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Tags: Psychology , Psychometrics
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Posttraumatic stress symptoms are patterns of thoughts, feelings, and reactions that can follow a traumatic event. A structured checklist helps you notice change over time and supports a clear next step if symptoms are high. Many people search for a PTSD symptom checker to organize what they are experiencing in plain language.

You answer twenty items about the past month and choose how much each issue bothered you, from not at all to extremely. A single total score and four cluster averages summarize your pattern, and simple visuals make the shape of your symptoms easy to read. A short note indicates a positive screen when the required clusters are present.

Use consistent conditions when you check again so comparisons stay meaningful, such as time of day and recent stress. Results are best treated as a starting point for a conversation, and small changes are common from week to week.

The checklist was developed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD. This tool provides informational estimates and does not substitute professional advice.

Technical Details:

The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM‑5 (PCL‑5) measures symptom severity over the last month across four symptom clusters: intrusion (B), avoidance (C), negative thoughts and mood (D), and hyper‑arousal (E). Each item is scored from 0 to 4, where larger values represent more bothersome symptoms.

Computation centers on two outputs. First is a total severity score that sums all twenty item ratings. Second are cluster averages that show relative intensity within B, C, D, and E, supporting a quick profile of where symptoms concentrate.

Results are interpreted using four bands based on the total score. The app also evaluates a screening rule that requires minimum counts of items rated at least 2 within each cluster: at least one in B, one in C, two in D, and two in E. Meeting all four clusters sets the positive screen flag.

Comparisons are most meaningful within the same person over time. The measure reflects self‑report and does not confirm trauma exposure or functional impairment; clinical judgment remains essential.

Stotal = ∑ i=1 20 xi
Symbol Meaning Unit/Datatype Source
xi Item i rating Integer 0–4 Input
Stotal Total severity score Integer 0–80 Derived
AB, AC, AD, AE Cluster averages for B, C, D, E Number 0–4 (1 decimal) Derived
Worked example. Suppose item scores are:
[ 2,1,1,3,2; 1,2; 3,2,1,3,2,1,2; 3,0,2,2,1,2 ]
Stotal =36 AB=95=1.8 , AC=32=1.5 , AD=147=2.0 , AE=106≈1.7
Interpretation: total 36 falls in the Severe band; all four clusters meet the screening rule, so the screen is positive.
AB = ∑i ∈ B xi 5 AC = ∑i ∈ C xi 2 AD = ∑i ∈ D xi 7 AE = ∑i ∈ E xi 6
Threshold Band Lower Bound Upper Bound Interpretation Action Cue
Minimal / None 0 10 Few or no symptoms Maintain healthy routines
Mild 11 23 Mild symptoms Self‑help may help; monitor
Moderate 24 32 Moderate symptoms Consider professional input
Severe 33 80 Severe symptoms Seek qualified support

Units, precision, and rounding

Total scores are integers. Cluster averages are rounded to one decimal place using a dot as the decimal separator. Sub‑bands for clusters are labeled none, mild, moderate, or severe by average value.

Validation & bounds

Field Type Min Max Step/Pattern Error Text Placeholder
Response value Integer 0 4 Step 1; choices: Not at all, A little bit, Moderately, Quite a bit, Extremely — —
Encoded responses (query r) String 20 chars 20 chars ^[0-4\-]{20}$ (digits 0–4 or dash) Invalid strings are ignored 20 dashes
Questions Count 20 20 Fixed length — —

I/O formats

Input Accepted Families Output Encoding/Precision Rounding
Twenty item ratings Five options per item Total score, cluster averages, screen flag, radar and gauge visuals CSV export uses “#, Item, Response”; DOCX export contains the same summary Cluster averages at 1 decimal

Networking & storage

Processing occurs on the device. No data is transmitted or stored server‑side. Answers are encoded in the page address via the r parameter; sharing that address will reveal responses.

