

In the past month, have you not felt like doing things with your family, friends or other 0 Absent
things that you liked to do?
1 Mild / subthreshold
What kinds of things have you lost interest in or don’t want to do as much as you used
2 Moderate / threshold
to? (Anything else?)
3 Severe / markedly elevated
Why is that? [Rate 0=Absent if diminished participation is due to lack of opportunity, physical inability, or
developmentally appropriate change in preferred activities]
4 Extreme / incapacitating
How strongly do you not want to do those things anymore? (How much interest have
you lost? Would you still enjoy [ACTIVITIES] once you got started?)
Circle: Loss of interest= Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

Overall, in the past month, how many of your usual activities have you been less
interested in?
% of activities __________

What kinds of things do you still enjoy doing?

Did this loss of interest start or get worse after the bad thing happened? (Do you think
it’s related to [EVENT]? How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness = Definite Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = percent of activities affected / intensity of loss of interest

Moderate = some activities (20-30%) / loss of interest clearly present but still has some enjoyment of activities
Severe = many activities (50-60%) / pronounced loss of interest, little interest or participation in activities
 CAPS-CA-5 13

13. (D6) Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.

In the past month, have you felt alone even when you are around other people? 0 Absent

1 Mild / subthreshold
Tell me more about that.
2 Moderate / threshold
How strong are your feelings of being alone or distant from others? (Who do you feel
closest to? How many people do you feel comfortable talking with about personal things?) 3 Severe / markedly elevated

Circle: Detachment or estrangement = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme 4 Extreme / incapacitating

How much of the time in the past month have you felt that way? % of time __________

Did this feeling of being alone or distant from others start or get worse after what
happened? (Do you think it’s related to what happened? How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness =
Definite Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of detachment or estrangement

Moderate = some of the time (20-30%) / feelings of detachment clearly present but still feels some interpersonal
connection
Severe = much of the time (50-60%) / pronounced feelings of detachment or estrangement from most people, may
feel close to only one or two people

14. (D7) Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving
feelings).

In the past month, have there been times when you had trouble feeling happiness, love 0 Absent
or other good feelings?
1 Mild / subthreshold

Tell me more about that. (What feelings are hard (difficult) to experience?)
2 Moderate / threshold

How hard is it for you to have happy, positive feelings? (Are you still able to experience 3 Severe / markedly elevated
any positive feelings?)
4 Extreme / incapacitating
Circle: Reduction of positive emotions = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How much of the time in the past month has it been hard to have positive feelings?
% of time __________

Did this trouble having positive feelings start or get worse after the bad thing
happened? (Do you think it’s related to the bad thing that happened? How so?) Circle:
Trauma-relatedness = Definite Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of reduction in positive emotions

Moderate = some of the time (20-30%) / reduction of positive emotional experience clearly present but still able to
experience some positive emotions
Severe = much of the time (50-60%) / pronounced reduction of experience across range of positive emotions
 CAPS-CA-5 14

Criterion E: Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or
worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:

15. (E1) Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical
aggression toward people or objects.

In the past month, have there been times when you were quick to show your anger or 0 Absent
got into arguments or physical fights?
1 Mild / subthreshold

Can you give me some examples? (How do you show it? Do you raise your voice or yell? 2 Moderate / threshold
Throw or hit things? Push or hit other people?)
3 Severe / markedly elevated
Circle: Aggression = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme
4 Extreme / incapacitating
How often in the past month? # of times __________

Did this behavior start or get worse after (EVENT)? (Do you think it’s related to what
happened? How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness = Definite Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of aggressive behavior

Moderate = at least 2 X month / aggression clearly present, primarily verbal
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced aggression, at least some physical aggression

16. (E2) Reckless or self-destructive behavior.

In the past month, have you hurt yourself on purpose? 0 Absent

In the past month, have you done risky or unsafe things that could really hurt you or 1 Mild / subthreshold
someone else?
2 Moderate / threshold
Can you give me some examples?
3 Severe / markedly elevated

How dangerous are doing these things? (Did you or someone else get hurt badly?) 4 Extreme / incapacitating

Circle: Risk = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often have you done these kinds of things in the past month? # of times __________

Did this behavior start or get worse after (EVENT)? (Do you think it’s related to [EVENT]?
How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness = Definite Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / degree of risk

Moderate = at least 2 X month / risk clearly present, may have been harmed
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced risk, actual harm or high probability of harm
 CAPS-CA-5 15

17. (E3) Hypervigilance.

In the past month, have you been on the lookout for danger or things that you are 0 Absent
afraid of (like looking over your shoulder even when nothing is there)? (Have you felt
1 Mild / subthreshold
as if you had to be on guard?)
2 Moderate / threshold
Can you give me some examples? (What kinds of things do you do when you’re looking
out for danger?) 3 Severe / markedly elevated

(What makes you feel this way? Do you feel like you’re in danger or that
[If not clear:] 4 Extreme / incapacitating
someone might hurt you in some way? Do you feel that way more than most people
would in the same situation?)

