The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 — a validated 5-question tool used by GPs. Takes 2 minutes. Not a diagnosis.
📋 Source: Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) — Prins A et al. J Gen Intern Med 2016;31(10):1136–1142. A positive screen requires further clinical assessment by a qualified professional. Not a diagnostic tool. Information is general in nature. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your situation.
Before you continue: These questions ask about traumatic experiences and their effects. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, please stop. Support is available — call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Read this first: Sometimes things happen to people that are extremely stressful — for example, a serious accident, fire, or natural disaster; a physical or sexual assault or abuse; a war or combat; a severe illness or injury to yourself or someone close to you; or the sudden death of someone close to you.
The questions below ask whether you have had any experience like this in the past month.
0 of 5 answered0%
Question 1 of 5 — Re-experiencing
In the past month, have you had nightmares about a traumatic experience, or thought about it when you did not want to?
Yes
No
Question 2 of 5 — Avoidance
In the past month, have you tried hard not to think about a traumatic experience, or gone out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you of it?
Yes
No
Question 3 of 5 — Negative cognitions
In the past month, have you felt constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?
Yes
No
Question 4 of 5 — Hyperarousal
In the past month, have you felt numb or detached from people, activities, or your surroundings?
Yes
No
Question 5 of 5 — Guilt / blame
In the past month, have you felt guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others for your traumatic experience or its aftermath?
Yes
No
Want to discuss this with your GP?
Print or save this page to bring to your appointment.
Important: This screener is for educational awareness only. It does not diagnose PTSD or any mental health condition. A positive screen means further assessment by a qualified clinician is recommended — not that you have PTSD. A negative screen does not rule out PTSD or other trauma-related conditions.
If you are experiencing distress right now, please reach out: Lifeline 13 11 14 · Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 · Open Arms (veterans) 1800 011 046.
Sources & Validation
Prins A, Bovin MJ, Smolenski DJ, et al. The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5): development and evaluation within a veteran primary care sample. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2016;31(10):1206–1211. doi:10.1007/s11606-016-3703-5
US Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. PC-PTSD-5 overview. ptsd.va.gov
Phoenix Australia — Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. Australian guidelines for the treatment of PTSD. phoenixaustralia.org
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) · Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 · Head to Health: headtohealth.gov.au For a full directory of Australian mental health services, visit AskMyGP helplines directory.