Trauma & PTSD
Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD-5)
A 5-item yes/no screen for post-traumatic stress.
About this test
The PC-PTSD-5 is a short, public-domain screen used in primary care. It first assumes you have experienced a frightening or traumatic event, then asks whether five common reactions have troubled you in the past month. A score of 3 or more is a positive screen.
What your score means
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Negative screen |
| 3–5 | Positive screen |
Frequently asked questions
What score is a positive screen?
A total of 3 or more (out of 5) is considered a positive screen and a reason for a full assessment.
Is the PC-PTSD-5 free?
Yes. It is public domain, from the U.S. National Center for PTSD.
Source: Prins et al. (2016), National Center for PTSD. Public domain.