Can I have PTSD?

I am just wondering if you could possibly have PTSD without having gone through a traumatizing experience? I am exhibiting symptoms of PTSD, but I have never had anything traumatizing happen to me. Just wondering if this is possible.. thank you xx

Almost everyone has experienced something traumatic in their lives, although not everyone reacts the same way--that's why when two people go through the same trauma, one may develop PTSD and the other may not. Also, PTSD can have a delayed onset, so symptoms can develop months or even years after a traumatic event, which can make it seem like it came out of nowhere.

That being said, PTSD symptoms have a lot of overlap with symptoms of other disorders. What particular symptoms are you having that make you think it might be PTSD rather than something else?

^This

In cases of PTSD, the brain structure actually undergoes a change in an attempt to change the thinking patterns of the person suffering it to deal with trauma. Literally, their brain changes. Because of this, PTSD can actually be tough to diagnose properly. It took 15 years for them to properly diagnose my wife as having PTSD instead of normal depression or bipolar or ... the list was long.

But as Geis said, there are numerous other issues that can have similar symptoms. So it's probably best to talk to a therapist or psychiatrist about your symptoms.

I am pretty sure trauma is required for the diagnoses, though there are other disorders with similar symptoms or symptoms that over-lap that could that could be similar to PTSD.

Have you visited a psychiatrist? If not, you better go and check with the doctor. I think what you are feeling is just psychological even if you didn't experience any traumatic situation. Some are like that, though.

You won't be diagnosed with PTSD unless you have experienced a certain kind of trauma as outlined in the DSM. Have you looked at the diagnostic criteria for PTSD?

Hi Kate,
I too was diagnosed w ptsd by my therapist after my psychological evaluation three weeks ago .my is caused by what my dad did to me before he died and I'm seeing a therapist and now on meds for it .anything can trigger ptsd .