PCL-5 PTSD Screening
The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 is a validated 20-item self-report measure used to screen for PTSD symptoms experienced over the past month.
This is a validated screening instrument for informational and self-monitoring purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace professional clinical evaluation. If you are in crisis, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 911.
Below is a list of problems that people sometimes have in response to a very stressful experience. Keeping your worst event in mind, please indicate how much you have been bothered by that problem in the past month.
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 (as if you were actually back there reliving it)
Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience
Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)
Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience
Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)
Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience
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)
Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it
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 (for example, being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)
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