The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Test is a 20-item self-report checklist based on the DSM-5 criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The tool measures symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative mood, and hyperarousal, with each item rated on a 5-point scale. It helps you reflect on whether you may be experiencing PTSD symptoms; it does not provide a diagnosis.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as a serious accident, violence, a disaster or sudden loss. DSM-5 groups its symptoms into four clusters: intrusive memories or nightmares, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity such as irritability, hypervigilance or sleep problems.
How does this checklist work?
The checklist first asks whether you have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, and then presents statements that reflect the symptom clusters above. You indicate how strongly you agree with each statement. Stronger agreement with more statements suggests that trauma-related symptoms may be affecting you.
What should I do with my result?
Symptoms in the first weeks after a trauma are common and often ease with time. If they last longer than a month, feel overwhelming, or interfere with daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR are well-established treatments for PTSD.
Limitations
This checklist is for self-reflection only and cannot diagnose PTSD. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call your local emergency number (112 in Türkiye).