Psychology RootsPTSD Symptom Scale – Interview for DSM-5
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About PTSD Symptom Scale – Interview for DSM-5
Scale Name
PTSD Symptom Scale – Interview for DSM-5
Author Details
Edna B. Foa and Sandy Capaldi
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The PSS-I-5 is a 24-item semi-structured interview designed to assess posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms according to DSM-5 criteria, based on the respondent’s experience in the past month.
It begins with Criterion A trauma screening, guiding the interviewer to identify an index traumatic event when multiple exposures are reported. Subsequently, it evaluates the 20 core DSM-5 PTSD symptoms through frequency and intensity ratings. Four additional items address distress, interference, onset, and duration of symptoms.
Symptoms are rated on a 0 to 4 scale, where 0 = Not at all, and 4 = 6 or more times a week / severe (or comparable intensity).
The total PTSD symptom severity score is computed by summing the 20 symptom item scores (range 0–80).
Diagnostic scoring follows DSM-5 cluster rules:
- ≥ 1 intrusion (Criterion B)
- ≥ 1 avoidance (Criterion C)
- ≥ 2 negative alterations in cognition & mood (Criterion D)
- ≥ 2 arousal / reactivity symptoms (Criterion E)
- Duration > 1 month (Criterion F)
- Clinically significant distress or impairment (Criterion G)
The administration typically takes 15 to 25 minutes by a trained interviewer.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale and manual: The PSS-I-5 with scoring guidelines and probes is available through authorized sources.
- Explain the purpose: Tell the respondent the interview assesses PTSD symptoms related to a specific trauma over the past month.
- Identify the index trauma: If multiple traumatic events occurred, select the one currently most distressing or relevant.
- Conduct the interview: Ask the 20 symptom items in the specified order, probing frequency and intensity, and then ask the 4 supplemental items (distress, interference, onset, duration).
- Time frame anchor: Remind the respondent consistently to refer to the past month when answering.
- Scoring: Rate each item (0–4), sum symptom items to get total score (0–80), apply cluster rules for diagnosis, and interpret supplemental items as needed.
- Interpret results: Use the severity score and diagnostic criteria to inform clinical decision-making.
Reliability and Validity
- Internal consistency: The PSS-I-5 demonstrates strong internal consistency (α ≈ 0.89) in samples.
- Test–retest reliability: High stability over time (r ≈ 0.87).
- Interrater reliability: Excellent interrater reliability for total severity (ICC ≈ 0.98) and diagnostic agreement (κ ≈ 0.84) in validation studies.
- Convergent validity: Strong correlations with established PTSD measures like CAPS-5, PCL (PTSD Checklist), and PDS (Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale).
- Discriminant validity: Demonstrates ability to distinguish PTSD from depression, anxiety, and other disorders.
- Diagnostic validity: Validation studies support the cutoff rules and cluster scoring consistent with DSM-5 criteria.
Available Versions
24-Items
Reference
Foa, E. B., & Capaldi, S. (2013). Manual for the administration and scoring of the PTSD symptom scale–interview for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5). Unpublished manual.
Foa, E., & Capaldi, S. (2013). Manual for the administration and scoring of the PTSD symptom scale–interview for DSM-5 (PSS-I-5) past month version.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between PSS-I-5 and CAPS-5?
The PSS-I-5 is a semi-structured interview specifically for DSM-5 PTSD symptoms covering the past month, designed for efficiency and clinical/research utility. The CAPS-5 is more comprehensive (≈30 items) and is often considered the “gold standard” PTSD diagnostic interview.
Q2. How is symptom severity scored?
Severity is rated 0–4 by combining frequency and intensity of each PTSD symptom. The sum across 20 items yields a total severity score (0–80).
Q3. How long should the symptoms persist to meet PTSD criteria in PSS-I-5?
Symptoms must persist longer than 1 month (DSM-5 Criterion F).
Q4. What is considered clinically significant distress or impairment?
This is assessed via the supplemental items; a rating of 2 or higher on distress/interference is consistent with DSM-5 Criterion G.
Q5. Can PSS-I-5 be used in different recall periods (e.g. 2 weeks)?
Yes, it has been validated for both past month and past two weeks formats, though the standard is past month.
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