Self-Reflection Tool

PTSD Symptom Checklist

A private, self-guided tool to help you reflect on trauma-related symptoms you may have experienced over the past month.

Important Disclaimer

This tool is a resource only and does not provide an official diagnosis. It can help you notice symptoms that may be connected to trauma, but it cannot tell you for certain whether you have PTSD.

If your score is 32 or higher, your symptoms are in a range where PTSD is more likely. Please consider talking with a licensed therapist who is trained in trauma treatment. If you are in crisis, having suicidal thoughts, or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, call 988, call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact a local crisis resource immediately.

Locate a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist

How to Use This Checklist

Think about the most stressful or traumatic experience you have been through. Then answer each question based on how much that problem has bothered you in the past month.

0Not at all
1A little bit
2Moderately
3Quite a bit
4Extremely
1

Reflect Honestly

Answer based on the past month, keeping your worst event in mind.

2

Review Your Score

Your total score and symptom cluster results update automatically.

3

Get Support

A score of 32 or higher means PTSD is more likely and professional support is recommended.

Progress: 0/20 answered Total Score: 0/80

PTSD Symptom Questions

In the past month, how much were you bothered by:

1Intrusion Symptoms

1
Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?
2
Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?
3
Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again, as if you were actually back there reliving it?
4
Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?
5
Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience, for example heart pounding, trouble breathing, or sweating?

2Avoidance Symptoms

6
Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?
7
Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience, for example people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations?

3Negative Changes in Thoughts, Mood, or Beliefs

8
Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?
9
Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world, for example thoughts such as: I am bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can be trusted, or the world is completely dangerous?
10
Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it?
11
Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?
12
Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
13
Feeling distant or cut off from other people?
14
Trouble experiencing positive feelings, for example being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you?

4Arousal, Reactivity, or Feeling on Guard

15
Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?
16
Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?
17
Being superalert, watchful, or on guard?
18
Feeling jumpy or easily startled?
19
Having difficulty concentrating?
20
Trouble falling or staying asleep?

Your Scoring Summary

Your total score is calculated by adding your answers to all 20 questions. Scores range from 0 to 80. A score of 32 or higher means PTSD is more likely and professional support is strongly recommended. This score does not diagnose you, but it is a meaningful signal that you should consider meeting with a therapist trained in trauma treatment.

0Total Severity Score
0–80
0Answered
Out of 20
—PTSD Likelihood
—Symptom Pattern

Complete the questionnaire to see your result.

Your score will update automatically as you answer the questions.

Symptom Area Summary

Symptoms rated 2 or higher count as present. This helps show whether your symptoms line up across the major PTSD symptom areas.

Symptom AreaItemsCommon ThresholdYour Count
Intrusion symptoms1–5At least 10
Avoidance symptoms6–7At least 10
Negative thoughts, mood, or beliefs8–14At least 20
Arousal, reactivity, or feeling on guard15–20At least 20
Locate a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist

Source and Attribution

Adapted for web-based personal reflection from: PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Source reference: Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Keane, T. M., Palmieri, P. A., Marx, B. P., & Schnurr, P. P. (2013). The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) – Standard [Measurement instrument]. Available from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/. The uploaded PDF version date is listed as 29 August 2023 and identifies the National Center for PTSD as the source.

This web version is provided as an educational resource for personal reflection. It does not diagnose PTSD and should not replace care from a licensed mental health professional.

Abstract geometric logo forming the letter H in navy blue, burnt orange, and black.

Join our Newsletter

and

Get the 5-day Guide to Build Your Spiritual Foundation

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Scroll to Top