Question 1

What is the PC-PTSD-5?

Accepted Answer

The PC-PTSD-5 (Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5) is a 5-item screening tool developed by the National Center for PTSD at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is designed for use in primary care settings as a brief, first-step screen to identify people who may have PTSD. The instrument begins with a question about trauma exposure, followed by five yes/no questions about past-month symptoms. It was validated by Prins et al. (2016) and is in the public domain.

Question 2

How is the PC-PTSD-5 scored?

Accepted Answer

The PC-PTSD-5 is scored by counting the number of "Yes" responses to the five symptom questions. Scores range from 0 to 5. A score of 3 or higher is considered a positive screen, meaning further evaluation with a more comprehensive tool (like the PCL-5) or a clinical interview is recommended. If the person does not endorse the initial trauma exposure question, the symptom questions are not administered and the screen is negative.

Question 3

What is the difference between the PC-PTSD-5 and the PCL-5?

Accepted Answer

The PC-PTSD-5 is a 5-item brief screen designed to quickly identify whether further PTSD evaluation is needed. The PCL-5 is a 20-item comprehensive assessment that measures PTSD symptom severity across all four DSM-5 symptom clusters. In clinical practice, the PC-PTSD-5 is often used first as a quick check; if the screen is positive, the PCL-5 or a clinical interview is used for more detailed assessment. Both are developed by the National Center for PTSD and are in the public domain.

Question 4

What does a positive PC-PTSD-5 screen mean?

Accepted Answer

A positive screen (score of 3 or higher) means that your symptom pattern is consistent with what is commonly seen in people who may have PTSD. It does not mean you have PTSD. It means that a more thorough evaluation is recommended. Many people screen positive and do not ultimately meet full criteria for PTSD, while some people with significant trauma-related difficulties may screen negative. The screen is a starting point, not an endpoint.

Question 5

Can I use this tool for a veteran or service member?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The PC-PTSD-5 was originally developed for use in VA primary care settings and is widely used with veterans and active-duty service members. However, it is validated for use with anyone, not just veterans. If you are a veteran or are supporting a veteran who screens positive, the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) and VA mental health services are specifically designed to help. The VA offers specialized PTSD treatment programs at no cost to eligible veterans.

Question 6

Is my data private?

Accepted Answer

Questionnaire answers and scores are processed locally and are not intentionally sent to MindCheck Tools. No account or login is required. Ordinary page requests can create hosting records, and prints, downloads, copies, sync, backups, or shared-device access are outside this boundary.

PC-PTSD-5 Primary Care PTSD Screen

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