PTSD Screen
Based on the PC-PTSD-5 (Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5), the standard screening tool developed by the VA National Center for PTSD. Five yes/no questions that check for trauma-related symptoms.
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?
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?
Screening Not Indicated
The PC-PTSD-5 is designed for people who have experienced a traumatic event. Since you indicated you have not, the symptom questions do not apply at this time.
If your circumstances change or if you are experiencing distress that feels connected to a past event, consider retaking this screener or speaking with a professional.
About This Screener
This screener reproduces the PC-PTSD-5 (Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5), developed by Prins et al. (2016) at the VA National Center for PTSD. A score of 3 or higher (3 out of 5 "Yes" responses) has been recommended as the optimal cutoff for further clinical evaluation.
The PC-PTSD-5 has a sensitivity of 0.95 and specificity of 0.85 at this cutoff. If you screen positive, the recommended next step is a comprehensive PTSD evaluation using the PCL-5 or a structured clinical interview (CAPS-5).