We provide PTSD testing, which typically involves a combination of self-report or parent-report questionnaires, scientifically normed tests, and structured clinical interviews. This post covers the three types of assessment we can provide: trauma evaluations for adults who experienced the trauma after childhood, childhood trauma testing for adults, and trauma assessments for children, all of which differ significantly. We can give an online PTSD test or in person, and these evaluations can stand alone or be part of a more comprehensive assessment. If you have any questions about how a trauma evaluation would benefit you or a loved one, please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
PTSD Testing Overview 
The following are the basic components of PTSD testing for adults who experienced the trauma after childhood.
PTSD Testing Self-Report Questionnaires
These are often used as psychological screening tools to help gauge symptoms, but they are not diagnostic in themselves.
- PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5)
- A 20-item online PTSD test questionnaire based on DSM-5 criteria.
- Measures symptom severity and helps monitor changes over time.
- Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R)
- An online PTSD test that measures distress caused by traumatic events.
- Focuses on symptoms like avoidance, intrusion, and hyperarousal.
- Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS)
- Self-rating scale assessing the frequency and severity of PTSD symptoms.
- Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI-2)
- Online PTSD test that assesses acute and chronic trauma symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and dissociation.
PTSD Testing Structured Clinical Interviews
These online PTSD test options are more in-depth.
- Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)
- Considered the gold standard online PTSD test for diagnosis and trauma evaluation.
- Assesses frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms over the past week or month.
- Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
- A broader interview covering multiple psychiatric conditions, including PTSD.
- PTSD Symptom Scale Interview (PSS-I)
- A semi-structured trauma evaluation interview focused on assessing PTSD symptoms.
Additional Psychological Tests
While not PTSD-specific, these may be used to assess related concerns like anxiety, depression, or cognitive function:
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2)
Biological or Physiological Assessments (Less Common)
- Brain imaging (e.g., fMRI)
- Cortisol level testing (stress hormone analysis)
PTSD Testing Key Points to Keep in Mind
- No single online PTSD test can provide a full picture—usually, multiple tools are combined.
- While some of these online PTSD test instruments can be self-administered, you are much better off having a comprehensive assessment by a trained professional like us who can integrate the findings and give you detailed ideas for addressing symptoms and reducing their impact.
- Results of an online PTSD test battery can guide treatment plans, including therapy types (e.g., EMDR, Cognitive-behavioral therapy for trauma, DBT).
Childhood Trauma Testing for Adults
Most commonly, childhood trauma testing for adults typically focuses on assessing the long-term emotional, psychological, and behavioral effects of traumatic experiences. This involves online PTSD test tools that identify past trauma, current symptoms, and their impact on daily life. Below are common assessments:
Self-Report Childhood Trauma Testing for Adults
These are the childhood trauma testing for adults tools we commonly use, often choosing two of the four depending on the client and trauma.
- Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)
- A widely used 28-item questionnaire.
- Assesses five types of childhood trauma:
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional neglect
- Physical neglect
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire
- Measures exposure to 10 common adverse childhood experiences.
- Helps estimate the risk for long-term health and mental health issues.
- Trauma Symptom Checklist for Adults (TSC-40)
- Evaluates trauma-related symptoms in adults.
- Focuses on anxiety, depression, and dissociation.
- Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II)
- Screens for dissociative symptoms often linked to childhood trauma.
- Includes questions about memory gaps, identity confusion, and detachment.
Clinical Interviews
- Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
- A diagnostic tool used in childhood trauma testing for adults tool that can identify trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- Trauma History Screen (THS)
- A brief interview assessing exposure to traumatic events and their emotional impact.
- Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)
- Gold-standard interview for PTSD diagnosis.
- Can also be tailored to focus on childhood trauma if relevant to current symptoms.
Psychological and Emotional Impact Assessments
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
- Evaluates depression symptoms common in trauma survivors.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)
- Screens for anxiety disorders related to trauma exposure.
- Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-IV)
- Identifies personality disorders and chronic psychological conditions often linked to early trauma.
Additional Testing for Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
- International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ): Measures symptoms of Complex PTSD, including emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, and interpersonal difficulties.
- Life Events Checklist (LEC-5): Assesses exposure to potentially traumatic events, including childhood abuse and neglect.
Case Example: Adult Online PTSD Test Battery
Client: Sarah, 32 years old
Presenting Issue: Persistent anxiety, difficulty forming relationships, recurring nightmares, and episodes of dissociation.
Referral Reason: Sarah was referred for a trauma evaluation after experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks at work.
PTSD Testing Process
The following is the process we would follow for this hypothetical trauma evaluation
1. PTSD Testing Initial Intake and Clinical Interview
- Tool Used: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
- Purpose: Establish current symptoms and identify potential diagnoses such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorders.
