The PCL as a brief screen for posttraumatic stress disorder within schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the utility of using the posttraumatic checklist (PCL) as a screening measure for identifying posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. METHODS: The PCL was administered to 165 participants as part of a clinical trial. Those scoring 44 or above on the PCL underwent further assessment using the clinician administered PTSD scale (CAPS). RESULTS: Overall 18.2% of the sample exhibited a diagnostic level of PTSD symptoms, as indicated by the CAPS assessment. Only 29.7% of those who scored above the PCL threshold were diagnostic of PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PCL for identifying PTSD within this population is not recommended.