Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5)

1. The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) is a screening tool designed to identify persons with probable PTSD. Available data suggest the PC-PTS-5 screen should be considered “positive” if the respondent answers “yes” to any 3 items in the questions listed below. Those screening positive should have a further assessment with a structured interview for PTSD, preferably performed by a mental health professional with experience in diagnosing PTSD.

Sometimes things happen to people that are unusually or especially frightening, horrible, or traumatic.
For example:

• a serious accident or fire
• a physical or sexual assault or abuse
• an earthquake or flood
• a war
• seeing someone be killed or seriously injured
• having a loved one die through homicide or suicide

If you have ever experienced this type of event, please answer the following:

In the past month, have you:

Had nightmares about the event(s) or thought about the event(s) when you did not want to?

2. In the past month, have you:

Tried hard not to think about the event(s) or went out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you of the event(s)?

3. In the past month, have you:

Been constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?

4. In the past month, have you:

Felt numb or detached from people, activities, or your surroundings?

5. In the past month, have you:

Felt guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others for the events(s) or any problems the event(s) may have caused?