- Outcome: Sarah reported a history of emotional neglect and verbal abuse from her primary caregiver during childhood. She also described witnessing domestic violence regularly.
2. Childhood Trauma Testing for Adults History Assessment
- Tool Used: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), a cornerstone of childhood trauma testing for adults
- Purpose: Assess specific childhood trauma experiences and their frequency and severity.
- Outcome: The CTQ revealed high scores in Emotional Abuse, Emotional Neglect, and Witnessing Violence categories.
3. PTSD Testing Symptom Assessment
- Tool Used: Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) used in childhood trauma testing for adults
- Purpose: Evaluate PTSD symptoms and their severity based on DSM-5 criteria.
- Outcome: Sarah met the criteria for Chronic PTSD with symptoms of avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and frequent flashbacks.
4. Emotional and Psychological Impact Assessment
- Tool Used:
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) — Evaluates depressive symptoms.
- Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II) — Assesses dissociation levels.
- Outcome:
- Moderate-to-severe depression symptoms were detected (BDI score: 28).
- High dissociation levels were noted, including periods of memory loss and feeling disconnected from her body (DES score: 45).
5. Functional Impact Assessment
- Tool Used: Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI-2)
- Purpose: Understand how trauma symptoms affect daily functioning.
- Outcome: Sarah struggles with trust, setting boundaries, and managing intense emotional responses in relationships and work.
PTSD Testing Summary Report
- Diagnosis: PTSD (Chronic), Major Depressive Disorder (Moderate), Dissociation (Significant symptoms).
- Key PTSD Testing Findings:
- Significant childhood emotional neglect and abuse.
- Persistent trauma-related symptoms impacting daily life and relationships.
- Coping mechanisms include avoidance, emotional suppression, and dissociation.
Childhood Trauma Testing for Adults Recommendations:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) — Address maladaptive thought patterns.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) — Process traumatic memories.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — Develop emotional regulation and coping skills.
- Medication Management: SSRI for anxiety and depression symptoms.
- Support Groups: Join trauma recovery peer groups for shared experiences and support.
Key Takeaways from the PTSD Testing Case Example:
- Comprehensive Testing Matters: Multiple tools were used to capture Sarah’s trauma history, symptom severity, and emotional impact.
- Holistic Approach: Addressing both trauma-related symptoms and functional impairment is crucial.
- Professional Involvement: An expert clinical psychologist from our group conducted the assessment and designed the treatment plan.
Trauma Assessments for Children
Assessing trauma in children requires specialized tools that consider their developmental stage, communication abilities, and managing emotional dysregulation. Below are common methods and tools used in trauma assessments for children:
Self-Report Questionnaires (Child-Reported)
These tools are typically used for older children and adolescents who can express their experiences and emotions in a trauma evaluation.
- Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS)
- Measures PTSD symptoms in children aged 8–18.
- Includes questions about re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal.
- Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC)
- Used in trauma assessments for children ages 8–16.
- Evaluates anxiety, depression, anger, and dissociation related to trauma.
- UCLA PTSD Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI)
- Used in trauma assessments for children ages 7–18.
- Screens for trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms.
- Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS)
- Used in trauma assessments for children ages 7–17.
- Measures traumatic exposure and PTSD symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria.
Structured Trauma Assessments for Children
These trauma evaluations involve direct interaction with a trained professional and are often paired with caregiver reports.
- Kiddie-SADS (K-SADS)
- Semi-structured interview for children and parents.
- Assesses mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related symptoms.
- Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA)
- Gold-standard interview for diagnosing PTSD in children.
- Assesses symptom frequency and intensity.
- Trauma History Interview (THI)
- Collects a detailed history of traumatic events from both child and caregiver.
Caregiver/Parent-Report Questionnaires
Parents or caregivers provide insight into a child’s behavior and emotional responses.
- Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
- Identifies emotional and behavioral problems, including those related to trauma.
- Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC)
- Used in trauma assessments for children ages 3–12.
- Caregiver report on trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
- Young Child PTSD Checklist (YCPC)
- For children aged 3–6.
- Assesses symptoms of PTSD in early childhood.
Play and Projective Trauma Assessments for Children
For younger children or those unable to verbally express trauma, play and creative therapies are often used.
- Therapeutic Play Assessments
- Observing children’s play for themes of fear, aggression, or avoidance.
- Draw-A-Person Test (DAP)
- Children draw figures, and the drawings are analyzed for trauma-related themes.
- Sandplay Therapy
- Children create scenes with miniature figures in a sandbox, which can reveal trauma-related concerns.
Other Tools and Screeners
- Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5) – Assesses exposure to traumatic events.
- Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale (PEDS) – Screens for emotional distress in children aged 2–10.
