PTSD Self Test Calculator

Measure recent trauma symptoms using a scoring tool. See totals, clusters, and screening flags clearly. Use results for reflection, not diagnosis or emergency decisions.

Important note before using this page

PTSD Self Test Form

Choose one score for every item. The scale below applies to all 20 questions.

0 = Not at all 1 = A little bit 2 = Moderately 3 = Quite a bit 4 = Extremely
Q1 · Cluster B

Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?

Q2 · Cluster B

Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?

Q3 · Cluster B

Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again?

Q4 · Cluster B

Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?

Q5 · Cluster B

Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience?

Q6 · Cluster C

Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?

Q7 · Cluster C

Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience?

Q8 · Cluster D

Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?

Q9 · Cluster D

Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world?

Q10 · Cluster D

Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it?

Q11 · Cluster D

Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?

Q12 · Cluster D

Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?

Q13 · Cluster D

Feeling distant or cut off from other people?

Q14 · Cluster D

Trouble experiencing positive feelings?

Q15 · Cluster E

Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?

Q16 · Cluster E

Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?

Q17 · Cluster E

Being superalert, watchful, or on guard?

Q18 · Cluster E

Feeling jumpy or easily startled?

Q19 · Cluster E

Having difficulty concentrating?

Q20 · Cluster E

Trouble falling or staying asleep?

Notes are optional and do not change the score.
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Formula Used

Total Score = Q1 + Q2 + ... + Q20

Range = 0 to 80 because each item is scored from 0 to 4.

Cluster B = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4 + Q5

Cluster C = Q6 + Q7

Cluster D = Q8 + Q9 + Q10 + Q11 + Q12 + Q13 + Q14

Cluster E = Q15 + Q16 + Q17 + Q18 + Q19 + Q20

Endorsed Symptom Rule = item score ≥ 2

DSM Pattern Check = at least 1 item in B, 1 in C, 2 in D, and 2 in E rated 2 or higher.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter an optional alias and assessment date.
  2. Select whether the symptoms relate to a qualifying traumatic event.
  3. Rate all 20 items using the 0 to 4 response scale.
  4. Submit the form to see the total score, cluster totals, and pattern checks.
  5. Use CSV or PDF export to save a personal copy.
  6. Repeat later with the same timeframe to compare trends more fairly.
Safety note: This page does not replace professional evaluation. Seek urgent local help now if you are unsafe, overwhelmed, or unable to maintain daily safety.

Example Data Table

Alias Date Event Relation B C D E Total Cutoff Signal DSM Pattern
Case A 2026-03-17 Yes 12 5 18 15 50 Above common screening cutoff range Pattern met
Case B 2026-03-17 Unsure 6 2 10 9 27 Below common screening cutoff range Pattern not met
Case C 2026-03-17 Yes 8 4 12 8 32 Within common screening cutoff range Pattern met

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is this a diagnosis?

No. It is a screening tool that organizes symptom responses. A qualified clinician should interpret results, review trauma history, and decide whether PTSD is present.

2) Why does the form ask about the past month?

Using one recent timeframe keeps scoring more consistent. When people change the timeframe, later comparisons can become less useful and less fair.

3) What does the 31 to 33 cutoff range mean?

That range is commonly used as a provisional screening signal. It is not absolute, and clinicians may adjust their threshold depending on setting and purpose.

4) What is the DSM pattern result?

It checks whether endorsed symptoms appear across the required PTSD symptom clusters. On this page, an item counts as endorsed when it is rated 2 or higher.

5) Can a lower score still matter?

Yes. Lower totals can still reflect distress, avoidance, sleep trouble, or concentration problems. Seek support when symptoms disrupt work, relationships, or daily functioning.

6) Should I take the test again later?

Repeating the same questions later can help you watch change over time. Keep the timeframe and response style consistent for cleaner comparisons.

7) Does this page save my data?

The page calculates results after submission. Long-term storage depends on your hosting setup, server logs, analytics, and any extra code you choose to add.

8) When should I get urgent help?

Seek urgent local help immediately if you feel unsafe, are in immediate danger, or cannot manage daily safety. Contact emergency services or a crisis resource in your area.

Related Calculators

trauma response testptsd severity testptsd symptom checkertrauma risk scoretrauma severity scoreptsd evaluation tool

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.