Diagnostics & determinism

Given the same item ratings, outputs are deterministic. Charts resize with the viewport; values remain unchanged.

Assumptions & limitations

  • Self‑report can vary with context and mood.
  • Severity bands and screen rule reflect this implementation’s logic.
  • Exposure and impairment are not measured; clinical assessment is needed.
  • Cluster labels summarize patterns, not causes.
  • Heads‑up The address bar can contain encoded answers; avoid sharing if private.
  • Rounding to one decimal can mask small changes.
  • Exports require all items answered.
  • Color display varies by device; numbers govern interpretation.

Edge cases & error sources

  • Incomplete responses delay results until all items are answered.
  • Invalid r strings are ignored and do not prefill answers.
  • Editing r manually can load unintended answers.
  • Very close cluster averages may flip sub‑band labels on rounding.
  • Browser zoom or large fonts can truncate chart labels without changing values.
  • Popup or download restrictions can block CSV or DOCX export.
  • Navigation history may keep older r values; refresh to confirm state.
  • Copy to clipboard can fail if system permissions are denied.
  • Slow devices may render charts after a short delay; values remain correct.
  • Shared links expose encoded answers; use a fresh session for demos.

Scientific and standards context

The checklist follows symptom clusters defined in DSM‑5 and uses the PCL‑5 item set and scale. Band thresholds and the screening rule here reflect the app’s encoded logic.

Privacy & compliance

No data is transmitted or stored server‑side. For sensitive use, avoid sharing links that contain encoded answers.

Step‑by‑Step Guide:

The PTSD checklist yields a total score and cluster profile from your answers.

  1. Start the assessment.
  2. For each item, choose a rating from Not at all to Extremely.
  3. Use the list to revisit and adjust any answer.
  4. After the last item, review the total, cluster averages, and screen note.
  5. Optionally copy the table to the clipboard, download CSV, or export a DOCX summary.

Example: If most ratings are 1 and several are 3, expect a mid‑range total with higher averages in the cluster containing those 3s.

You now have a concise summary to discuss or track over time.

FAQ:

What does the total score mean?

It sums all twenty item ratings to reflect overall symptom burden. Higher values indicate more frequent or intense symptoms.

What sets a positive screen?

At least one B item ≥2, one C item ≥2, two D items ≥2, and two E items ≥2. Meeting all four marks a positive screen.

Are my answers stored?

No server storage is used. Answers are encoded in the address via a short string; sharing that address shares your answers.

How accurate is this?

It reflects self‑report and the exact scoring in this app. It is a structured estimate and not a diagnosis.

Which formats can I export?

You can copy a CSV table, download a CSV file, or export a DOCX summary after answering all items.

Can I use it without a connection?

Computation runs on the device. If the page is loaded, scoring works without sending data.

What does a borderline result mean?

Values near band edges can move with rounding or day‑to‑day change. Re‑check later and consider professional input.

How do I check cluster status?

Review the cluster panel. Each cluster shows its average and whether the minimum item counts were met.

Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis.

Troubleshooting:

  • No results appear: ensure all twenty items are answered.
  • Clipboard copy fails: confirm system permissions for clipboard access.
  • CSV or DOCX missing: check download permissions and try again.
  • Charts look cropped: reduce page zoom or rotate the device.
  • Old answers reappear: clear the address bar parameter and reload.
  • Numbers seem unchanged: rounding to one decimal may hide small shifts.

Glossary:

PCL‑5
PTSD Checklist for DSM‑5, a 20‑item symptom measure.
DSM‑5
Diagnostic standard that defines PTSD criteria and clusters.
Cluster B
Intrusion symptoms such as unwanted memories and dreams.
Cluster C
Avoidance of memories or reminders of the event.
Cluster D
Negative thoughts and mood changes linked to the event.
Cluster E
Hyper‑arousal including irritability, startle, and sleep issues.
Positive screen
All cluster minimums met; suggests further clinical evaluation.
Total score
Sum of all item ratings from 0 to 80.