Do I Have PTSD? Free Quiz
Something happened — and it won't stay in the past. Maybe you find yourself replaying it without wanting to. Maybe certain sounds, smells, or situations send you right back there. Maybe you've been avoiding things that used to be normal, or feeling numb and disconnected from people you love.
This free quiz uses the PCL-5 — the gold-standard PTSD screening tool developed by the National Center for PTSD at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It's used in VA hospitals, primary care offices, and research settings worldwide.
Your answers are scored entirely in your browser. Nothing is stored or shared.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
A PC-PTSD-5-based screening in accessible quiz format that assesses PTSD symptoms following a traumatic event.
Anyone who has experienced trauma and wonders whether their symptoms may be consistent with PTSD.
PTSD is treatable with evidence-based therapies — a positive screen means talking to a professional can help. This tool is for informational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.
What Is the PTSD Self-Assessment Quiz?
How Is the PTSD Quiz Scored?
What Do My PTSD Quiz Results Mean?
PCL-5 PTSD Self-Check
A validated 20-item screening measure developed by the National Center for PTSD. It assesses symptoms across four DSM-5 clusters to help you reflect on how a stressful experience may be affecting you. Your answers stay in your browser and are never stored.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Before you begin
This self-check uses the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), a validated screening measure developed by the National Center for PTSD at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is in the public domain. No permission is required to reproduce.
Please understand:
- This is not a diagnosis and does not replace professional evaluation.
- Results are educational only — they describe symptom levels, not clinical conditions.
- Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose or treat conditions.
- Your answers are processed entirely in your browser and are never stored or transmitted.
- If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline now.
The Four PTSD Symptom Clusters
Intrusion
- •Flashbacks
- •Nightmares
- •Intrusive memories
- •Emotional distress at reminders
- •Physical reactions to reminders
Avoidance
- •Avoiding trauma-related thoughts
- •Avoiding trauma-related places, people, or situations
Negative Thoughts & Mood
- •Memory gaps about the trauma
- •Negative beliefs about self or world
- •Blame of self or others
- •Persistent negative emotions
- •Loss of interest
- •Feeling detached
- •Inability to feel positive emotions
Arousal & Reactivity
- •Irritability or angry outbursts
- •Reckless behavior
- •Hypervigilance
- •Exaggerated startle response
- •Concentration problems
- •Sleep disturbance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PTSD and how does it develop?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event — such as combat, sexual assault, a serious accident, natural disaster, or the sudden death of a loved one. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Risk factors include the severity and duration of the trauma, lack of social support, prior trauma history, and biological factors. PTSD is not a sign of weakness — it is the brain's response to an overwhelming experience.
What does this quiz measure?
This quiz uses the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), developed by the National Center for PTSD at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is the gold-standard PTSD screening tool used in VA settings, clinical research, and primary care. The PCL-5 measures 20 PTSD symptoms across four clusters: intrusion (re-experiencing), avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity.
What score suggests PTSD?
A total PCL-5 score of 31–33 or above is commonly used as a threshold for a probable PTSD diagnosis, though the optimal cutoff varies by population. The National Center for PTSD recommends a cutoff of 31–33 for primary care settings. However, scores should always be interpreted by a qualified clinician in the context of a full clinical interview.
Can I have PTSD from emotional abuse or neglect?
Yes. While PTSD was originally associated with combat and acute physical trauma, research has established that emotional abuse, neglect, childhood adversity, and chronic interpersonal trauma can also cause PTSD — sometimes called Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). The PCL-5 measures symptoms regardless of the type of trauma. If your trauma was relational or prolonged, a clinician experienced in complex trauma is especially helpful.
What should I do if my score is high?
A high score suggests significant PTSD symptoms that warrant professional evaluation. Effective treatments for PTSD include Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). These are evidence-based therapies with strong research support. If you are a veteran, the VA offers specialized PTSD treatment programs. If you are in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Is this quiz private?
Yes. Your answers are scored entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server, stored in a database, or connected to your identity. There is no account, no login, and no way for anyone to see your results.
Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 — free, 24/7, confidential
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1 — or text 838255
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
This quiz is for educational and informational purposes only — it is not a diagnosis. Only a licensed healthcare professional can diagnose PTSD. Your responses are processed entirely in your browser and are never stored or transmitted.
Reviewed by a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-II).
Last reviewed: March 2026