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Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5)

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The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) is a screening tool designed to identify persons with probable PTSD. Available data suggest the PC-PTS-5 screen should be considered "positive" if the respondent answers "yes" to any 3 items in the questions listed below. Those screening positive should have further assessment with a structured interview for PTSD, preferably performed by a mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing PTSD. 

 

Sometimes things happen to people that are unusually or especially frightening, horrible, or traumatic.

For example:
  • a serious accident or fire
  • a physical or sexual assault or abuse
  • an earthquake or flood
  • a war
  • seeing someone be killed or seriously injured
  • having a loved one die through homicide or suicide

If you have ever experienced this type of event, please answer the following:

In the past month, have you:

Had nightmares about the event(s) or thought about the event(s) when you did not want to?

Tried hard not to think about the event(s) or went out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you of the event(s)?

Been constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?

Felt numb or detached from people, activities, or your surroundings?

Felt guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others for the events(s) or any problems the event(s) may have caused?

 

0 yes answers

Interpretation:

  • Current research suggests that the results of the PC-PTSD-5 should be considered "positive" if a patient answers "yes" to any three items.

Suggested Resources

Sources

  • Prins A, Bovin MJ, Smolenski DJ, et al. The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5): Development and Evaluation Within a Veteran Primary Care Sample. J Gen Intern Med. 2016;31:1206-11.

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