[Christina86]

But what is "atypical post traumatic stress disorder"?

I'm looking at the discharge summary prepared by my former psychiatrist, and he wrote that (on top of dysthymic disorder and ruling out personality disorders) but there's no explanation of what it is, and I can't find information about it?

What makes something "atypical"?

(I'm also horribly curious as to what he thinks caused this diagnosis. I'm not disagreeing with it, since I've gone through some stuff. But I'm wondering what would you do to figure out what CAUSED it in the first place if your entire life is just a accumulation of issues...)

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Christina86

But what is "atypical post traumatic stress disorder"?

I'm looking at the discharge summary prepared by my former psychiatrist, and he wrote that (on top of dysthymic disorder and ruling out personality disorders) but there's no explanation of what it is, and I can't find information about it?

What makes something "atypical"?

(I'm also horribly curious as to what he thinks caused this diagnosis. I'm not disagreeing with it, since I've gone through some stuff. But I'm wondering what would you do to figure out what CAUSED it in the first place if your entire life is just a accumulation of issues...)

in laymans terms it means your PTSD symptoms are sometimes the opposite of what a majority of people with this disorder have. your PTSD are unique, you have PTSD symptoms that are not the normal kind of symptoms.

example

laughing when most people with PTSD cry from symptoms that stem from a childhood trauma.

instead of having a panic attack like most people with PTSD, when hit unexpectedly with a trigger the person doesnt show they are scared they appear to continue on as if nothing is going on.

staying in control instead of falling apart when under extreme stress that would cause most people with PTSD to throw in the towel.

you are one special, unique person where conventional treatment options dont necessarily work. to solve your problems, symptoms it may take working outside the box instead of inside a textbook style box that usually works for others.

[Christina86]

Thanks!! That really helps, as does the example. Too bad I am normally an person who fits outside of the box. :S Thanks!

[Nightside of Eden]

Very interesting. I have never heard of "atypical" PTSD before, but it would fit me pretty good as well, as many of my symptoms are not the norm for the disorder.

Thanks for the information!