The Right [FN] Questions

PCL-5

PTSD Checklist -- DSM-5 Version

20 questions about how much you have been bothered by certain experiences in the past month. These questions are designed around stressful experiences that may still be affecting you. Answer based on how things have been for you recently -- not just your worst period. Your gut is usually right.

In the past month, how much were you bothered by the following?

Question 1 of 20Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of a stressful experience from the past
Question 2 of 20Repeated, disturbing dreams of a stressful experience from the past
Question 3 of 20Suddenly feeling or acting as if a stressful experience were actually happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)
Question 4 of 20Feeling very upset when something reminded you of a stressful experience from the past
Question 5 of 20Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of a stressful experience from the past (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)
Question 6 of 20Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to a stressful experience from the past
Question 7 of 20Avoiding external reminders of a stressful experience from the past (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)
Question 8 of 20Trouble remembering important parts of a stressful experience from the past
Question 9 of 20Having 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)
Question 10 of 20Blaming yourself or someone else for a stressful experience from the past or what happened after it
Question 11 of 20Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
Question 12 of 20Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy
Question 13 of 20Feeling distant or cut off from other people
Question 14 of 20Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to have loving feelings for people close to you, or feeling numb)
Question 15 of 20Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively
Question 16 of 20Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm
Question 17 of 20Being "super-alert" or watchful or on guard
Question 18 of 20Feeling jumpy or easily startled
Question 19 of 20Having difficulty concentrating
Question 20 of 20Trouble falling or staying asleep

Answer all 20 questions to continue

0 out of 80

Symptom cluster breakdown
If you are in crisis or need to talk to someone right now: call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline, available across Canada, 24 hours a day). You do not need to be in immediate danger to call.
What you can do with this
Bring it in Tell your doctor or therapist your total score and which clusters were highest. PTSD is treatable -- this number helps start that conversation.
Share it Show it to someone you trust. Sometimes having words for it is the first step.
Keep it You do not have to do anything with it right now. Sometimes just having language for what you have been carrying is enough.
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