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😵abnormal psychology review

Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) is a structured interview used to assess and diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on DSM criteria. It evaluates the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms experienced by individuals after a traumatic event, providing clinicians with valuable insights for treatment planning and intervention. The CAPS is considered the gold standard for PTSD assessment, ensuring a thorough understanding of a patient’s experiences and symptoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The CAPS is available in different versions, including the CAPS-5, which aligns with the fifth edition of the DSM.
  2. The assessment takes approximately 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of the individual's trauma history.
  3. CAPS provides scores for each symptom, allowing clinicians to gauge the severity of PTSD and track changes over time.
  4. It can be administered by trained mental health professionals, making it a reliable tool for clinical settings.
  5. The CAPS not only aids in diagnosis but also helps in treatment planning by identifying specific symptom clusters that require attention.

Review Questions

  • How does the CAPS contribute to the accurate diagnosis of PTSD in individuals?
    • The CAPS plays a crucial role in diagnosing PTSD by providing a structured framework to evaluate the frequency and intensity of symptoms according to DSM criteria. Through comprehensive questioning about a person's trauma history and their current psychological state, clinicians can gather detailed information that informs an accurate diagnosis. This structured approach minimizes biases that may arise from unstructured interviews, ensuring that clinicians can differentiate between PTSD and other mental health disorders effectively.
  • Discuss the importance of using standardized assessments like the CAPS in clinical practice for treating PTSD.
    • Standardized assessments like the CAPS are vital in clinical practice as they ensure consistency and reliability in diagnosing PTSD. By using a structured interview format, mental health professionals can objectively measure symptom severity, which helps to tailor treatment plans to each individual’s needs. Additionally, using tools like the CAPS facilitates communication among healthcare providers and enhances research by providing a common framework for understanding PTSD symptoms across different populations.
  • Evaluate how the features of the CAPS can impact treatment outcomes for patients with PTSD.
    • The features of the CAPS significantly impact treatment outcomes for patients with PTSD by enabling clinicians to gain an in-depth understanding of each individual's symptom profile. By assessing both frequency and intensity of symptoms, the CAPS informs targeted interventions that address specific issues faced by the patient. Moreover, its use allows for ongoing monitoring of symptom changes over time, facilitating adjustments to treatment strategies as needed. This personalized approach can lead to improved therapeutic outcomes and a better overall prognosis for individuals suffering from PTSD.