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Simulated General Population PCL-5 Data

Source: R/simulated_ptsd_genpop.R
simulated_ptsd_genpop.Rd

A dataset containing simulated responses from 1,200 individuals in a general population sample on the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5). Each individual rated 20 PTSD symptoms on a scale from 0 to 4. This dataset has a lower PTSD prevalence (~21 simulated_ptsd (~94 validation of diagnostic criteria derived from clinical samples.

Usage

simulated_ptsd_genpop

Format

A data frame with 1,200 rows and 20 columns:

S1

Intrusive memories

S2

Nightmares

S3

Flashbacks

S4

Emotional reactivity to reminders

S5

Physical reactions to reminders

S6

Avoiding memories/thoughts/feelings

S7

Avoiding external reminders

S8

Amnesia

S9

Strong negative beliefs

S10

Distorted blame

S11

Negative trauma-related emotions

S12

Decreased interest in activities

S13

Detachment or estrangement

S14

Trouble experiencing positive emotions

S15

Irritability/aggression

S16

Risk-taking behavior

S17

Hypervigilance

S18

Heightened startle reaction

S19

Difficulty concentrating

S20

Sleep problems

Source

Simulated data for demonstration purposes

Details

The symptoms are rated on a 5-point scale:

  • 0 = Not at all

  • 1 = A little bit

  • 2 = Moderately

  • 3 = Quite a bit

  • 4 = Extremely

The symptoms correspond to DSM-5 PTSD criteria:

  • Symptoms 1-5: Criterion B (Intrusion)

  • Symptoms 6-7: Criterion C (Avoidance)

  • Symptoms 8-14: Criterion D (Negative alterations in cognitions and mood)

  • Symptoms 15-20: Criterion E (Alterations in arousal and reactivity)

The data was simulated as a mixture of approximately 17% individuals with elevated symptom profiles (PTSD-like) and 83% with low symptom levels, resulting in approximately 21% meeting full DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.

See also

simulated_ptsd for the clinical veteran sample with higher prevalence.