Clinician Administered PTSD Scale

Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale

The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) is a structured interview designed to assess the presence and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. It is widely used in both clinical and research settings to diagnose PTSD and evaluate treatment outcomes.

Development and Purpose

The CAPS was developed by the National Center for PTSD in the United States. It was created to provide a reliable and valid measure of PTSD symptoms, based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The scale has undergone several revisions to align with updates in the DSM, with the most recent version being the CAPS-5, which corresponds to the DSM-5 criteria.

Structure and Administration

The CAPS is a structured interview that typically takes 45-60 minutes to administer. It consists of 30 items that assess the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms. The interview is divided into three main sections:

• Criterion A: Assessment of the traumatic event(s) that the individual has experienced.
• Criterion B, C, D, and E: Evaluation of the core PTSD symptoms, including re-experiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal.
• Criterion F and G: Assessment of the duration of symptoms and the impact on social and occupational functioning.

Each symptom is rated on a scale from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater severity. The total score is used to determine the presence and severity of PTSD.

Versions and Adaptations

The CAPS has been adapted into several versions to accommodate different populations and settings. These include:

• CAPS-1: The original version based on DSM-III-R criteria.
• CAPS-2: Revised to align with DSM-IV criteria.
• CAPS-5: The latest version, updated for DSM-5 criteria.

There are also adaptations for specific populations, such as the CAPS-CA for children and adolescents.

Applications

The CAPS is used in a variety of settings, including:

• Clinical Practice: To diagnose PTSD and monitor treatment progress.
• Research: To study the prevalence and impact of PTSD in different populations.
• Forensic Evaluations: To assess PTSD in legal contexts, such as disability claims and personal injury cases.

Limitations and Considerations

While the CAPS is considered the "gold standard" for PTSD assessment, it requires trained clinicians to administer and interpret the results. It may not be suitable for all individuals, particularly those who have difficulty discussing traumatic events.

See Also

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders