Introduction
Shut-D explores shutdown-type responses such as altered sensation, difficulty moving or speaking and feeling faint. Its 13 questions focus on bodily and sensory experiences associated with overwhelming stress.
The original research developed a structured interview around the defence-cascade model. Timing and circumstances matter: what was happening, how the experience began and what followed help distinguish episodes that may otherwise sound similar. Faintness or sensory changes also have medical contexts outside trauma.
DES-II covers a broader range of dissociative experiences, including absorption and memory gaps. Shut-D is more focused on shutdown responses. A clear description of an episode is more informative than using a single broad term such as disconnected.
Instructions
There are 13 questions. These questions have been designed for adults and cover experiences within the last 6 months or in the months since the trauma occurred (for people who have experienced only a single trauma that occurred less than 6 month before).
Symptoms known to be caused by an “acute or chronic medical condition or peripheral neuropathy”, alcohol or drug use, medication side-effects, or similar effects during adolescence or the beginning of the menopause should be excluded.
Scoring and result metrics
The result page reports a local screening score for this questionnaire. Use the score range, any subscale scores, and the interpretation band together rather than treating one number as a diagnosis.
- Score range
- 0-39
- Items scored
- 13
- Result indicators
- Total score / Interpretation band when available
Score interpretation bands
- 0-9Low shutdown dissociation
Scores of 9 and below indicate low levels of shutdown dissociation.
- 10-39High shutdown dissociation
Scores of 10 and higher indicate high levels of shutdown dissociation.
Interpretation bands summarize screening thresholds from the questionnaire source material. Higher scores usually indicate more of the measured concern unless the tool notes a different scoring rule.
Tool information
- Version
- 13 questions
- Administration
- Self-report
- Intended audience
- Adults and older adolescents reviewing shutdown-type dissociation after overwhelming stress or trauma, preferably with professional support available
Sources
Related tests
Explore related screening tools in the same topic area.
Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II)
DES-II asks how often experiences such as absorption, memory gaps, detachment from oneself and a sense of unreality occur.
Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG)
The Inventory of Complicated Grief asks about experiences after someone has died, including preoccupation, painful memories, disbelief and difficulty reconnecting with ordinary activities.
Primary Care PTSD Screen (DSM-5) (PC-PTSD-5)
PC-PTSD-5 begins with a question about exposure to a traumatic event, followed by five questions about recent responses.