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PTSD Screening (PC-PTSD-5)

The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5, US National Center for PTSD) is an ultra-brief screen for probable PTSD in primary care: after a question about a traumatic event, five yes/no questions about how the event has affected you over the past month (nightmares/intrusions, avoidance, hypervigilance/startling, emotional numbness, guilt/blame). It doesn't diagnose PTSD but selects those who need a full assessment. Threshold ≥3 (sensitive) / ≥4 (efficient).

Time 1-2 min
Questions 5
Method Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5, Prins et al., VA National Center for PTSD) — public domain, not protected by copyright. Adapted by Psy-Atlas
Before you start
This is a screening for probable PTSD, not a diagnosis. First consider whether there has been an event in your life you would rate as frightening, horrifying, or traumatic. If there hasn't — the score is 0 and there's no need to take the test. The ≥3 "yes" threshold points to the likelihood of PTSD and the need for a full assessment by a specialist, not to a diagnosis.