VetHub PTSD Self‑Check + AI Questioner
For veterans who want a private, structured way to understand symptoms and plan next steps.
Server-side Gemini API • Key from .env

PTSD self-check (screening, not a diagnosis)

Important: This is not medical advice and cannot diagnose PTSD. It can help you organize symptoms and decide whether to seek a professional evaluation.
If you feel in danger or might hurt yourself/others: call 911, or call/text 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line).

Step 1 — Quick context

Tip: keep this high-level. You do not need to describe the event.

Step 2 — Symptom questions (PCL‑5 style)

Rate how much you have been bothered by each symptom in the past month: 0=Not at all, 1=A little bit, 2=Moderately, 3=Quite a bit, 4=Extremely.

Step 3 — Ask the AI (Gemini)

I understand this tool is not a diagnosis and I can stop at any time.
Your answers are sent to your server and then to Gemini to generate guidance. Do not include names, SSNs, unit info, or other sensitive identifiers.
AI output will appear here.
References: PCL‑5 is a 20‑item PTSD symptom checklist (screening tool) commonly used clinically; scoring and cluster rules are described in public clinical references. This page uses Gemini API server-side via models.generateContent.

How to use this responsibly

  • PTSD requires a clinical diagnosis. A questionnaire can flag risk, but it cannot confirm PTSD.
  • If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or interfering with work/home relationships, consider getting evaluated.
  • If there is any risk of self-harm or harm to others: call 911, or call/text 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line).

What “higher scores” can mean

A higher symptom score can suggest your symptoms are more intense and more likely to merit a professional PTSD evaluation. Some clinical references use a score around the low 30s as a screening cutoff (varies by setting). This tool displays a conservative interpretation and encourages clinical follow-up.

Common next steps (non-emergency)

  • Schedule an evaluation with a VA mental health clinic, a Vet Center, or a community clinician.
  • Bring notes on: symptom onset, frequency, triggers, sleep, avoidance, mood, and functional impact.
  • If you pursue a VA claim later, the VA will generally want: a diagnosis, an in-service stressor/event, and a nexus.