Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) test

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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  How is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed?

  For an individual to be diagnosed with PTSD, that person must experience certain symptoms that impair their daily functioning for at least one month following a traumatic event. These PTSD symptoms may include flashbacks, disturbing thoughts or dreams, avoiding reminders of the event, having difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious or on edge, difficulty controlling anger, negative thoughts or feelings, and a lack of enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities.
  
  Talkspace providers will conduct a PTSD screening to provide a full diagnosis using the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5.

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  What tests are used to diagnose PTSD?

  Several tools are used to assess PTSD, including the Post Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS), The PTSD Checklist (PCL), and the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS). A mental health professional can administer assessments and can create a personalized treatment plan to support your mental health goals.
  In addition to multiscale personality inventories, a mental health professional may use self-report documentation and structured interviews to gather additional data to make a  PTSD diagnosis.

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  Can you self-diagnose PTSD?

  Several self-assessments for PTSD can be found online. These tests may help you gain awareness of your PTSD symptoms, but only a licensed mental health professional can make a mental health diagnosis.