Scoring

(For full scoring instructions, see the CAPS-5 .pdf documentation.)

The five-point CAPS-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.