Broader child and adolescent assessment
Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC)
Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) — administration and scoring reference.
Reference information · Official-form reference
- Last content update
- 2026-10-26
- Clinical review
- Not independently reviewed
- Source jurisdiction
- See individual sources
- Coverage
- Official-form reference
| Field | Instrument context |
|---|---|
| Version | PSC; specify 35-item, youth or preschool form |
| Population | Children/adolescents; verify age range for selected form |
| Respondent | Parent or youth by form |
| Purpose | Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) — administration and scoring reference. |
Administration
Choose the age-appropriate original PSC form and respondent. Use its item-frequency coding and age-specific instructions.
Scoring method
Item frequency responses summed; age/respondent-specific edition required.
Interpretation & limitations
- Use a completed screen to identify psychosocial concerns for further assessment; review individual concerns even below a threshold.
- Interpret the findings alongside the clinical interview, functioning, history and relevant physical assessment.
- PSC-35 and PSC-17 are distinct forms with different maxima and subscale interpretation. Do not reuse PSC-17 keys for PSC-35.
- Use the original instrument and manual for item wording, rating anchors, missing-data rules and any normative conversions. This reference does not establish a diagnosis or select treatment.