A little clarity. A first step.
Childhood trauma self-assessment
Make sense of what you are experiencing.
Early adversity may continue to affect safety, trust and emotional responses in adulthood.
Quick Summary
- This free self-check is for adults. It is an original reflection checklist, not a validated clinical instrument. There is no diagnostic score or cutoff.
- This checklist cannot establish forgotten events or prove that current difficulties were caused by childhood trauma. Share only what feels manageable. [1]
- Seek support if these experiences concern you or affect daily life, regardless of your answers.
01
Start the self-check
Consider your current and past experiences. Follow any time reference in each question.
For adults aged 18+. Choose one response to each question. You can review or clear your answers.
Consider your current and past experiences. Follow any time reference in each question.
Your reflection
This checklist cannot establish forgotten events or prove that current difficulties were caused by childhood trauma. Share only what feels manageable.
Finding suitable support →Completed
No account or email is needed. Answers are processed in this browser and are not submitted or stored by this assessment. A later enquiry is separate.
02
Understanding your reflection
The list helps organise concerns for a professional conversation. It does not calculate severity or the probability of a condition.
Seek support if these experiences concern you or affect daily life, regardless of your answers.
What this self-check cannot establish
This checklist cannot establish forgotten events or prove that current difficulties were caused by childhood trauma. Share only what feels manageable.
03
Finding suitable support
A GP or qualified health professional can assess your experiences, their history and impact, and possible physical or medication-related explanations. If you are exploring private care, THE BALANCE can explain its assessment process and suitability. A checklist cannot decide whether you need outpatient or residential care.
Explore related care
Developmental Trauma Treatment in Adults →
No account or email is needed. Answers are processed in this browser and are not submitted or stored by this assessment. A later enquiry is separate.
Questions about this assessment
Can this assessment diagnose me?
No. This original checklist has not been clinically validated. It helps you describe experiences, but cannot confirm or rule out a condition. The topic-specific limitations above also apply.
Is it free, and who sees my answers?
It is free and requires no email. Your answers stay in this browser and are not sent to admissions. You choose whether to make a separate enquiry and what to share.
Does this mean I need residential treatment?
No. The appropriate care setting depends on a full assessment, physical health, daily functioning and existing support. Your questionnaire answers alone cannot decide this.
Evidence and sources
The source supports the background explanation. It does not validate this original checklist. Clinical and language review are pending.
Not sure where the situation fits?
Your admissions team
A confidential first conversation can help clarify the presentation and whether our setting is appropriate.