It is estimated that about 14 million adults in the U.S. will experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in any given year. The condition can develop after any traumatic event, including combat, hurricanes, earthquakes or experiences like mass shootings, assaults or even car accidents. However, despite how common this disorder is, treatment- seeking is low, with only about half the people who have PTSD receiving the treatment.
To help people understand PTSD, Google has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and VA’s National Center for PTSD to provide simple, direct access to information that may help those who are suffering.
Now when users search for PTSD in the U.S. on their phones, a Knowledge Panel for the disorder will appear, providing an overview, facts and treatment information. The same panel also has a link to the PC-PTSD-5, a clinically validated screening questionnaire to test one’s likelihood of having PTSD.
By tapping “check if you may have PTSD,” users can answer a private questionnaire to assess their likelihood of having PTSD, and have a more informed conversation with their doctor. Getting an in-person assessment is essential to a diagnosis of PTSD, and this commonly- used screening tool provides users with important information they can bring to their appointment.
PTSD can be treated, and the PC-PTSD-5 can be a crucial step toward getting proper diagnosis and treatment. If you, a family member or friend is struggling, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the VA’s National Center for PTSD can provide support and information.