Two Symptoms I Wanted To Mention.

[Faith Hope Charity]

Hi all. Just wanted to talk about a couple signs I noticed early on, and would love to hear your imput.

First off, I noticed a diminished comprehension and difficulty to view things from someone else's point of view in a verbal conversation....to stay "present" in the conversation and understand what that person was talking about.

Secondly, I noticed a diminished ability to recall short term things, especially visual memory. This has seemed to worsen over time.

 

[J_trustno1]

Hi faith,

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry that you are experiencing these symptoms. I can relate to the first one because I can't focus on other people's words because my mind is elsewhere stressing about unnecessary things of life. The second one seems a bit of a worry. Have you tried talking to a professional about these symptoms?

 

[Faith Hope Charity]

Thanks for your response. I've told professionals, but haven't received much help with it, or perhaps just told the wrong professionals.

 

[Faith Hope Charity]

Just to be clear on my post above, the symptoms I've mentioned are not in addition to the PTSD, but part of it for me. This post may be in the wrong forum.

 

[joeylittle]

Hi, @Faith Hope Charity - I moved your post here because those two symptoms you mention are not necessarily considered "common" PTSD symptoms. I have come across other threads relating to similar issues within this forum, and so it is a good fit here.

With the first one you mention - would you describe it as difficulty concentrating, or is it literally a comprehension issue, like their words don't make sense?

The second thing might warrant a visit to a neurologist. Are you on any medications?

 

[J_trustno1]

Hmm, can you try seeing someone else? There could be some other health problem that needs to be checked in order to make sure there isn't something serious.

 

[bell]

@Faith Hope Charity, if I remember correctly, you haven't been formally diagnosed, correct? And that you've seen several different doctors and they have said you had other things? I can't underestimate the importance of: a) listening to what doctors are telling you and b) at least trying their advice.

It may be that you have PTSD, maybe not. But it's a good first step to do what the doctors (esp if it's doctors and not 1 doctor alone) and see if that helps lessen your symptoms.

 

[anthony]

I noticed a diminished comprehension and difficulty to view things from someone else's point of view in a verbal conversation....to stay "present" in the conversation and understand what that person was talking about. Secondly, I noticed a diminished ability to recall short term things, especially visual memory.

Both are normal symptoms of PTSD.

From the diagnosis, symptom clusters D and E cover these two points more than adequately:

D. Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:

1. Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s) (typically due to dissociative amnesia and not to other factors such as head injury, alcohol, or drugs).
2. Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., "I am bad," "no one can be trusted," "The world is completely dangerous," "My whole nervous system is permanently ruined").
3. Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others.
4. Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
5. Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
6. Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
7. Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings).

E. Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:

1. Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
2. Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
3. Hypervigilance.
4. Exaggerated startle response.
5. Problems with concentration.
6. Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep).

 

[joeylittle]

@anthony, I'm just not seeing general short-term memory issues; memory issues relating to trauma, yeah - but I think @Faith Hope Charity is describing daily short-term memory loss, sort of like the kind you get with a TBI or certain medication side-effects or DID. But I'm sure you're right - can you point it out for me?

 

[anthony]

See, problems with concentration. That is short-term memory issues. Concentrating and remembering things going on within your immediate and near present.

Reading something, then forgetting what you read, is a very normal PTSD symptom when you're still carrying a lot of the trauma unresolved.

 

[anthony]

People too often read the symptom profiles, and they don't think about the broader context of meanings within some symptoms. I remember my psychiatrist years back, actually had a list that expanded each symptom to include possibilities in words broader context, just to demonstrate the vast nature beyond the immediate symptom that occurs due to enduring trauma, and whilst the brain carries a lot of that trauma in its unresolved state (distress).

It was eye opening to say the least... and he is a leading PTSD specialist. It compiled the list solely to show each patient with PTSD, as that was pretty much his bread and butter, just how many of the things they outlined to him fell within the context of the diagnosis.

 

[joeylittle]

Ah - ok, makes sense. Concentration is the symptom I have never fully understood. Always checked "no" for "do you have trouble concentrating?"...because I was working very hard in order to concentrate, and managing to do it, by working very, very hard and getting headaches. Yes, that is actually trouble concentrating.

@Faith Hope Charity, are you working with a therapist right now? I hear you about doctors:

I've told professionals, but haven't received much help with it, or perhaps just told the wrong professionals.

It sometimes does take some knocking on doors to find someone who actually can understand your symptom set in the way you personally describe it.