PTSD test (PCL-5 scale)

PCL-5 is a validated scale that assesses the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms over the past month. Take it — a personal breakdown arrives by email.

Over the past month, how much have you been bothered by the following reactions to a stressful or traumatic experience?

0 of 20

  1. 1. Repeated, disturbing and unwanted memories of the stressful experience
  2. 2. Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience
  3. 3. Suddenly feeling or acting as if the experience were happening again (a flashback)
  4. 4. Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the experience
  5. 5. Strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the experience (heart pounding, sweating, trouble breathing)
  6. 6. Avoiding memories, thoughts or feelings related to the experience
  7. 7. Avoiding external reminders of the experience (people, places, conversations, objects)
  8. 8. Trouble remembering important parts of the experience
  9. 9. Strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people or the world
  10. 10. Blaming yourself or someone else for the experience or what happened after it
  11. 11. Strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame
  12. 12. Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
  13. 13. Feeling distant or cut off from other people
  14. 14. Trouble experiencing positive feelings (happiness, love)
  15. 15. Irritable behaviour, angry outbursts or acting aggressively
  16. 16. Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm
  17. 17. Being “superalert”, watchful or on guard
  18. 18. Feeling jumpy or easily startled
  19. 19. Having difficulty concentrating
  20. 20. Trouble falling or staying asleep

Answer every question to get your result.

By submitting, I agree to data processing under the privacy policy.

Answers are processed only to calculate your result and are not stored anywhere.

How the score works

Each of the 20 questions scores 0 to 4, for a total of 0 to 80. A threshold of around 33 points suggests probable PTSD. It is a guide for seeing a professional, not a diagnosis.

  • 0–32Below the screening threshold
  • 33–49Probable PTSD
  • 50–80Severe symptoms

0–80

What the PCL-5 measures

PCL-5 covers four groups of trauma reactions: intrusive memories and flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened arousal (being on guard, startling, sleep problems). It is a way to gauge how strong these reactions are right now.

What PTSD is

Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after a severe or life-threatening event. Reactions in the first weeks are normal; PTSD is when they last more than a month, are strong and get in the way of life. It is not a sign of weakness but a natural response of the mind — and it responds well to help.

When to see a professional

The questionnaire does not diagnose. See a therapist or psychiatrist if:

  • symptoms last more than a month and interfere with work, sleep or relationships;
  • you avoid important places or activities because of reminders of the event;
  • you have thoughts of harming yourself — seek help immediately. Modern PTSD therapy really works.

Frequently asked questions

  • No. PCL-5 is a screening tool: it assesses symptom severity and helps you decide whether to see a professional. Only a doctor or therapist makes a diagnosis.

  • No. Answers are processed only to calculate the result and are not stored anywhere. You receive a breakdown by email — that is all.

  • No. In the first weeks, strong reactions to trauma are normal and often pass on their own. Probable PTSD is when symptoms last more than a month and clearly interfere.

The body suffers from trauma and stress too

Chronic stress disrupts sleep, cortisol and the thyroid. If your well-being is affected, upload your labs — AI explains every value and tells you what to check.

Decode my labs

The PCL-5 questionnaire is informational and a screening tool, not a diagnosis. The final assessment is up to a professional. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek help immediately: in the US call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7), or your local emergency number.