PTSD Test: Does the Past Feel Like It's Still Happening?
Wellbeing
Take this free, 20-question PTSD Test based on the PCL-5 standards. Explore whether your lingering stress is a sign of post-traumatic stress and find a path toward healing.
Sometimes, a difficult event is over, but it doesn't feel over. You might find yourself physically safe in the present, yet your heart is still racing from a memory that happened months or years ago. It’s not just "remembering"—it’s reliving. If you feel like you are constantly guarding yourself against an invisible threat, or if your emotions seem to have shut down completely to protect you, you are not alone, and you are not "broken."
This PTSD Test is a gentle, self-guided tool designed to help you understand these reactions. Based on the standard PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) framework used by mental health professionals, this assessment looks at how your body and mind have been processing stress recently. It is a first step toward validating your pain and finding the language to describe what you are going through.
If you have been wondering why you can't just "snap out of it," this test can offer clarity and validation.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not a sign of mental weakness; it is a normal biological response to an abnormal event. When a shock is too great to process all at once, the brain "pauses" the memory, keeping it vivid and fresh.
You might be asking yourself:
This screening tool is adapted from the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), which is the gold-standard self-report measure used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and clinicians worldwide. It assesses the 20 specific symptoms identified in the DSM-5.
The test consists of 20 questions and typically takes about 3–5 minutes to complete.
Tip: There are no right or wrong answers. Try to be honest about how you have felt in the past month. If a question is painful, take a deep breath; you are safe here.
We sum your responses on a 7-point scale to determine the severity of your symptoms. Your total score is then mapped to a clinical threshold to indicate whether your symptoms are mild, provisional, or clinically significant.
This test is especially helpful if you:
Please consider seeking professional help immediately instead if:
We don't just give you a number; we provide a narrative that explains why you are feeling this way. Your result will categorize your symptom severity into one of three levels:
We also provide:
A high score does not mean you are permanently damaged. It simply means your "alarm system" is stuck in the "ON" position. This is a mechanical issue in the nervous system that can be treated.
Your result page will offer grounding techniques (like the "5-4-3-2-1" method) for immediate relief, as well as guidance on how to find therapies specifically designed for trauma, such as EMDR or CBT.
For more information on the science of PTSD and recovery, we recommend these authoritative resources:
Important Medical Disclaimer: The content of this website, including this PTSD Test, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or are in danger of harming yourself or others, please call your local emergency services or a suicide prevention hotline immediately. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Your responses suggest you are processing stress in a way that is currently manageable and within the range of normal resilience.
You are carrying a significant emotional load, and while you are coping, the weight of the past is likely slowing you down.
Your system is currently stuck in 'survival mode,' making it difficult to feel safe or at peace in your daily life.