[Betty_Banana]

When I started therapy, I was diagnosed with PTSD during my 2nd or 3rd session. To be honest, I had never really heard of PTSD, and didn't really know what it was at the time. I was really surprised to receive that dx.

But, I'm wondering, is it really that obvious ? Or was it just because my T is a trained professional and can spot those types of things easily? I feel a little self conscious now because of such a speedy dx, especially considering the fact the fact that I started therapy for problems with my children, not for myself at all.

[Evening]

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, I ALWAYS suggest getting a second opinion. It doesn't mean that the diagnosis is definitely wrong, but I have been wrongly diagnosed before and it didn't exactly help my recovery. Did your therapist diagnose you thoroughly (i.e. get an idea of your background, symptoms, etc.) or did they just, well, diagnose you?

[Betty_Banana]

Now that I have learned alot about PTSD, I know it's an accurate diagnosis. I was just surprised that my T spotted it right off the bat like he did.

[Open Eyes]

Your lucky that your T is not jumping on the wrong path and can see what is truely effecting you. The most important thing now is to get therapy and work on finding balance in yourself.

((((Hugs)))))

Open Eyes

[Perna]

If you know nothing about a subject, it is always going to seem unusual or new when one hears about it. I think we often enter therapy precisely because we do not know ourselves well so yes, someone else looking from the outside might be able to see things we have not yet.

Originally Posted by Lost_In_Thought

When I started therapy, I was diagnosed with PTSD during my 2nd or 3rd session. To be honest, I had never really heard of PTSD, and didn't really know what it was at the time. I was really surprised to receive that dx.

But, I'm wondering, is it really that obvious ? Or was it just because my T is a trained professional and can spot those types of things easily? I feel a little self conscious now because of such a speedy dx, especially considering the fact the fact that I started therapy for problems with my children, not for myself at all.

yes it is probly obvious

[beauflow]

lost in thought hugs . i can relate to being dx with ptsd and being like what? What? i never thought about that in depth thou knew what it was. maybe partial being false to myself. my worries now with this t and two pdocs seeing this i wonder how many out side ppl see it too. hugs and be well

[Betty_Banana]

Originally Posted by beauflow

i wonder how many out side ppl see it too.

I wonder that too. But, most people don't really think of PTSD unless you've been in combat or something I think, so they prob. just think I'm 'different' or 'strange'.

I do wonder what my co-workers think when I startle so easily though. I have a very exaggerated startle response, so I am one of those people that actually jump and scream if approached unexpectedly.

They have never really said anything about it, and I have never asked them what they think. Some think it's funny and go out of their way to startle me just so they can laugh at me while I'm panicking. Most others are kind enough to announce themselves when they walk behind me or if they are going to come up close to me.

It's very humiliating actually and one of the things I hate most. If the people that laugh knew what it felt like to be startled, they wouldn't be laughing.

[Open Eyes]

Oh, as far as your question about the PTSD being obvious, a therapist is trained to see the symptoms. And people who experience and learn about what it means can also often spot it in others who may or may not be aware they are experiencing it. Lost in Thought is correct, most people dont think about it or respect what it is. Often they can consider some of the signs as just an over emotional person. As Lost in Thought relates the exaggerated startle response, well I have had that as long as I can remember, no one ever suggested it was a sign of PTSD and yes, often people poked fun of it or basically remarked that I should stop looking over my shoulder so much and relax.

Open Eyes