Is it possible not to know?

Hey there.
I am just wondering, is it possible to have PTSD without even realising that's what you have?
I had something happen to me back when I was still a kid. I was about 11 at the time so not even a teenager.
Without going into details the incident forced me to become a man very quickly. Never even had the good old teenage years, was just instantly an adult.
There are things that I say are "PTSD related" but I have never been diagnosed with it or anything.
It is possible that might be the case? That it's part of me and no-one has picked up on it?
thanks

B

Yes, of course it is. My understanding is PTSD is frequently misdiagnosed as other things. It was in my case.

Yes. I recently realised I've had PTSD for years.

I think so...I was recently diagnosed with complex PTSD, which I have had for goodness knows how long. At least now that I know I can work on it and begin the journey towards wellness. I hope you find your answers soon.

Yes it takes insight into one's self to realize one has PTSD, I had a similar experience to you. It was like I instantly grew up after a traumatic childhood event, my childhood and teenage years never happened. I felt like I lived before I was born and still to this day cannot relate to people my age.

Here are the criteria required to be diagnosed with PTSD.
Appendix E: DSM-IV-TR Criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

There are a number of similar diagnoses with overlapping symptoms, so it's really important to see a qualified professional for an accurate diagnosis to get the treatment you need. Good luck! I hope you don't have it!

Yes! Absolutely! I dealt with PTSD for 16 years before I finally went to get help and was diagnosed with it. I only thought that PTSD was an illness that Military men and women suffered from. After my diagnosis, I was filled with hope because now I knew what it was and that there was help out there for it.

I only associated it with a one-time trauma, like combat or a rape or disaster. I never heard of the C variant until a few months ago.

sure it is possible.

I know someone who has nightmares, anxiety attacks. they did not know it was called PTSD and that it was rooted in the fact that they lost their home in Hurricane Sandy. those symptoms just started one day after they moved into their new home.

Sometimes I go through PTSD symptoms with out knowing what the cause is and that its PTSD. my first thought when I have PTSD symptoms is great another anxiety attack time to get my depression/anxiety disorder meds checked. my first thought isnt....oh great PTSD again... I go to my treatment providers. they ask me questions, I answer them and they tell me...looks like this is PTSD from ...