Screening · PCL-5
PTSD symptom check
In the past month, how much were you bothered by the following in relation to the stressful experience?
Timeframe: the last month
For self-understanding only, not a diagnosis · you can exit anytime; answers are not saved or uploaded
About this instrument
The PCL-5 is the VA's self-report checklist for post-traumatic stress, mapped to DSM-5 criteria. If you have not experienced a major traumatic event, this check may not apply to you.
The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is published by the US VA National Center for PTSD and maps onto the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. It applies only to people who have lived through a major stressful event.
Scoring sums the twenty items for a total of 0-80. The most commonly used cutoff is 31-33: at or above this range, a formal evaluation is recommended. Higher totals mean heavier symptom burden.
Trauma responses have well-established treatments (trauma-focused CBT, EMDR), and earlier intervention works better. Treat a high screen as 'worth booking an assessment', not a diagnosis.
Source: PCL-5 · U.S. VA National Center for PTSD · U.S. government work; free to use · Original source
Item preview (20)
In the past month, how much were you bothered by the following in relation to the stressful experience?
- Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience
- Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience
- Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again
- Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience
- Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience
- Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience
- Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience
- Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience
- Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world
- Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience
- Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
- Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy
- Feeling distant or cut off from other people
- Trouble experiencing positive feelings
- Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively
- Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm
- Being 'superalert' or watchful or on guard
- Feeling jumpy or easily startled
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Trouble falling or staying asleep