The 20 questions describe specific PTSD symptoms — intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance, negative thoughts about yourself or the world, irritability, hyperarousal, sleep difficulty. Reading or rating them can be triggering.
In the past month, how much were you bothered by…
A PCL-5 score at or above 31 means a meaningful number of PTSD symptoms have been bothering you over the past month. It is not a diagnosis or a verdict. Three trauma-focused therapies — Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and EMDR — have strong evidence in randomized controlled trials and are VA-recommended. Two SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine) are FDA-approved for PTSD. Treatment works, especially when started.
If you feel distressed: call or text 988. Veterans: 988 press 1 reaches the Veterans Crisis Line. Text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line, or 911 if in immediate danger.