Trauma Impact Check

PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5)

⏱ 8–10 min 20 questions Free · Private

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About this check

The PCL-5 is a 20-question self-report PTSD scale developed by the US National Center for PTSD. It maps directly onto the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD across four clusters: intrusions, avoidance, negative changes in mood and thinking, and changes in arousal and reactivity.

Important: This is a screener and severity measure, not a diagnosis. A PTSD diagnosis requires a clinical interview, confirmation of a qualifying event, and consideration of how long the symptoms have lasted.

What your score means

Below PTSD threshold · score 0–30

Your score is below 31 — the cutoff commonly used to flag probable PTSD. That does not mean nothing has affected you; it means, by this screen, you are below the threshold where a PTSD diagnosis is likely.

Probable PTSD · score 31–44

Your score is at or above 31 — the threshold the US National Center for PTSD recommends as a probable PTSD cutoff. Your responses suggest symptoms across the four PTSD clusters at a level that is likely clinically significant.

Severe PTSD symptoms · score 45–80

Your score is in the severe range. Symptoms this intense usually have a major impact on relationships, work, and daily life.

How it works

In the past month, how much have you been bothered by the following problem — assuming it relates to a frightening or traumatic event you have experienced?

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If you are in crisis: Please call Tele-MANAS 14416 (free, 24/7, many Indian languages) or 112 for emergencies. You can also reach iCall, Vandrevala Foundation, or AASRA.