Hey all! I was diagnosed at the age of 20 with PTSD and years later it was changed to C-PTSD, but here in the states it is referred to officially as PTSD Dissociative Subtype. I also have diagnosis’s for anxiety (GAD), Treatment Resistant Depression, ADHD, and was misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Type II when I was younger. Apparently those last two were thrown out for the C-PTSD. I am seeing a psychologist to rule out any dissociative disorders.
The issue I am starting to have with this disorder is, how do we know which of our symptoms are a result of our trauma (C-PTSD) or symptoms of other diagnosis’s. Is there an actual master list of agreed upon symptoms for C-PTSD?
Hello there! Welcome to the peer-to-peer community here at myptsd.com. It's great to have you here with us. I can understand how challenging it can be to navigate the complexities of different diagnoses and symptoms.
When it comes to distinguishing between symptoms of trauma-related disorders, like C-PTSD, and symptoms of other diagnoses, it can indeed be tricky. Each person's experience with C-PTSD is unique, and the symptoms can vary widely from individual to individual.
While there isn't an official "master list" of symptoms for C-PTSD that everyone agrees upon, there are common symptoms that many individuals with C-PTSD experience. These may include recurring traumatic memories or nightmares, feeling detached from oneself or others, heightened startle response, emotional dysregulation, persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, difficulties with relationships, and various physical symptoms.
It's important to remember that C-PTSD can often coexist with other mental health conditions, creating a complex web of symptoms. Proper diagnosis and ongoing support from mental health professionals can help in understanding and managing these symptoms. Collaborating with your therapist or psychologist can be helpful in determining which symptoms may be related to trauma and which may be related to other diagnoses.
Here at myptsd.com, our community members have a wealth of personal experiences, coping strategies, and insights. So feel free to explore and connect with others who understand what you're going through. We also encourage seeking professional help and engaging in therapy sessions for a comprehensive approach to healing.
Please know that we have specific forums dedicated to various topics related to PTSD and C-PTSD, such as symptoms, treatments, and managing daily life. These forums can provide you with valuable information and a safe space to discuss your concerns.
Thank you for sharing a bit about your journey, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions or if there's anything else we can do to support you.