Key Considerations for Trauma Assessments for Children:
- Developmental Sensitivity: Tools must match the child’s cognitive and emotional development.
- Multiple Informants: Combining child, caregiver, and clinician perspectives ensures a more accurate assessment. These assessments are often part of general child psychological testing.
- Cultural Competency: Tools should be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
- Professional Involvement: Only trained mental health professionals like us should conduct and interpret these assessments – these trauma evaluations should not be administered by parents.
Childhood Trauma Evaluation Case Example
Client: Jacob, 9 years old
Presenting Issue: Frequent nightmares, difficulty concentrating at school, increased irritability, and withdrawal from peers.
Referral Reason: Jacob was referred to a child psychologist after his teacher noticed sudden behavioral changes following the death of his mother.
Childhood Trauma Evaluation Process
1. Initial Intake and Clinical Interview
- Tool Used: Kiddie-SADS (K-SADS)
- Purpose: Assess current symptoms and gather family history to identify possible trauma-related conditions.
- Outcome: Jacob’s father reported that Jacob’s mother passed away unexpectedly 6 months ago, and Jacob had witnessed the event. He was also exposed to emotional distress during her illness prior to her death. Jacob has since become withdrawn and increasingly fearful of losing other loved ones.
2. Trauma History Assessment
- Tool Used: Trauma History Interview (THI)
- Purpose: Gather detailed information on traumatic events Jacob has experienced.
- Outcome: Jacob reported experiencing his mother’s illness and subsequent death as traumatic, and he described feelings of confusion and fear after the loss. He also recalled feeling helpless and unable to protect her during her final days.
3. PTSD Symptom Assessment
- Tool Used: UCLA PTSD Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI)
- Purpose: Evaluate PTSD symptoms based on Jacob’s responses to the trauma of his mother’s death.
- Outcome: Jacob displayed symptoms of intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance (refusing to talk about his mother), and hyperarousal (startling easily, irritability). He met the criteria for acute PTSD.
4. Emotional and Behavioral Functioning Assessment
- Tool Used: Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC)
- Purpose: Assess a broad range of trauma-related symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.
- Outcome: Jacob exhibited significant anxiety and depression symptoms, including excessive worry, sadness, and irritability. He also reported feelings of isolation and being “different” from his peers.
5. Family/Caregiver Report
- Tool Used: Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
- Purpose: Understand how Jacob’s symptoms manifest at home and in interactions with family members.
- Outcome: Jacob’s father reported that Jacob had difficulty falling asleep, often woke up in the middle of the night crying, and avoided talking about his mother. He also became easily upset during family gatherings and distanced himself from relatives.
Assessment Summary Report
- Diagnosis: Acute PTSD (with prominent symptoms of intrusive memories, hyperarousal, and avoidance), Adjustment Disorder (with depressive and anxiety features).
- Key Findings:
- Jacob’s trauma was directly related to the sudden death of his mother, an event he witnessed.
- Symptoms include nightmares, avoidance behaviors, irritability, withdrawal, and emotional distress.
- Symptoms significantly impact his functioning at home and school.
Treatment Plan Recommendations:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Focus on normalizing his reactions, teaching coping skills, and addressing trauma-related thoughts and feelings.
- Play Therapy
- Allow Jacob to express feelings of loss and grief through play, which can help him process emotions non-verbally.
- Family Therapy
- Engage Jacob’s father in therapy to support family communication and strengthen emotional bonds during the grieving process.
- Relaxation Techniques
- Teach Jacob techniques to reduce anxiety and manage emotional outbursts (e.g., deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation).
- School Support
- Work with school personnel to provide emotional and academic accommodations while Jacob adjusts to his grief.
Key Takeaways from the Case Example:
- Multifaceted Assessment: Using a combination of tools like the K-SADS, TSCC, and UCLA PTSD-RI gives a thorough understanding of trauma symptoms.
- Family-Centered Approach: Family involvement is key to providing the child with the support they need at home.
- Developmental Sensitivity: Tools like Play Therapy and TF-CBT ensure that the treatment plan aligns with Jacob’s age and developmental stage.
Our PTSD Testing Services
We offer PTSD testing in the categories mentioned here:
- childhood trauma testing for adults
- trauma assessments for children
- non-childhood trauma evaluation services for adults
How to Get PTSD Testing
We can offer an online PTSD test battery for children and adults for a variety of purposes, including treatment planning, educational and work accommodations, forensic evaluations, and self-help and holistic strategies. We only provide trauma assessments for children over 12 virtually; for younger children, we provide in-person services in Boston, New York, and Southern California. For childhood trauma testing for adults or testing for trauma experienced after childhood, we provide services to most of the U.S.
If you have any questions about our services, please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
