PCL-5 · 20 questions · 5 min
PTSD Self-Assessment (PCL-5)
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
These questions are for educational purposes only. They do not replace a clinical assessment, and a formal diagnosis can only be made by a qualified health professional such as a psychiatrist. If you're concerned about your mental health, please speak with your GP or a psychiatrist.
This screening tool uses the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), a validated instrument widely used by health professionals to screen for post-traumatic stress disorder. It asks about problems you may have experienced in response to a stressful or traumatic event over the past month.
What to expect
- 20 questions, taking approximately 5 min
- Your answers are processed in your browser — they are never sent anywhere.
- You'll see your score, severity band and recommended next steps immediately.
The PCL-5 has 20 items rated on a 5-point scale, with a total score from 0 to 80. A provisional diagnosis of PTSD is suggested when the total score is 31 or above. Scores of 45 or above indicate a high level of symptoms that warrant prompt clinical attention. The PCL-5 is a screening tool — a formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified health professional.
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