Post-Event Symptom Checklist

Post-Event Symptom Checklist

Following a critical incident, individuals often present with a wide array of symptoms that are difficult to articulate. This directive offers a structured method for an initial assessment of post-event reactions. It helps to systematically screen for common physiological, cognitive, and emotional responses without overwhelming the person. The goal is to establish a clear baseline of the individual’s current state, which informs subsequent support and intervention planning.

The instrument is a guided self-report, prompting the individual to identify specific experiences in a contained format. This process helps externalize what can feel like a chaotic internal state, facilitating a more focused clinical conversation. For the practitioner, the worksheet provides a concise summary of primary concerns, allowing for targeted inquiry and more effective planning for intervention.


Post-Event Symptom Checklist

Recurring thoughts about the event (intrusive thoughts)
Recurring nightmares about the event
Flashbacks of the event
Sleep or appetite disturbances
Acting or feeling as if the event is recurring
Persistent anxiety or fear
Feeling on edge or constantly alert
Hypervigilance
Feeling depressed or sad
Lack of energy or persistent fatigue
Memory difficulties, including trouble recalling details of the event
Difficulty with attention and concentration
Trouble making decisions
Low frustration tolerance
Irritability or outbursts of anger
Feeling emotionally numb or withdrawn
Sense of disconnection or feeling different from others
Unpredictable mood swings
Restricted range of emotions
Sense of a foreshortened future
Overly fearful or protective of loved ones
Avoidance of reminders of the event (people, places, activities)
Unexplained physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches, etc.)
Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or medication
Other:

Generated with Rapport7 — rapport7.com

Print it. Hand it over. See what changes.

Every directive in the library is printable — branded with your clinic name and logo, ready to go home with the client at the end of the session.

See Membership Options