Sometimes, you don’t need a 20-page report. You just need a “Yes” or a “No.”
When you visit your GP for a physical check-up, they check your blood pressure. If it’s high, they investigate further. The PC-PTSD-5 acts exactly like that blood pressure cuff, but for your trauma history.
It isn’t designed to give you a detailed map of your psyche. It is designed to wave a red flag that says, “Hey, something significant is happening here that we need to talk about.”
The Science: The “Triage” Tool
The PC-PTSD-5 (Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5) was created because primary care doctors needed a way to spot PTSD quickly in busy clinics.
It begins with a single “gatekeeper” question: Have you ever experienced a traumatic event? If the answer is no, the test ends. If the answer is yes, it asks 5 simple yes/no questions about how that event is affecting your life right now.
Studies show that this ultra-short test is remarkably good at catching PTSD cases that might otherwise be missed. It strips away the complexity and focuses on the five core ways trauma disrupts daily life: Nightmares, Avoidance, Hypervigilance, Detachment, and Guilt.
The Tool: PC-PTSD-5
This is the fastest trauma screen available that is still clinically validated. It takes less than one minute.
👉 Take the Test: PC-PTSD-5 Primary Care Screen
What To Do With Your Score
- Score of 3 or higher: This is the standard “cut-point.” If you answered “Yes” to 3 or more questions, it is a strong indication of probable PTSD.
- Score of 4 or 5: This indicates a very high likelihood of PTSD and significant impairment.
- Next Steps: A positive score here is a green light to ask for a full assessment (like the PCL-5) or to speak to a therapist. It validates that your symptoms are real and deserve attention.
Safety & Disclaimer
This tool is for educational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis.
- Trigger Warning: Even short questions about trauma can be upsetting. If you feel distressed, please pause and take a few deep breaths.
- Emergency: If you are in immediate danger or feeling suicidal, please call emergency services (e.g., 988 in the US, 14416 in India).
References
- Prins, A., et al. (2016). The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5): Development and evaluation within a veteran primary care sample. Journal of General Internal Medicine.
- Bovin, M. J., et al. (2021). Validation of the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) in a civilian primary care sample. Psychological Services.
- Harris, J. A., et al. (2020). Psychometric properties of the PC-PTSD-5 in a psychiatric sample. Journal of Traumatic Stress.