What this complex ptsd measures
This complex ptsd quiz estimates self-reported complex PTSD emotion flashback shame loop relational trigger safety hypervigilance symptom frequency signals patterns across four domains. Twenty-two original frequency items group into emotion flash, shame loop, relational trig, safety hyper. Each item also maps to a fear-of-intimacy stack layer. A second results chart inspired by FOIS-style intimacy avoidance themes from Descutner and Thelen (1991), adapted to this topic. Your complex ptsd symptom index averages these patterns into a 0 to 100 score where higher numbers mean more endorsed complex PTSD emotion flashback shame loop relational trigger safety hypervigilance symptom frequency signals on this screener, not a clinical diagnosis.
Emotion flash
How often complex PTSD emotion flashback frequency signals appear.
Shame loop
How often complex PTSD shame loop frequency signals appear.
Relational trig
How often complex PTSD relational trigger frequency signals appear.
Safety hyper
How often complex PTSD safety hypervigilance frequency signals appear.
How it works
Answer 22 frequency items
Rate each frequency statement from Never to Very often. You click Next after each answer; there is no auto-advance.
Items map to domains and intimacy stack
Answers accumulate percentages for four primary domains plus four fear-of-intimacy stack layers.
View index, band, and charts
Results show Lower, Mixed, or Higher signal bands with domain bars and stack chart.
Take the complex ptsd quiz
Complete 22 items to receive your complex ptsd symptom index, four domain bars, fear-of-intimacy stack chart, and band label.
What your result means
Your complex ptsd symptom index is the normalized total across all 22 items on a 0 to 100 scale. Domain bars show which pattern drives your result most. The fear-of-intimacy stack chart shows parallel closeness-guarding layers.
| Band | Index range | Typical reading |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Complex PTSD Symptom Concern | 0 to 35 | Fewer endorsed complex PTSD emotion flashback shame loop relational trigger safety hypervigilance symptom frequency signals patterns; situational stress can still raise scores briefly |
| Mixed Complex PTSD Symptom Concern | 36 to 65 | Blend of occasional and recurring complex PTSD emotion flashback shame loop relational trigger safety hypervigilance symptom frequency signals signals worth tracking with a clinician if persistent |
| Higher Complex PTSD Symptom Concern | 66 to 100 | Frequent complex PTSD emotion flashback shame loop relational trigger safety hypervigilance symptom frequency signals signals; schedule professional evaluation, not self-diagnosis |
What your report looks like
What this quiz can and cannot tell you
Can tell you
- How you report complex ptsd patterns on this screener
- A complex ptsd symptom index and four domain bars plus fear-of-intimacy stack
- Vocabulary for follow-up conversations or study review
- A baseline before retaking after life or coursework changes
Cannot tell you
- Diagnose any mental health or medical condition from self-report alone
- Replace medical monitoring, therapy, or workplace safety evaluation
- Predict crisis risk without a licensed clinician assessment
- Label you permanently from one online frequency screener
Complex PTSD symptom index and sibling screeners
This complex ptsd screener uses original frequency items across four domains: emotion flash, shame loop, relational trig, safety hyper. Results include a 0 to 100 index and fear-of-intimacy stack chart.
Browse the mental health & clinical hub for sibling quizzes with distinct question banks. Pair with our fear of intimacy quiz when results touch closeness themes.
| Test | Focus |
|---|---|
| Emotional trauma test | General trauma screen rather than complex PTSD frequency items |
| Anxiety test | PTSD symptom focus rather than complex PTSD specific cues |
Complex PTSD Quiz FAQ
What does this complex ptsd measure?
22 frequency items map to four domains plus a fear-of-intimacy stack. You receive a complex ptsd symptom index from 0 to 100. Not a diagnosis.
What is the fear-of-intimacy stack?
A second results chart with vulnerability pull-back, trust hesitation, self-disclosure limits, and closeness anxiety adapted to this topic.
How long does the quiz take?
About 5 minutes for 22 items with session autosave.
Who reviewed this content?
Dr. Elena Vasquez, PhD reviewed the test framing and result explanations. See our editorial policy for review standards.
Does a high score on this quiz diagnose complex PTSD?
No. It describes self-report frequency patterns on these items only. Only a licensed clinician can evaluate trauma related disorders after assessment.
Can I retake the quiz?
Yes. Session data saves in your browser until you clear it or retake from results.
Reviewed by