Circle: Hypervigilance = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How much of the time in the past month have you felt that way? % of time __________

Did being on the lookout for danger start or get worse after what happened? (Do you
think it’s related to the bad thing that happened? How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness = Definite
Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of hypervigilance

Moderate = some of the time (20-30%) / hypervigilance clearly present, e.g., watchful in public, heightened
awareness of threat
Severe = much of the time (50-60%) / pronounced hypervigilance, e.g., scans environment for danger, may have
safety rituals, exaggerated concern for safety of self/family/home

18. (E4) Exaggerated startle response.

In the past month, have you felt jumpy or startled easily, like when you hear a loud 0 Absent
noise or when something surprises you?
1 Mild / subthreshold

What kinds of things made you jumpy or startle? 2 Moderate / threshold

How strong are these jumpy feelings or startle reactions? (How strong are they 3 Severe / markedly elevated
compared to how most people would respond? Do you do anything other people would
4 Extreme / incapacitating
notice?)

How long does it take you to calm down?

Circle: Startle = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often has this happened in the past month? # of times __________

Did these startle reactions start or get worse after what happened? (Do you think
they’re related to [EVENT]? How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness = Definite Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of startle

Moderate = at least 2 X month / startle clearly present, some difficulty recovering
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced startle, sustained arousal, considerable difficulty recovering
 CAPS-CA-5 16

19. (E5) Problems with concentration.

In the past month, have you had any trouble concentrating or paying attention? 0 Absent

1 Mild / subthreshold
Can you give me some examples?
2 Moderate / threshold
Are you able to concentrate if you really try?
How strong are your problems with concentrating or paying attention? 3 Severe / markedly elevated

Circle: Problem concentrating = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme 4 Extreme / incapacitating

How much of the time in the past month have you had problems with concentration?

% of time __________

Did these problems with concentration start or get worse after what happened? (Do
you think they’re related to what happened? How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness = Definite
Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of concentration problems

Moderate = some of the time (20-30%) / problem concentrating clearly present, some difficulty but can concentrate
with effort
Severe = much of the time (50-60%) / pronounced problem concentrating, considerable difficulty even with effort

20. (E6) Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep).

In the past month, have you had any trouble with going to sleep, waking up often or 0 Absent
getting back to sleep?
1 Mild / subthreshold

What kinds of problems? (How long does it take you to fall asleep? How often do you 2 Moderate / threshold
wake up in the night? Do you wake up earlier than you want to?)
3 Severe / markedly elevated
How many hours do you sleep each night?
4 Extreme / incapacitating

How many hours do you think you should be sleeping?

Circle: Problem sleeping = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

How often in the past month have you had these problems with sleeping?
# of times __________

Did these problems with sleeping start or get worse after what happened? (Do you
think they’re related to [EVENT]? How so?) Circle: Trauma-relatedness = Definite Probable Unlikely

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of sleep problems

Moderate = at least 2 X month / sleep disturbance clearly present, clearly longer latency or clear difficulty staying
asleep, 30-90 minutes loss of sleep
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced sleep disturbance, considerably longer latency or marked difficulty staying
asleep, 90 min to 3 hrs loss of sleep
 CAPS-CA-5 17

Criterion F: Duration of the disturbance (Criteria B, C, D, and E) is more than 1 month.

21. Onset of symptoms

When did you first start having some of the problems that you
[If not clear:] Total # months delay in onset __________
have told me about? (How long after what happened did they start? More With delayed onset (> 6 months)? NO YES
than six months?)

22. Duration of symptoms

[If not clear:] How long have these problems lasted altogether? Total # months duration __________

Duration more than 1 month? NO YES

Criterion G: The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other
important areas of functioning.

23. Subjective distress

Overall, in the past month, how much have you been 0 None
bothered by these problems that you have told me about? 1 Mild, minimal distress
[Consider distress reported on earlier items]
2 Moderate, distress clearly present but still manageable

3 Severe, considerable distress

4 Extreme, incapacitating distress

24. Impairment in social functioning in school, with peers, with family, with work, or other important areas of functioning

In the past month, have these problems affected your 0 No adverse impact
relationships (or made it hard for you to get along) with other 1 Mild impact, minimal impairment in social functioning
people like family or friends? How so? [Consider impairment in 2 Moderate impact, definite impairment but many
social functioning reported on earlier items]
aspects of social functioning still intact
[If not clear:] Are you in school now? 3 Severe impact, marked impairment, few aspects of
social functioning still intact
In the past month, have these problems affected your
[If yes:]
schoolwork? How so? [Assess pre-trauma school performance and 4 Extreme impact, little or no social functioning
possible presence of behavior problems]

Have these problems affected any other important parts

[If no:]
of your life? [As appropriate, suggest examples such as parenting,
housework, schoolwork, volunteer work, etc.] How so?

