Why do they ask me this?

I've had 3 neuropsych evals and also had to reveal the PTSD diagnosis to some medical drs. They all want to know why I have PTSD. I tell them well I have flashbacks related to the accidents I've survived. BUT the flashback and jumpiness, etc didn't start till AFTER I saw someone lying dead on the road after an accident then just a few months later I witnessed a guy being beaten by 6 other guys and I started having PTSD symptoms after those two things.

Now here's the part I want to know-- they always want to know where and who I witnessed being beaten. Then they just say "oh" and seem not to believe me at what I witnessed. Why do they ask me specifically about that incident and nothing about the other stuff I mentioned? My current T also says my childhood abuse is part of the PTSD.

HI, I think whenever medical professionals are questioning us its hard. SOme have better bedside styles. Sorry you witnessed the scenes you have, I know what thats like also.

Next time, ask them why they need to know "who" and what and all. It is enough that you witnessed it. They may be voyeurs in general, as much of the population is imo. Why not just say you witnessed some really bad stuff being done to someone else.... seems the less info you can reveal the better...and the less retraumatized you might be for NOT having to "see" it all again by telling.

I never until now thought about all the accidents I witnessed and voluntarily worked,...on those who did not make it... as a part of my history and what may have led up to my diagnosis after a near-death accident of my own. I'm sure the pain/stress mgmt psychologist I see already noted this!

Thanks Sky! That's a good idea which I never thought of as I'm bad at giving TMI. Instead of saying I witnessed a crime, I should say I witnessed something bad happen to someone else. Maybe they will just leave it be.