Online PTSD Assessment — Screen for PTSD, C-PTSD & Trauma Symptoms
This free PTSD test uses the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), a clinically-validated screening tool for post-traumatic stress disorder. This comprehensive assessment screens for both PTSD (from single traumatic events) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) (from prolonged, repeated trauma like childhood abuse, narcissistic abuse, or domestic violence).
Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance
Chronic trauma effects, emotional dysregulation
Abuse, assault, accidents, narcissistic abuse
PTSD & C-PTSD screening + treatment guidance
✓ PCL-5 validated screening for PTSD and trauma
✓ Screens for both PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
✓ Includes narcissistic abuse trauma screening
The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. It's widely used by mental health professionals for screening, diagnosis monitoring, and treatment evaluation. This free PTSD test online uses the PCL-5 to screen for post-traumatic stress disorder and can also identify symptoms consistent with Complex PTSD. The PCL-5 has strong psychometric properties and is considered the gold standard for PTSD screening.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): Develops after exposure to a single traumatic event like an accident, assault, natural disaster, or combat. Symptoms include intrusive memories/flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, negative thoughts, and hyperarousal.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Develops from prolonged, repeated trauma, particularly when escape is difficult or impossible. Common causes: childhood abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), narcissistic abuse in relationships, domestic violence, captivity, human trafficking. C-PTSD includes all PTSD symptoms PLUS emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept ("I am bad/worthless"), and severe interpersonal difficulties.
This free complex PTSD test online screens for symptoms of both conditions.
What is narcissistic abuse? Prolonged psychological manipulation by someone with narcissistic personality traits. Tactics include: gaslighting (making you question reality), emotional manipulation, criticism and devaluation, control and isolation, intermittent reinforcement (alternating between abuse and affection), triangulation (using others against you), and discarding/silent treatment.
Why it causes C-PTSD: The chronic, unpredictable nature of narcissistic abuse creates ongoing trauma. Victims develop hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, and relationship difficulties characteristic of Complex PTSD. This c-ptsd narcissistic abuse test includes screening for trauma from these relationships.
Recovery from narcissistic abuse requires trauma-informed therapy (EMDR, CPT), establishing no contact or gray rock boundaries, and rebuilding self-worth.
Childhood abuse, neglect, or witnessing domestic violence can cause Complex PTSD that persists into adulthood. Developmental trauma affects brain development, attachment patterns, emotion regulation, and sense of self.
Common childhood traumas causing C-PTSD:
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Chronic neglect or abandonment
• Witnessing domestic violence
• Living with mentally ill or addicted caregivers
• Unpredictable or chaotic home environment
• Lack of emotional attunement from caregivers
Adult symptoms of childhood C-PTSD: difficulty trusting others, fear of abandonment, emotional dysregulation, negative self-image, relationship patterns that repeat childhood dynamics, difficulty setting boundaries.
Treatment: Trauma-focused therapy (EMDR, somatic experiencing), attachment-based therapy, DBT skills for emotion regulation.
PTSD symptoms fall into four categories:
1. Intrusion symptoms: Unwanted memories, nightmares, flashbacks, intense distress when reminded of trauma, physical reactions to trauma reminders.
2. Avoidance: Avoiding trauma-related thoughts, feelings, people, places, activities, or conversations.
3. Negative alterations in cognition and mood: Inability to remember aspects of trauma, negative beliefs about self/world, persistent negative emotional state, loss of interest, feeling detached, inability to experience positive emotions.
4. Alterations in arousal and reactivity: Irritability/anger, reckless behavior, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, concentration problems, sleep disturbance.
This free PTSD test online assesses all four symptom clusters. Professional diagnosis requires symptoms lasting more than one month and causing significant distress or impairment.
PTSD is highly treatable with evidence-based therapies:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Uses bilateral stimulation while recalling trauma to reprocess traumatic memories. Highly effective for PTSD and C-PTSD.
CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy): Helps change unhelpful beliefs related to trauma. Evidence-based for PTSD.
PE (Prolonged Exposure): Gradual, repeated exposure to trauma memories and avoided situations. Reduces avoidance and fear.
Medication: SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine) are first-line for PTSD. Prazosin helps nightmares.
For Complex PTSD: Same therapies plus focus on emotion regulation (DBT skills), attachment, and self-concept. Longer treatment often needed.
Recovery is possible. Most people see significant improvement with proper treatment.
