PTSD Test PCL-5
A validated screening tool for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rate how much you have been bothered by each problem in the past month.
0 of 20 answered
In the past month, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
Question 1 of 20
Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?
Question 2 of 20
Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?
Question 3 of 20
Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)?
Question 4 of 20
Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?
Question 5 of 20
Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)?
Question 6 of 20
Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?
Question 7 of 20
Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)?
Question 8 of 20
Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?
Question 9 of 20
Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world (for example, having thoughts such as: I am bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can be trusted, the world is completely dangerous)?
Question 10 of 20
Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it?
Question 11 of 20
Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?
Question 12 of 20
Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
Question 13 of 20
Feeling distant or cut off from other people?
Question 14 of 20
Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)?
Question 15 of 20
Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?
Question 16 of 20
Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?
Question 17 of 20
Being "superalert" or watchful or on guard?
Question 18 of 20
Feeling jumpy or easily startled?
Question 19 of 20
Having difficulty concentrating?
Question 20 of 20
Trouble falling or staying asleep?
About the PCL-5
The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report measure developed by the National Center for PTSD. It assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD and is used widely in clinical settings and research for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.
The PCL-5 can be used for any traumatic event. A score of 31–33 is the suggested cutoff for probable PTSD, though clinical judgment is always necessary for diagnosis.
Scoring
Citation
Weathers FW, Litz BT, Keane TM, Palmieri PA, Marx BP, Schnurr PP. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). National Center for PTSD. 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PCL-5?
The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is a 20-item self-report measure developed by the National Center for PTSD. It assesses all 20 DSM-5 PTSD symptoms.
What score indicates PTSD?
A score of 31–33 is the suggested cutoff for probable PTSD. However, only a clinical evaluation can provide a diagnosis.
Do I need to specify which trauma?
The PCL-5 asks about symptoms related to any stressful experience. You can answer based on a single event or multiple events.