PTSD Screening Test (PC-PTSD-5)
A quick, free 5-question check for post-traumatic stress symptoms, with AI that reads your result.
What it measures
This test uses the PC-PTSD-5 (Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5), a brief 5-question screen developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD. It looks for the core symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder following a frightening or traumatic event: unwanted memories and nightmares, avoiding reminders, being constantly on guard, feeling numb or detached, and guilt or self-blame.
How it works
First you confirm you have experienced a frightening, horrible, or upsetting event. Then you answer 5 simple Yes/No questions about how you have felt in the past month. Each Yes counts as 1 point and each No as 0, for a total of 0 to 5. A total of 3 or more is a positive screen, meaning post-traumatic stress is likely enough that a fuller assessment with a professional is worthwhile. It takes about 2 minutes.
Tips for an accurate result
- 1It's a screen, not a diagnosis — A positive result flags that a professional should take a closer look. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose PTSD.
- 2Take results to a professional — Share your score with a GP, doctor, or therapist. Bringing the number can make it easier to start the conversation.
- 3Symptoms below the cutoff still matter — If trauma is affecting your sleep, relationships, or daily life, it's worth getting support even with a low score.
- 4PTSD is treatable — Talking therapies such as trauma-focused CBT and EMDR, and sometimes medication, help most people recover.