complex post traumatic stress

(((Deli)))
You make a good point here. I've actually thought about this, too, as to whether or not BPD truly does fit for some. Some of it does for me, but some of it doesn't. I guess it's like any other diagnosis, often times (well, at least with me), it seems that people don't fit neatly into one criteria. I know I don't, lol.

Take care!

((((crystalrose)))) Sorry to say even if the therapist explains over and over again to relatives the hows and whys of your behavior because of the PTSD ...and what PTSD causes etc... they . will. not. understand!!!!

PTSD is that much of a beast of a diagnosis...permeates throughout your life and influences every aspect of your thinking and acting...until therapy shows you how to understand it, and with time helps you to regain some control, and retrain the brain for things that the PTSD messed up. (There are actual brain chemical changes...and trauma itself causes an imprint at the time that means the trauma isn't "filed" correctly in memory....

But you can learn to live where the PTSD won't affect you constantly, and where it won't be interferring in your life 24/7. That's more than some can say of relatives. TC

Hi everyone,

Sorry to drag this up again, but I just now found this thread and wanted to help shed some light here. My T has mentioned complex ptsd to me as a way of understanding my symptoms. We did not have a lengthy discussion about it (nor have we ever discussed my dx to be honest with you). But it did help me to understand and--more importantly--I hope it helps T in his treatment plan for me.

This part of the Judith Hermann quote really says it all. Think of it like this. There used to be only one type of diabetes. However, now that there are two types, physicians have a much greater understanding of how to help their patients. It would be my wish that an understanding of complex ptsd offers the T more tools in his toolbox to use and offer the client. Having said that, please know that I don't believe nor do I think that any T believes that this means there is anything "simple" about ptsd Type I! It is a difficult dx no matter which way you look at it, but looking at it through the proper lens will give both you and your practitioner a more thorough understanding of your experience.

Peaceout

You're right. There's no such thing as simple PTSD. Being stuck in trauma, no matter what the origin or duration of the trauma, is quite severe in and of itself.

I think we could sit here and brainstorm a list of types of PTSD and have excellent research or resources to justify each and every one of them. Combat PTSD, Rape-trauma PTSD, chronic PTSD, acute PTSD, delayed onset PTSD, CSA PTSD..

But, a person who has PTSD could have the very same symptoms as someone with Complex PTSD. I have PTSD (chronic, delayed onset), but I have every single one of those symptoms listed under Complex PTSD, but maybe I'm not a good judge whether Complex PTSD is a justifiable diagnosis since I had one major trauma that is considered the cause the PTSD and several slightly less severe traumas- one of which actually triggered the onset of the PTSD symptoms 6 months after the major trauma.

And, you're right! There needs to be better tools for recovery and maybe there needs to be more trauma-specific therapies. I cringe at some of the suggested therapies. Ain't no one touching me, I don't care if it is "healing touch"! You know what I mean? My therapist has been trying to get me to do EMDR (is that what the eye movement therapy is called?). But, I can't because the only pdoc that does it in my area is a man I do not know- which is extremely counter-productive for me due to my trauma. She's had several clients helped tremendously by it, so maybe when I am stronger I can try it.

Anyway, until the DSM includes any PTSD categories, none will be widely used. The insurance companies only go by DSM diagnoses, so that's what pdoc's use.

TY MissCharlotte for your views and thank you Reflection for yours as well.

I think we can all agree that there are sub-types to PTSD, just as there are sub-types to Bi-Polar Depression, Schizophrenia, or Diabetes, or Heart Failure...etc. This is a good place for all to be.

It really matters not what the DSM and Insurance Companies say!! The DSM is merely a book of guidelines...(written by us); another tool for our practitioners to use, and Insurance Companies...well, there is a reason that I private pay for my treatment!!!

Most importantly...NO ONE lives between the covers of the DSM. LIFE IS NOT TEXT BOOK!!! The DSM is NOT a Bible...and Insurance Companies are not God!!!

How many more dead horses must we beat?

Blessed Be....