Need a quick idea as to whether or not you’re in the PTSD ballpark?

Read this PTSD overview in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV – Definition of PTSD.

For a PTSD checklist of sorts, take this PTSD Self-Test to evaluate your symptoms.

PTSD Test

Use this PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) test to help determine if you have the symptoms of PTSD and whether you should seek a diagnosis or treatment for PTSD from a qualified doctor or mental health professional.

Instructions: If you suspect that you might suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, complete the following PTSD self-test by clicking the “yes or “no” boxes next to each question. Click the “score” button at the bottom for an interpretation of the results.

 

1 )	Have you experienced or been exposed to a traumatic event?
	Yes No

2 )	During the traumatic event, did you experience or witness serious injury or death, or the threat of injury or death?
	Yes No

3 )	During the traumatic event did you feel intense fear, helplessness, and/or horror?
	Yes No

4 )	Do you regularly experience intrusive thoughts or images about the traumatic event?
	Yes No

5 )	Do you sometimes feel like you are re-living the event or that it is happening all over again?
	Yes No

6 )	Do you have recurrent nightmares or distressing dreams about the traumatic event?
	Yes No

7 )	Do you feel intense distress when something reminds you of the traumatic event, whether it’s something you think about or something in you see?
	Yes No

8 )	Do you try to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations that remind you of the traumatic event?
	Yes No

9 )	Do you try to avoid activities, people, or places that remind you of the traumatic event?
	Yes No

10 )	Are you unable to remember something important about the traumatic event?
	Yes No

11 )	Since the trauma took place, do you feel less interested in activities or hobbies that you once enjoyed?
	Yes No

12 )	Since the trauma took place, do you feel distant from other people or have difficulty trusting them?
	Yes No

13 )	Since the trauma took place, do you have difficulty experiencing or showing emotions?
	Yes No

14 )	Do you feel that your future will not be “normal” — that you won’t have a career, marriage, children, or a normal life span?
	Yes No

15 )	Since the traumatic event, have you had difficulty falling or staying asleep?
	Yes No

16 )	Have you felt irritable or have you had outbursts of anger?
	Yes No

17 )	Have you had difficulty concentrating, since the trauma?
	Yes No

18 )	Do you feel guilty because others died or were hurt during the traumatic event but you survived it?
	Yes No

19 )	Do you often feel jumpy or startle easily?
	Yes No

20 )	Do you often feel hypervigilant, that is, are you constantly feeling and acting ready for any kind of threat?
	Yes No

21 )	Have you been experiencing symptoms for more than one month?
	Yes No

22 )	Do your symptoms interfere with normal routines, work or school, or social activities?
	Yes No

SCORING:

1-3 = few symptoms of PTSD

4-9 = PTSD likely

10+ = You display many symptoms of PTSD

If you believe you have PTSD take this self-test and share it with your doctor or therapist. This is NOT a diagnosis. Only a doctor or qualified mental health professional can make a diagnosis of PTSD and recommend treatments.

This PTSD test is borrowed from www.healthyplace.com. It is based upon the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 4th Ed.) criteria for PTSD, 2004.

If you’ve been diagnosed or feel you do have PTSD, some things to begin your healing process:

• Make an appointment to see your family doctor. (Take the results of the self test with you.)
• Get a recommendation for a trained trauma professional, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or practitioner.
• Tell family members of your condition so they can understand and support you.
• Speak to your religious leader.
• Educate yourself about PTSD so you understand what you are experiencing.
• Develop a support system for healing.
• Reach out and connect with other survivors. (For support ideas click here.)
• If you’re a veteran contact your local VA.

 

For further reading visit our blog:

PTSD Doesn’t Heal Itself: Deciding to Seek Help

PTSD Professional Perspective:  How to Ask For Support

Healing PTSD: What We Learn From Seeking Help

(Photo: TracyHickman)

• Read More

  • ‘Your Life After Trauma’ Weekly Radio Show
  • What is PTSD?
  • How Survivors Define PTSD
  • PTSD Symptoms
  • Popular PTSD Questions
  • PTSD Causes
  • PTSD Test
  • PTSD Statistics
  • PTSD & The Brain
  • PTSD Videos
  • PTSD Caregivers Support
  • Support for PTSD Professionals