25. Impairment in development

Do these reactions make it harder for you to do activities that other 0 No adverse impact
kids your age are doing? 1 Mild impact, minimal impairment in occupational/other
important functioning

2 Moderate impact, definite impairment but many

aspects of occupational/other important functioning
still intact

3 Severe impact, marked impairment, few aspects of

occupational/other important functioning still intact

4 Extreme impact, little or no occupational/other

important functioning
 CAPS-CA-5 18

Global Ratings

26. Global validity

Estimate the overall validity of responses. Consider factors such 0 Excellent, no reason to suspect invalid responses
as compliance with the interview, mental status (e.g., problems 1 Good, factors present that may adversely affect
with concentration, comprehension of items, dissociation), and validity
evidence of efforts to exaggerate or minimize symptoms. 2 Fair, factors present that definitely reduce validity

3 Poor, substantially reduced validity

4 Invalid responses, severely impaired mental status or

possible deliberate “faking bad” or “faking good”

27. Global severity

Estimate the overall severity of PTSD symptoms. Consider 0 No clinically significant symptoms, no distress and no
functional impairment
degree of subjective distress, degree of functional impairment,
observations of behaviors in interview, and judgment regarding 1 Mild, minimal distress or functional impairment
reporting style. 2 Moderate, definite distress or functional impairment
but functions satisfactorily with effort

3 Severe, considerable distress or functional

impairment, limited functioning even with effort

4 Extreme, marked distress or marked impairment in two

or more major areas of functioning

28. Global improvement

Rate total overall improvement since the previous rating. Rate 0 Asymptomatic
the degree of change, whether or not, in your judgment, it is due 1 Considerable improvement
to treatment. 2 Moderate improvement

3 Slight improvement

4 No improvement

5 Insufficient information
 CAPS-CA-5 19

Specify whether with dissociative symptoms: The individual’s symptoms meet the criteria for posttraumatic stress
disorder, and in addition, in response to the stressor, the individual experiences persistent or recurrent symptoms
of either of the following:

29. (1) Depersonalization: Persistent or recurrent experiences of feeling detached from, and as if one were an outside
observer of, one’s mental processes or body (e.g., feeling as though one were in a dream; feeling a sense of unreality of
self or body or of time moving slowly).

In the past month, have you felt like you were seeing yourself or what you were doing 0 Absent
from outside of your body (like watching yourself in a movie)?
1 Mild / subthreshold
In the past month, have you felt that you were not connected to your body, like not
really being there inside? 2 Moderate / threshold

3 Severe / markedly elevated

(What about feeling as if something about you wasn’t real? Feeling as if time
[If no:]
was moving more slowly?) 4 Extreme / incapacitating

Tell me more about that.

How strong is this feeling when it is happening? (Do you lose track of where you actually
are or what’s actually going on?)

What do you do while this is happening? (Do other people notice your behavior? What
do they say?)

How long does it last?

Circle: Dissociation = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

(Was this due to the effects of alcohol or drugs? What about a medical
[If not clear:]
condition like seizures?) [Rate 0=Absent if due to the effects of a substance or another medical condition]

How often has this happened in the past month? # of times __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of dissociation

Moderate = at least 2 X month / dissociative quality clearly present but transient, retains some realistic sense of self
and awareness of environment
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced dissociative quality, marked sense of detachment and unreality
 CAPS-CA-5 20

30. (2) Derealization: Persistent or recurrent experiences of unreality of surroundings (e.g., the world around the individual
is experienced as unreal, dreamlike, distant, or distorted).

In the past month, have you felt like things around you look strange, like you are in a 0 Absent
fog?
1 Mild / subthreshold
In the past month, have you felt like things around you were not real, like you were in a
dream? 2 Moderate / threshold

[If no:] (Do things going on around seem distant or distorted?) 3 Severe / markedly elevated
Tell me more about that.
4 Extreme / incapacitating

How strong is this feeling when it is happening? (Do you lose track of where you actually
are or what’s actually going on?)

What do you do while this is happening? (Do other people notice your behavior? What
do they say?)

How long does it last?

