Free Trauma Test & PTSD Screening

This free trauma test uses the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), the gold standard self-report measure for assessing PTSD symptoms. It was developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is one of the most widely used and scientifically validated trauma screening tools. The PCL-5 directly corresponds to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD and has excellent reliability and validity. However, while it's an accurate screening instrument, it cannot diagnose PTSD. Only a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, or trauma specialist) can provide an official PTSD diagnosis. This trauma test is designed to help you identify if professional evaluation is warranted.

Research suggests that a PCL-5 score of 31-33 is the provisional threshold indicating probable PTSD, though this can vary depending on the population and purpose. Scores of 31-32 suggest you're at the threshold for PTSD evaluation. Scores of 33 or higher indicate probable PTSD and strongly suggest professional evaluation is needed. However, even lower scores don't rule out PTSD - if symptoms significantly impair your functioning, seek evaluation regardless of your trauma test score. Remember: this is a screening tool, and only a mental health professional can diagnose PTSD after conducting a comprehensive assessment.

Yes, this free trauma test is completely confidential and anonymous. We do not collect, store, or share any of your responses, your description of the traumatic event, or your results. Everything remains entirely private on your device only. There's absolutely no registration, login, or personal information required to take this trauma screening. No one will know you took this test unless you choose to tell them or share your results with a healthcare provider.

PTSD symptoms can appear immediately after a traumatic event or may not emerge until months or even years later. However, for a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must persist for more than one month. In the first month after trauma, symptoms are considered normal stress reactions (sometimes called acute stress disorder). If you're experiencing distressing symptoms within the first month after trauma, it's still worth seeking support even though it's too early for PTSD diagnosis. This trauma test asks about symptoms in the past month, so it's most useful if taken at least one month after the traumatic event. However, seeking professional help early can prevent symptoms from developing into PTSD.

If your trauma test results suggest probable PTSD (score of 33+), we strongly recommend: (1) Schedule an appointment with a trauma-specialized therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, (2) Contact your primary care doctor who can provide a referral to a trauma specialist, (3) If you're a veteran, contact the Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) or visit your local VA for specialized PTSD services, (4) Look for providers trained in evidence-based PTSD treatments like Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), or EMDR, (5) Bring your trauma test results to your appointment, and (6) Consider support groups for trauma survivors. PTSD is highly treatable - don't delay seeking help. Early treatment leads to better outcomes.

Yes, you can retake this free trauma test as often as you like. Some people take it periodically to monitor symptoms over time or to assess different traumatic events. It can also be useful to retake after starting treatment to track symptom improvement. However, if you're repeatedly taking this trauma screening because you're concerned about symptoms, that itself suggests you should seek professional evaluation rather than relying on self-testing. This test is most useful as an initial awareness tool to help you decide whether to pursue professional assessment, not as a substitute for ongoing clinical care or treatment monitoring.

Trauma refers to the event itself - a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a specific mental health condition that can develop after experiencing trauma. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD - in fact, most trauma survivors don't. PTSD involves persistent symptoms in four categories: intrusive memories (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of trauma reminders, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and changes in arousal/reactivity (hypervigilance, sleep problems). For PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must last more than one month, cause significant distress or impairment, and not be due to medication, substance use, or other illness. This trauma test specifically assesses PTSD symptoms, not just trauma exposure.

Yes, PTSD is highly treatable, and full recovery is possible. Evidence-based treatments for PTSD are very effective. The most effective treatments include: Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy - gradually confronting trauma memories in a safe way; Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) - changing unhelpful thoughts about the trauma; EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) - processing traumatic memories; and medications like SSRIs (Sertraline, Paroxetine). Research shows that 60-80% of people who complete trauma-focused therapy experience significant improvement or full remission of PTSD symptoms. Many people fully recover and go on to live fulfilling lives. The key is seeking help from a trauma specialist trained in evidence-based treatments. If your trauma test suggests PTSD, don't lose hope - effective treatment is available and recovery is very possible.