title: The validation of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Scale in posttraumatic stress disorder and nonclinical subjects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Scale (PCLS) is a short self-report inventory for assessing the 3 main syndromes of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was the validation of the French version of the PCLS in PTSD subjects and nonclinical subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  One-hundred and thirteen outpatients suffering from PTSD according to DSM-IV were administered the PCLS. The patients' scores on the PCLS were then compared to those of 31 nonclinical control subjects. Thirty-five of the patients were administered the PCLS twice over an interval of 1-2 weeks and also completed questionnaires measuring depression, phobia and anxiety.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients' total score and subscores on the PCLS were found to be significantly higher than those of control subjects. The cutoff score of 44 on the French version PCLS distinguishes well between the PTSD group and control group with a high diagnostic efficacy (0.94). Factor analysis revealed 3 main factors corresponding to the reexperiencing, numbing and hyperarousal syndromes. The PCLS showed satisfactory test-retest reliability and internal consistency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PCLS is therefore a valid and effective measurement of PTSD. It may be a useful tool for screening and assessing PTSD in psychiatric as well as in primary-care settings.
authors.affiliation: Anxiety Disorder Unit, Neurological Hospital, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Valérie A G
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Ventureyra
authors.forename: Sai-Nan
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cottraux
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Note
authors.forename: Chantal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Mey-Guillard
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology