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PTSDInfo
Home / Self-check

Free PTSD self-check

Five quick yes-or-no questions, the same ones VA clinicians use to screen for PTSD. It takes about two minutes, it is completely private, and you get clear next steps.

Morning mist over a calm lake

Question 1 of 6

Have you been through something traumatic?

Sometimes things happen to people that are unusually or especially frightening, horrible, or traumatic. For example:

  • a serious accident or fire
  • a physical or sexual assault or abuse
  • an earthquake or flood
  • a war
  • seeing someone be killed or seriously injured
  • having a loved one die through homicide or suicide

Have you ever experienced this kind of event?

Questions 2 to 6

In the past month, have you...

Had nightmares about the event(s) or thought about the event(s) when you did not want to?

Tried hard not to think about the event(s) or went out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you of the event(s)?

Been constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?

Felt numb or detached from people, activities, or your surroundings?

Felt guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others for the event(s) or any problems the event(s) may have caused?

This self-check uses the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), a public-domain tool from the VA National Center for PTSD. It is a screening, not a diagnosis. Your answers stay in your browser and are never saved or sent anywhere.

Understanding your results

What happens after the self-check

0-2

Below the cutoff

Your answers do not point to PTSD right now. If any symptoms bother you, they still deserve attention, and coping skills and support can help.

3

Some signs

Just below the usual cutoff. A lower score can still mean PTSD for some people, especially women, so a conversation with a professional is worthwhile.

4-5

Possible PTSD

A strong signal to get a full assessment from a doctor or mental health professional. PTSD is very treatable, and starting sooner helps.

Scores are based on VA research on the PC-PTSD-5, which found a cutoff of 4 balanced missed cases and false alarms best overall. PTSD Info provides information for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.