PCL-5 · TRAUMA-RELATED SCREENING

Understand responses to trauma at your own pace.

Think of the stressful experience that affected you most and answer about the past month. You can pause at any time.

PCL-5

PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (20 items)

Thinking about the past month, choose how much each problem has bothered you.

Completed 0 / 20

01Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

02Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

03Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

04Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

05Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

06Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

07Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

08Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

09Having 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)?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

10Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

11Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

12Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

13Feeling distant or cut off from other people?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

14Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

15Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

16Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

17Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

18Feeling jumpy or easily startled?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

19Having difficulty concentrating?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

20Trouble falling or staying asleep?

Not at allA little bitModeratelyQuite a bitExtremely

Sources and further information

Starlight Path provides educational information and peer/community resources. It does not provide medical diagnosis, psychotherapy, clinical treatment, or emergency mental-health services. Website information cannot replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · National Center for PTSD · Weathers et al., 2013
Please see the source for terms of use and further details about this instrument.