Poll At What Age Were You Diagnosed with PTSD?

[winterlion]

PTSD diagnosis

I was diagnosed with PTSD at age 52 but had been pushing back the symptoms since 1993 when my the husband threatened to kill my son and myself. We divorced in 2004 but the onset of PTSD was 18 months later. I just had my 3 year anniversary of PTSD.

 

[void]

I'm just curious, to see at what age people here were diagnosed with PTSD?

My therapist and my doctor and several instructors keep insisting that's what I've got, but most other people keep telling me I'm too young (23), and haven't been in any wars, and therefore the fault is all mine and I just need to "not be such a wimp and deal with things better".

that is very common for docs to think that acute wartime experiences are the only sources of PTSD. the attempt to blame you is the lie of a fool! believe those of us who understand when we tell you that it wasn't your fault. Peace to you.

 

[reallydown]

I was diagnosed earlier this year...I'm 23...going on 70...but the symptoms have gone on for a long time...and the more I rememeber, as well as having read some academic articles on childhood trauma, I probably exhibited symptoms much earlier. What do they mean you're too young? Sheesh...and it's not your fault! I was told by one of the counsellors that it's very common for people who've expereinced trauma as children to start feeling the symptoms around 10 years later...

 

[Hollow]

I was diagnosed when I was about 18,5 years old. I had been in the "system" for quite a while, but "too young" for them to diagnose me. At the time of the diagnosis I were admitted to a psych.hospital, and there was really no doubt at all.


My first feelings, I remember as if it was yesterday; I'm not crazy after all!

 

[Mercy]

sad for you trapped

I was diagnosed in my mid-twenties (I'm 30), however, both Therapists that I've seen for my PTSD believe I started showing symptoms of PTSD in my childhood.

Dear Trapped,
I am sad for you that your therapists would deny your reality and suffering. My personal thoughts ( and please disregard them if they don't fit for you) are that it might be good to find someone who is a specialist or at least competent at working with PTSD. Being believed in a safe environment can really help. I don't think age matters. Pain matters. Some young children show PTSD symptons. If you know you have a need then it is time to go to work on it.

 

[Acer]

the first time, at 21 or 22. I thought it went away. The second time? between 37 and 38 (not long ago). I guess it didn't go away after all.

 

[Lion]

I was diagnosed the first time when I was 12, but when you're a kid they don't tell you much and I would not have understood what the Dr was talking about anyway. To me it was a really bad experience and I was told that it would go away by family members-the "time heals" line which I'm sure others have heard.

Issues started coming back up frequently in my 30's, and full blown in the 40's. It ebbs and flows but never really leaves me.

 

[stephanie]

I was diagnosed at 32. Two years after being shot. I'm 38 now.

 

[NarcSis]

I heard mention of a theory about PTSD and increased frequency in middle age...don't quote me on it and don't think it is exclusive to middle age. Trauma can occur at any age, symptoms can manifest throughout, worsen at points and sometimes we can't identify the trauma consciously. The brain is a complex organ.

 

[Marlene]

Medic72, I was just thinking about the same thing and came to this post to check out ages that are listed. From reading here, this post and talking to others, it seems that the median age for diagnosis seems to be in or towards middle age. I know this is true for me.

Makes me wonder if anyone is studying if this is due to a change in the human brain post 30 or if it's reaching the point with age that you've become secure enough in yourself to deal with the past. Nature vs. nurture sort of thing.

Lisa

 

[midi]

At 34, however, that was almost 2 years after the accident. I had a very violent first 22 years of life, and some of my behaviours, like self-harming, have been present since I was little, so... Maladaptive behaviours were simply seen by myself and others as weaknesses or laziness.

 

[dust]

37.... full blown... first adult indication of symptoms was at 28 and I have memories of PTSD-like symptoms at 12