PC-PTSD-5 PTSD Screening Test
The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) is a brief, validated 5-item screen for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. It is used widely in primary care and by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
These questions ask about how a frightening, horrible, or upsetting experience may still be affecting you. This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis — only a licensed clinician can diagnose PTSD after a full evaluation.
Your answers are scored privately in your browser. Nothing you enter is stored, transmitted, or shared.
Private — scored in your browser, never stored or sent.
Sometimes things happen that are unusually frightening, horrible, or traumatic. In the past month, have you...
1.Had nightmares about the event(s) or thought about the event(s) when you did not want to?
2.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)?
3.Been constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?
4.Felt numb or detached from people, activities, or your surroundings?
5.Felt guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others for the event(s) or any problems the event(s) may have caused?
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
About this tool: The PC-PTSD-5 is a public-domain instrument developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD. Reference: Prins A et al. PC-PTSD-5. J Gen Intern Med. 2016.
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