From the Guidelines
The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) is the recommended screening tool for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in primary care settings. This brief 5-item questionnaire can be administered quickly during routine primary care visits, making it practical for busy clinical environments. The PC-PTSD-5 asks patients about key PTSD symptoms experienced in the past month related to traumatic events, including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and negative thoughts or feelings. A score of 3 or higher (out of 5 possible points) indicates a positive screen that warrants further assessment.
Key Features of the PC-PTSD-5
- Brief and easy to administer
- Aligns with current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
- Good sensitivity and specificity for identifying PTSD symptoms
- Practical for use in primary care settings This tool was specifically designed for primary care use, balancing brevity with good sensitivity and specificity. It aligns with current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, ensuring relevance to contemporary clinical practice. While the PC-PTSD-5 is not diagnostic on its own, it effectively identifies patients who should receive more comprehensive evaluation, either within primary care or through referral to mental health specialists. Early identification through routine screening can significantly improve outcomes by enabling timely intervention for patients suffering from PTSD. Unfortunately, the provided evidence 1 does not directly address the question of PTSD screening tools, but based on general medical knowledge and the importance of early intervention in mental health conditions, the PC-PTSD-5 stands out as a recommended tool in primary care settings.
From the Research
Recommended Screening Tool for PTSD in Primary Care Settings
The recommended screening tool for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in primary care settings is the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) 2, 3, 4, 5.
Key Features of the PC-PTSD-5
- The PC-PTSD-5 has demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy in various studies, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.927 to 0.941 2, 3, 4.
- A cut score of 4 is often recommended as it balances false negatives and false positives, although this may vary depending on the sample population 2, 3, 4.
- The PC-PTSD-5 is a brief and acceptable screening tool, making it suitable for use in primary care settings 3, 4.
Studies Supporting the Use of PC-PTSD-5
- A 2022 study found that the PC-PTSD-5 demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy in a civilian primary care sample, with an AUC of 0.933 2.
- A 2016 study developed and evaluated the PC-PTSD-5 in a Veteran primary care sample, finding it to have excellent diagnostic accuracy and patient acceptability 3.
- A 2021 study found that the PC-PTSD-5 was an accurate and acceptable screening tool for use in VA primary care settings, with an AUC of 0.927 4.
- A 2023 study evaluated the performance of the PC-PTSD-5 in a trauma-exposed, socioeconomically vulnerable patient population, finding it to be a useful brief alternative to the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) 5.
Benefits of Using the PC-PTSD-5
- The PC-PTSD-5 is a brief and easy-to-administer screening tool, making it suitable for use in busy primary care settings.
- It has demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy and patient acceptability in various studies.
- The PC-PTSD-5 can help identify patients with PTSD who may benefit from further evaluation and treatment.