Circle: Dissociation = Minimal Clearly Present Pronounced Extreme

(Was this due to the effects of alcohol or drugs? What about a medical
[If not clear:]
condition like seizures?) [Rate 0=Absent if due to the effects of a substance or another medical condition]

How often has this happened in the past month? # of times __________

Key rating dimensions = frequency / intensity of dissociation

Moderate = at least 2 X month / dissociative quality clearly present but transient, retains some realistic sense of
environment
Severe = at least 2 X week / pronounced dissociative quality, marked sense of unreality
 CAPS-CA-5 21

CAPS-CA-5 SUMMARY SHEET

Name:________________ ID#:________ Interviewer:________________ Study:___________ Date:_______

A. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence

Criterion A met? 0 = NO 1 = YES

B. Intrusion symptoms (need 1 for diagnosis) Past Month

Sev Sx (Sev > 2 )?
(1) B1 – Intrusive memories 0 = NO 1 = YES
(2) B2 – Distressing dreams 0 = NO 1 = YES
(3) B3 – Dissociative reactions 0 = NO 1 = YES
(4) B4 – Cued psychological distress 0 = NO 1 = YES
(5) B5 – Cued physiological reactions 0 = NO 1 = YES
B subtotals B Sev = # B Sx =

C. Avoidance symptoms (need 1 for diagnosis) Past Month

Sev Sx (Sev > 2 )?
(6) C1 – Avoidance of memories, thoughts, feelings 0 = NO 1 = YES
(7) C2 – Avoidance of external reminders 0 = NO 1 = YES
C subtotals C Sev = # C Sx =

D. Cognitions and mood symptoms (need 2 for diagnosis) Past Month

Sev Sx (Sev > 2 )?
(8) D1 – Inability to recall important aspect of event 0 = NO 1 = YES
(9) D2 – Exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations 0 = NO 1 = YES
(10) D3 – Distorted cognitions leading to blame 0 = NO 1 = YES
(11) D4 – Persistent negative emotional state 0 = NO 1 = YES
(12) D5 – Diminished interest or participation in activities 0 = NO 1 = YES
(13) D6 – Detachment or estrangement from others 0 = NO 1 = YES
(14) D7 – Persistent inability to experience positive emotions 0 = NO 1 = YES
D subtotals D Sev = # D Sx =

E. Arousal and reactivity symptoms (need 2 for diagnosis) Past Month

Sev Sx (Sev > 2 )?
(15) E1 – Irritable behavior and angry outbursts 0 = NO 1 = YES
(16) E2 – Reckless or self-destructive behavior 0 = NO 1 = YES
(17) E3 – Hypervigilance 0 = NO 1 = YES
(18) E4 – Exaggerated startle response 0 = NO 1 = YES
(19) E5 – Problems with concentration 0 = NO 1 = YES
(20) E6 – Sleep disturbance 0 = NO 1 = YES
E subtotals E Sev = # E Sx =
 CAPS-CA-5 22

PTSD totals Past Month

Total Sev Total # Sx
Sum of subtotals (B+C+D+E)

F. Duration of disturbance Current

(22) Duration of disturbance > 1 month? 0 = NO 1 = YES

G. Distress or impairment (need 1 for diagnosis) Past Month

Sev Cx (Sev > 2 )?
(23) Subjective distress 0 = NO 1 = YES
(24) Impairment in social functioning 0 = NO 1 = YES
(25) Impairment in occupational functioning 0 = NO 1 = YES
G subtotals G Sev = # G Cx =

Global ratings Past Month

(26) Global validity
(27) Global severity
(28) Global improvement

Dissociative symptoms (need 1 for subtype) Past Month

Sev Sx (Sev > 2 )?
(29) 1 -- Depersonalization 0 = NO 1 = YES
(30) 2 – Derealization 0 = NO 1 = YES

Dissociative subtotals Diss Sev = # Diss Sx =

PTSD diagnosis Past Month

PTSD PRESENT – ALL CRITERIA (A-G) MET? 0 = NO 1 = YES
With dissociative symptoms 0 = NO 1 = YES
(21) With delayed onset (> 6 months) 0 = NO 1 = YES
APPENDIX A CAPS-CA-5 23

FREQUENCY RATING SHEET

HOW MANY DAYS DURING THE PAST MONTH

DID THE REACTION HAPPEN?

0 1 2 3 4

S M T WH F S S M T WH F S S M T WH F S S M T WH F S S M T WH F S
X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X

ABSENT MILD MODERATE SEVERE EXTREME

Between One and Between Two and Between Three and Almost Every Day
Three Days a Month Three Days Each Week Four Days Each Week (Pervasive)
(5-10%) (20-30%) (50%)
APPENDIX B CAPS-CA-5 24

INTENSITY RATING SHEET

HOW MUCH HAS THE PROBLEM BOTHERED

YOU DURING THE PAST MONTH?

Directions: Below are five pictures of cups that show your different answer choices. Point to the cup that
shows how much the problem bothered you in the past month.

NOT AT ALL MILD MODERATE SEVERE EXTREME

(Subthreshold) (Threshold) (Markedly Elevated) (Incapacitating)