PTSD develops after a single traumatic event (accident, assault, disaster). Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) develops from prolonged, repeated trauma (childhood abuse, domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, captivity). C-PTSD includes PTSD symptoms PLUS emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, and relationship difficulties. This free complex PTSD test online screens for both conditions. C-PTSD requires more comprehensive treatment than single-event PTSD.
Yes! Our PTSD test is 100% free with no hidden costs, no sign-up, and no email required. This is the PCL-5 screening tool used by therapists and psychiatrists. You'll get instant results for both PTSD and Complex PTSD with guidance on next steps. This free PTSD test online is accessible anytime.
No. The PCL-5 is a validated screening tool, not a diagnostic test. Only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose PTSD, Complex PTSD, or other trauma-related disorders through comprehensive clinical evaluation. This includes detailed trauma history, symptom assessment, ruling out other conditions, and evaluation of functional impairment. This test helps you understand your symptoms and decide if you should seek professional evaluation.
Narcissistic abuse is prolonged psychological manipulation by someone with narcissistic personality traits. Common tactics: gaslighting (making you question reality), emotional manipulation, criticism, control, isolation, intermittent reinforcement (hot/cold behavior), triangulation, discarding. The chronic, unpredictable nature causes Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) due to ongoing trauma exposure. Symptoms: hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, difficulty trusting others. This c-ptsd narcissistic abuse test includes screening for this type of trauma. Recovery requires trauma therapy (EMDR, CPT), no contact or gray rock boundaries, and rebuilding self-worth.
PTSD symptoms include: intrusive memories/flashbacks of the traumatic event, nightmares about the trauma, feeling as if the trauma is happening again, intense distress when reminded of trauma, physical reactions (heart pounding, sweating) to reminders, avoiding thoughts/feelings related to trauma, avoiding people/places/activities that remind you of trauma, trouble remembering parts of the trauma, negative beliefs ("I'm bad," "no one can be trusted"), persistent negative emotions (fear, anger, guilt, shame), loss of interest in activities, feeling detached from others, inability to feel positive emotions, irritability and anger outbursts, reckless behavior, hypervigilance ("on guard"), exaggerated startle response, concentration problems, and sleep disturbance. This free PTSD test online assesses all these symptoms.
The PCL-5 is highly validated with strong psychometric properties for PTSD screening. It has excellent internal consistency (reliability) and strong correlation with clinical PTSD diagnosis. A cutoff score of 33+ has good sensitivity and specificity for detecting probable PTSD. However, it's a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Professional diagnosis requires comprehensive clinical evaluation by a trauma-specialized therapist or psychiatrist. This test helps identify if professional evaluation is recommended.
Yes. Childhood trauma (abuse, neglect, witnessing violence) can cause Complex PTSD that persists into adulthood. Developmental trauma affects brain development, attachment, emotion regulation, and sense of self. Adult symptoms of childhood C-PTSD: hypervigilance, difficulty trusting, fear of abandonment, emotional dysregulation, negative self-image, relationship difficulties, repeating childhood patterns. Treatment: trauma-focused therapy (EMDR, somatic experiencing), attachment-based therapy, DBT for emotion regulation. This c ptsd test screens for symptoms from childhood trauma.
If your score suggests probable PTSD or Complex PTSD:
Immediate steps:
• Use our free AI therapist for immediate support
• If in crisis, call 988 or text HOME to 741741
• If still in unsafe situation, create safety plan
• Document your symptoms
Seek professional help:
• Find trauma-specialized therapist or psychiatrist
• Request comprehensive PTSD evaluation
• If trauma was prolonged/repeated, ask about C-PTSD screening
• Discuss evidence-based treatments: EMDR, CPT, PE
• Consider medication (SSRIs) for symptom relief
Self-care:
• Grounding techniques for flashbacks
• Mindfulness and relaxation
• Trauma support groups
• Self-compassion practices
PTSD is highly treatable. Most people improve significantly with proper therapy.
Absolutely. We don't store your answers or personal information. This PTSD test is completely anonymous and confidential. Your privacy is our top priority. Results are shown only to you, and you're not required to create an account or provide any identifying information. This free PTSD test online is safe and secure.
Yes. Prolonged emotional abuse (narcissistic abuse, psychological manipulation, chronic criticism, gaslighting, control) can cause PTSD, specifically Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Emotional abuse is trauma even without physical violence. The chronic nature creates hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, and negative self-concept characteristic of C-PTSD. This c-ptsd test screens for trauma from emotional/psychological abuse. Treatment: EMDR, CPT, establishing boundaries, rebuilding self-worth. Emotional abuse is real trauma deserving of treatment.