Brief Description
The Child PTSD Symptom Scale self-report for DSM-5 (CPSS-V) is a 27 item assessment ofPTSD symptoms and impairment. The CPSS-V is the updated version of the CPSS, which was modified to align with criteria of the DSM-5. The first 20 questions are focused on symptoms associated with PTSD; these questions are rated on a 5-point scale of frequency and severity from 0 (not at all) to 4 (6 or more times a week /severe). Questions 1 through 20 are focused on PTSD symptoms that align with DSM diagnostic criteria, intrusion (Items 1–5), avoidance (Items 6–7), changes in cognition and mood (Items 8–14), and increased arousal and reactivity (Items 15–20). The remaining seven items assess functional impairment in different areas of life (e.g., “school work” or “relationship with your family”). These questions are rated on a yes/no scale. The CPSS-V can be used to measure changes in symptoms over time and can support assessment and diagnosis of PTSD in children and adolescents.
Assessment Administration Type
Child/Adolescent Self-Report
Number of questions
27
Age Range for Administration
The CPSS-V is designed for children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 18.
Recommended Frequency of Administration
No standardized frequency; recommend administering monthly or as clinically indicated.
Summary of Scoring and Interpretations
The first 20 questions assess PTSD symptom severity. Response options range from “Not at all/only at one time” (0) to “6 or more times a week/almost always” (4), see full range of options below.
Score | Frequency/Intensity |
0 | Not at all/ only at one time |
1 | Once a week or less/ a little |
2 | 2-3 times a week/ somewhat |
3 | 4-5 times a week/ a lot |
4 | 6 or more times a week/ almost always |
Symptom severity items (items 1-20) are summed and range from 0 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater severity of symptoms. A score of 31 or above suggests the potential for PTSD. This score is the sum of all symptom subscales.
Symptoms Subscale | Question Number | Scoring Range |
Intrusion | Items 1-5 | 0 - 20 |
Avoidance | Items 6-7 | 0 - 8 |
Changes in Cognition and Mood | Items 8-14 | 0 - 28 |
Increased Arousal and Reactivity | Items 15-20 | 0 - 24 |
Range | Symptom Severity |
0 - 30 | Below clinical level |
31 - 80 | Above clinical level |
Items 21 through 27 assess functional impairment. These items are rated as either “No” (0) or “Yes” (1) and are summed to calculate a total impairment score (a subscale produced by Blueprint), which does not factor into the overall severity score.
Blueprint Adjustments
The CPSS-V includes an optional initial section that evaluates the type of trauma a child has experienced. This section features an open text box, which Blueprint has omitted due to its optional status, while also taking into account the sensitivity involved in disclosing childhood trauma.
Clinical Considerations
While it is highly valuable, the CPSS-V should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive clinical evaluation and assessment of the child's overall functioning and mental health.
The CPSS-V includes questions related to sensitive trauma experiences. Clinicians should be prepared for possible emotional reactions and ensure a safe, supportive environment for the child to disclose traumatic experiences.
The CPSS-V is designed for children aged 8 to 18, but clinicians should consider the child’s developmental level when interpreting responses. Younger children or those with intellectual disabilities may require modified language or additional support.
Trauma responses and the expression of symptoms can vary across cultures. Clinicians should be aware of cultural factors that may influence how trauma symptoms are reported and understood.
Citation
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