PC-PTSD-5: Primary Care PTSD Screen

Screen for PTSD in primary care with the five-item PC-PTSD-5. A score of 3 or more is positive.

By Dr Amer Sheikh, GP Updated 17 October 2026 Clinical review pending

Runs in your browser. Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.

What is the PC-PTSD-5?

A short screen for post-traumatic stress disorder, developed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. It is in the public domain.

It first asks about exposure to a traumatic event, then five yes/no questions about the past month.

Interpretation

Score	Result
0–2	Negative screen
3–5	Probable PTSD: assess fully

NICE NG116 recommends trauma-focused psychological therapy for adults with PTSD.

Frequently asked questions

What PC-PTSD-5 score is positive?

A score of 3 or more out of 5 suggests probable PTSD.

Is the PC-PTSD-5 free to use?

Yes. It was developed by the US VA and is in the public domain.

What happens after a positive screen?

Arrange a full assessment and consider referral for trauma-focused therapy.

Every tool you use, on one free desk

PC-PTSD-5 is one of more than 150 UK primary care tools on MedToolbox. Pin your favourites and sync them to every device. Free for healthcare professionals, always.

Open MedToolbox

Related tools

References

Prins A, Bovin MJ, Smolenski DJ, et al. The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5). J Gen Intern Med 2016;31(10):1206–11.
NICE. Post-traumatic stress disorder. NG116. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116

MedToolbox supports, and does not replace, clinical judgement, national guidance and local policy.