PTSD Self-Assessment

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a natural response that some people experience after going through or witnessing something deeply distressing or life-threatening.

The symptoms can feel overwhelming—unwanted memories, avoidance of reminders, shifts in mood, and feeling constantly on edge. These responses are your mind's way of trying to protect you, even when they feel difficult.

How PTSD Develops

PTSD can emerge after experiences like combat, assault, accidents, natural disasters, or other deeply distressing events. It's important to remember that not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD—each person's response is unique.

Several factors influence whether someone develops PTSD, including the intensity of the experience, past experiences, available support systems, and individual coping styles. Having strong support and healthy coping strategies can make a meaningful difference.

Common Experiences

• Unwanted memories or dreams about the difficult event
• Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or reminders of what happened
• Negative thoughts about yourself or the world around you
• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
• Difficulty experiencing joy or positive emotions
• Increased irritability or unexpected anger
• Trouble sleeping or restless nights
• Being easily startled by sudden sounds or movements
• Feeling constantly on guard or unsafe

Understanding Your Score

Your score offers a glimpse into how trauma-related experiences may be affecting your daily life. Higher scores suggest more significant impact, which may benefit from professional support. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• 0-4: Minimal signs of distress
• 5-9: Mild signs of distress
• 10-14: Moderate signs of distress
• 15-20: Significant signs of distress

Paths Toward Healing

Gentle Self-Care Practices

• Explore mindfulness or relaxation techniques at your own pace
• Nurture your body with restful sleep and gentle movement
• Stay connected with people who make you feel safe and supported
• Try grounding exercises when memories feel overwhelming
• Be mindful of alcohol and substance use as coping mechanisms
• Make time for activities that bring you moments of peace or joy

Professional Support Options

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – helps process difficult thoughts
• Prolonged Exposure (PE) – gently helps reduce avoidance
• EMDR – uses guided eye movements to process memories
• Trauma-Focused CBT – especially helpful for younger people

Medication as Support

Sometimes medication can help ease the intensity of symptoms while you work through healing. Common options your doctor might discuss include:

• SSRIs (like sertraline or paroxetine) to help stabilize mood
• SNRIs (like venlafaxine) for both mood and anxiety symptoms
• Prazosin, which can help reduce distressing nightmares
• Short-term anti-anxiety medication during particularly difficult periods

When to Reach Out for Support

Consider connecting with a professional if you notice:

• Symptoms that persist beyond a month
• Daily life becoming difficult to manage
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Using alcohol or substances to manage feelings

PTSD Across Different Life Stages

Children and Teens

Young people may show their distress differently than adults. Signs to watch for include:

• Returning to earlier behaviors like bedwetting or thumb-sucking
• Acting out the scary event through play
• Becoming unusually clingy with parents or caregivers
• Difficulty focusing at school
• Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares

Older Adults

Older adults may face unique challenges with trauma, including:

• Symptoms that resurface during major life transitions
• The cumulative weight of multiple life experiences
• Physical health issues that may intensify symptoms
• Social isolation that limits access to support
• Need for careful medication management
• Potential benefits of life review therapeutic approaches

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd