PTSD Screening Test
Take our free PTSD screening test. Assess intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, and trauma-related symptoms. Not a diagnosis. Instant results.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event — including combat, sexual assault, childhood abuse, accidents, natural disasters, sudden bereavement, or witnessing violence. It's not a sign of weakness; it reflects a normal stress response system that has become dysregulated after extraordinary circumstances.
PTSD is characterised by four symptom clusters: re-experiencing (intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks), avoidance (steering clear of reminders, emotional numbing), negative alterations in cognition and mood (distorted guilt, persistent negative emotions, loss of interest), and hyperarousal (sleep disturbance, irritability, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response).
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Protective factors include social support, prior coping experience, and rapid access to care. Risk factors include severity of the trauma, lack of support, prior trauma history, and biological predisposition. PTSD can develop weeks, months, or even years after the traumatic event — delayed onset is recognised in the DSM-5.
Complex PTSD and trauma spectrum
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a related condition that develops after prolonged, repeated trauma — particularly childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. In addition to the standard PTSD symptom clusters, C-PTSD involves difficulties regulating emotions, a negative self-concept ('I am broken'), and difficulties with relationships. It was included as a separate diagnosis in the ICD-11.
Trauma responses exist on a spectrum. Not every trauma response meets criteria for PTSD — some people experience Acute Stress Reaction (which typically resolves within a month), adjustment disorders, or subthreshold PTSD symptoms that still significantly affect functioning without meeting full diagnostic criteria. All of these warrant support.
PTSD is associated with high rates of co-morbidity — particularly depression, substance use disorders (often used for self-medication), chronic pain, and anxiety disorders. Addressing PTSD often improves these co-occurring conditions significantly.
About this test
This screening is based on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the most widely used validated PTSD self-report measure currently in use. It maps directly to the four symptom clusters in the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and is used by VA hospitals, trauma clinics, and research institutions worldwide.
A high score on this test indicates significant PTSD symptoms that are worth discussing with a qualified mental health professional. This test does not provide a diagnosis. Full assessment requires a structured clinical interview and consideration of your full history.
If you are currently in distress or experiencing crisis-level symptoms (including intrusive flashbacks, dissociation, or thoughts of self-harm), please seek support immediately. Australia's Crisis Assessment and Treatment (CAT) teams can be accessed through emergency departments, and Lifeline (13 11 14) is available 24/7.
Treatment and support in Australia
PTSD is treatable. Trauma-focused therapies have strong evidence: Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) have the strongest evidence base for PTSD specifically. Not all psychologists are trained in these approaches — seek someone with specific trauma expertise.
In Australia, your GP can refer you to a psychologist under a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan (up to 10 subsidised sessions per year). For complex PTSD, more intensive support may be needed — some states have publicly funded trauma services. Phoenix Australia (phoenixaustralia.org) is the national centre for posttraumatic mental health and maintains a directory of trauma-informed clinicians.
Open Arms (openarms.org.au) provides free counselling and support specifically for Australian veterans and their families, including PTSD treatment. Blue Knot Foundation (blueknot.org.au) supports adult survivors of childhood trauma with a national helpline (1300 657 380) and specialist training for practitioners.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Score Range | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–8 | Low PTSD Indicators | Your responses suggest minimal PTSD-related symptoms. Trauma responses of this level are within the normal recovery range. |
| 9–16 | Mild Indicators | Some trauma-related symptoms are present. This may reflect normal stress responses or early indicators worth monitoring. |
| 17–24 | Moderate Indicators | Your responses suggest a moderate level of PTSD-related symptoms. Professional support is recommended. |
| 25–30 | Strong Indicators | Your responses indicate significant trauma-related symptoms. Please seek professional support. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PTSD develop years after a traumatic event?
Yes. Delayed-onset PTSD — where full criteria are not met until at least six months after the trauma — is recognised in DSM-5. Some people manage to suppress symptoms for years, with PTSD emerging during a later stressor or life transition.
Does a high score mean I definitely have PTSD?
A high score means your symptoms are consistent with PTSD criteria and warrant a clinical assessment. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose PTSD through a structured interview. But a high score is a strong signal to seek that assessment.
Is EMDR effective for PTSD?
Yes. EMDR has strong evidence — it's recommended by the WHO, the American Psychological Association, and Phoenix Australia. It works by processing traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) while briefly accessing the traumatic memory, reducing its emotional charge.
What's the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD?
Standard PTSD typically follows a single or short-duration trauma. Complex PTSD develops after prolonged, repeated trauma (particularly in childhood) and additionally involves emotional dysregulation, pervasive shame or self-concept damage, and interpersonal difficulties. C-PTSD is recognised in ICD-11 as a separate diagnosis.
What do I do if I'm in immediate distress?
Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or go to your nearest emergency department. The 1800RESPECT line (1800 737 732) is available for people affected by sexual assault and family violence. You don't need to be in immediate danger to call — if you're struggling, reaching out is the right move.