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.

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.

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.

Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) test

Is it just a phase or something more? Take our short online PTSD test to find out if you're living with PTSD.

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You are not alone

Everyone experiences bad memories and fears that seem to creep up when you least expect them. But for many trauma survivors who suffer from PTSD, the triggers can be numerous and the nightmares can feel insurmountable.

You deserve to feel better

When you're up against nightmares and unwanted memories of a traumatic event, things may feel like they'll never change. But you don't have to manage PTSD symptoms alone. You're here — exploring how to get support — which is a powerful first step. By taking the online PTSD test and connecting with a licensed therapist, you'll get the guidance to manage your post-traumatic stress and feel happier, healthier, and more empowered every day.

Change starts with a single step

Our network has thousands of licensed therapists and prescribers experienced in treating PTSD. After taking the self PTSD test, you can get matched with a dedicated therapist to help you work through difficult feelings and memories of a stressful experience. We’ll help you achieve your mental health goals — all from the privacy of your device.

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jow

@__jow, April 30, 2019

I’m so grateful for @talkspace. Really did change the whole idea of therapy for me. ❤️

Kristen Bolden

@kboldens, May 03, 2019

"I used @talkspace a couple years ago and benefited greatly. As someone who is terrible at talking about anything in person, I cannot recommend this resource enough."

Sam⭐

@Figgstar, April 23, 2019

I am using @talkspace to speak with a therapist since my work schedule is all over the place. It's honestly one of the best things to have discovered this past week.

jow

@__jow, April 30, 2019

I’m so grateful for @talkspace. Really did change the whole idea of therapy for me. ❤️

Kristen Bolden

@kboldens, May 03, 2019

"I used @talkspace a couple years ago and benefited greatly. As someone who is terrible at talking about anything in person, I cannot recommend this resource enough."

Sam⭐

@Figgstar, April 23, 2019

I am using @talkspace to speak with a therapist since my work schedule is all over the place. It's honestly one of the best things to have discovered this past week.

Begin the PTSD test

Take our short online PTSD test to get answers and start managing your mental health condition symptoms & feelings.

Begin test

Begin the
PTSD test

Take our short online PTSD test to get answers and start managing your mental health condition symptoms & feelings.

Begin test

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.
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.
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.