Coming Bloom
PTSD Screening Test

PTSD Screening Test: Assess Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

This self-assessment explores PTSD symptoms in four key areas and flags emotional patterns that might point to complex PTSD. It's a screening, not an actual diagnosis, but it does include prompts for next steps, including reaching out to a professional.

3-5 minutes · 24 questions · Instant educational results

Disclaimer

This test is not a diagnostic tool. It's designed as a screening and educational tool, and is not a substitute for medical advice. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or you feel unsafe, contact a qualified professional, your local emergency number, or a mental health helpline. You can call helplines that are available 24/7, including 988 in the US and Canada, and 111 or 116 123 in the UK.

Key Takeaways

It only takes about 3-5 minutes to answer 24 questions.

Screens core PTSD symptoms across four cluster areas over the past month.

Results suggest patterns in your symptoms, and which ones could be linked to complex PTSD.

Also checks for overlapping anxiety and depression symptoms.

Retake to monitor symptom changes over time or during treatment.

Mirrors validated PTSD screening instruments like the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), but only a clinician can officially diagnose PTSD.

How the Assessment Works

  1. 1Answer 24 questions
    Indicate how often you've dealt with common PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, avoidance, mood and cognition changes, and arousal, by answering “yes” or “no.”
  2. 2Get Your Results
    See your score showing likely symptom severity with a clear explanation of what your symptom pattern suggests.
  3. 3Know Your Next Steps
    Get specific guidance on whether self-help strategies, professional therapy, or seeking immediate help for a professional PTSD assessment is the right option for you.

FAQ

Reviewed by

Dr. Amy Reichelt, PhD, Neuroscientist, Consultant and Chartered Psychologist

Expert Board Member

Reviewer's statement

The checklist-style items focus on intrusion, avoidance, mood/cognition shifts, and hyperarousal after potentially traumatic events. Screening supports early recognition and safety planning; definitive PTSD assessment typically requires a clinical interview and consideration of differential diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use).

Written by

Nicole LaMarco

Last updated

References and research

12 sources

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    NIMH health publication

    View source

  • The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): development and psychometric evaluation

    Psychiatry Research, 2020

    View source

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

    The Lancet, 2022

    View source

  • The PTSD Checklist (PCL): reliability, validity, and diagnostic utility

    Psychiatry Research, 2011

    View source

  • The Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD): development and operating characteristics

    Journal of General Hospital Psychiatry, 2004

    View source

Copyright:

Reference: Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Keane, T. M., Palmieri, P. A., Marx, B. P., & Schnurr, P. P. (2013). The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) – Standard [Measurement instrument]. Available from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/.