Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Quiz

PTSD Symptom Self-Check - DSM-5-TR Informed Screening Tool

PTSD Symptom Self-Check

DSM-5-TR Informed Screening Tool

Crisis Support

If you feel unsafe or think about harming yourself, call 988 (US) or your local crisis line immediately.

Important Information

Purpose: This self-check screens for core symptom clusters of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as outlined in the DSM-5-TR. It is educational only and cannot diagnose you.

Time-frame: Consider your experiences during the past 30 days.

Response Scale:

  • 0 = Not at all
  • 1 = Slightly
  • 2 = Moderately
  • 3 = Severely

Cluster B: Re-Experiencing & Intrusive Memories

DSM-5-TR Criterion B - 5 items

1. Disturbing memories of the event popped into my mind unexpectedly.

2. I had upsetting dreams or nightmares about what happened.

3. At times I felt or acted as if the trauma were happening again (flashbacks).

4. Seeing, hearing, or smelling something reminded me of the event and made me very upset.

5. My body reacted (heart racing, sweating, panic) when reminded of the event.

Cluster C: Avoidance

DSM-5-TR Criterion C - 2 items

6. I tried hard NOT to think about or feel emotions related to the event.

7. I avoided places, people, or activities that reminded me of what happened.

Cluster D: Negative Mood & Thoughts

DSM-5-TR Criterion D - 7 items

8. I couldn't remember important parts of what happened.

9. I blamed myself or others for causing the event or its aftermath.

10. I had strong negative beliefs ('The world is unsafe,' 'I'm worthless').

11. I felt detached or cut off from people around me.

12. I lost interest in activities I once enjoyed.

13. Persistent emotions like fear, anger, guilt, or shame stayed with me.

14. It was hard to feel positive emotions (love, happiness).

Cluster E: Hyper-Arousal & Reactivity

DSM-5-TR Criterion E - 6 items

15. I was super alert or 'on guard' most of the time.

16. Small noises or surprises made me jump.

17. I became irritable or had angry outbursts.

18. I took risks or behaved recklessly (driving fast, substance use).

19. It was difficult to concentrate (e.g., reading, conversations).

20. I had trouble falling or staying asleep, or slept restlessly.

Important Disclaimers

  • • This screening is for education; it is not a diagnosis.
  • • Scores can be influenced by many factors (timing, environment, honesty).
  • • Data are not stored or shared.
  • • Only a licensed mental health professional can provide a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • • If you feel unsafe or think about harming yourself, call 988 (US) or your local emergency number.