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What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event (accident, violence, sexual assault, natural disaster, war). It affects approximately 10–20% of people exposed to trauma. PTSD is characterised by intrusive re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of trauma reminders, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and persistent hyperarousal. It can emerge years after the initial trauma.
Key symptoms
PTSD symptoms cluster into 4 groups: intrusion (involuntary memories, flashbacks, recurrent nightmares), avoidance (avoiding thoughts, emotions, or situations recalling the trauma), cognitive and mood alterations (guilt, shame, persistent negative emotional state, feeling of detachment), and hyperarousal (hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, irritability, sleep disturbance). Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) results from repeated or prolonged traumatic exposure.
About the PCL-5
This test uses the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), developed by the US National Center for PTSD. It is the most widely used PTSD screening instrument in clinical research and medical practice. A score ≥ 33 is associated with a probable PTSD diagnosis. If your results suggest PTSD, consulting a trauma-specialised mental health professional is strongly recommended.