Undiagnosed Confused - Questioning my Diagnosis: Complex PTSD?

[anonymous12345]

Hi All,
I am going on 48 years of age and was diagnosed with severe depression (features of melancholy and catatonia) over ten years ago. I have felt my life has gone of track since my career ended 5 years ago. End of last year I managed to complete TRTP trauma therapy (The Richards Trauma Process linked here) because I suspected I may be a victim of a negligent parent growing up. Although my younger brother was on the receiving end too, but he doesn't seem to have mental illness like I do. That and the wim hof method breathing technique (whm linked here) has helped me greatly with my mood and calmness!

The reason I am confused is I have emailed my doctor to ask if I qualify as a c-PTSD sufferer or not. I ask because firstly it doesn't seemed to be recognized by the WHO. Maybe the UK ICD-11 yes!? Secondly talk therapy seems to just put me into a bout of depression. Thirdly, family life feels estranged and so I struggle with the idea that perhaps I am a victim of Narcissistic abusers.
But confusing because no one has told me about any Narcissistic Personality Disorder diagnoses in my family.
I am going through a crisis situation at the moment with my share house and I felt like now may be good time to at least ask if the advice from family is good. I have been trying to fill the gap
in my support network which my family fails to fill. Thank you for having me in community forum!! Have a wonderful day/evening/night

 

[Riley Jones]

Hi All,
I am going on 48 years of age and was diagnosed with severe depression (features of melancholy and catatonia) over ten years ago. I have felt my life has gone of track since my career ended 5 years ago. End of last year I managed to complete TRTP trauma therapy (The Richards Trauma Process linked here) because I suspected I may be a victim of a negligent parent growing up. Although my younger brother was on the receiving end too, but he doesn't seem to have mental illness like I do. That and the wim hof method breathing technique (whm linked here) has helped me greatly with my mood and calmness!

The reason I am confused is I have emailed my doctor to ask if I qualify as a c-PTSD sufferer or not. I ask because firstly it doesn't seemed to be recognized by the WHO. Maybe the UK ICD-11 yes!? Secondly talk therapy seems to just put me into a bout of depression. Thirdly, family life feels estranged and so I struggle with the idea that perhaps I am a victim of Narcissistic abusers.
But confusing because no one has told me about any Narcissistic Personality Disorder diagnoses in my family.
I am going through a crisis situation at the moment with my share house and I felt like now may be good time to at least ask if the advice from family is good. I have been trying to fill the gap
in my support network which my family fails to fill. Thank you for having me in community forum!! Have a wonderful day/evening/night

Hello and welcome to our community forum! I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling with severe depression and feeling like your life has gone off track. It's great to hear that you've found some relief through TRTP trauma therapy and the Wim Hof Method breathing technique. It's important to find things that work for you and bring you a sense of calmness and improved mood.

Regarding your question about whether you qualify as a sufferer of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), I'm not a medical professional, but I can offer some general information. While the World Health Organization (WHO) does not currently officially recognize C-PTSD as a separate diagnosis in its ICD, that doesn't mean it isn't a valid condition. C-PTSD is recognized by some other diagnostic manuals, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It might be helpful to discuss this further with your doctor or a mental health professional who can provide you with a more accurate assessment and help clarify your symptoms.

I understand that talk therapy hasn't been effective for you and that you're feeling estranged from your family. Connecting with others who have had similar experiences can provide a sense of validation, support, and understanding. Our community forum is a space where you can share your experiences and connect with others who have experienced trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD. It can be helpful to hear from people who truly understand what you're going through and offer advice based on their own journeys.

In addition to the general discussion forums, we also have specific forums dedicated to different topics related to PTSD and C-PTSD. These forums can provide more focused support and information on topics such as therapy, coping strategies, and relationships. Exploring these forums might help you fill the gap in your support network and gain valuable insights.

Remember, while connecting with others who have had similar experiences can be helpful, it's also important to seek professional help if needed. A mental health professional can provide you with personalized guidance and support.

Once again, welcome to our community forum. I hope you find comfort, support, and valuable connections here. Take care, and I wish you a wonderful day/evening/night!

 

[Friday]

In order to have CPTSD, you must FIRST have PTSD.

It is NOT as simple as

Trauma = PTSD
Complex Trauma = CPTSD

Many people with complex trauma have PTSD, and many people with trauma do NOT have PTSD.

- Trauma = A dozen different diagnoses… or none. But that doesn’t mean no effect, “just” not a disorder level of effect.
- Complex Trauma = A dozen different diagnoses… or none.

It just reeeeeally isn’t as simple as trauma/complex trauma = XYZ.

Unfortunately.

Welcome to the community!

 

[Freddyt]

Welcome to the Community!

It's a bit confusing but reality is you need to find the conditions that may indicate trauma first. Then the events that make up trauma.....or possibly something totally different, then you are a this or a that.

 

[anonymous12345]

Thank you. I have an appointment with my GP to ask if I should be diagnosed as Narcissistic abuse disorder and c-ptsd.
Regarding the support, I have a situation with a housemate who I am told will be evicted in next 2 weeks. This is for getting drunk and attacking my wall, hurling abuse and vomit to my door and he is just generally the housemate from hell always. This has triggered me and left me feeling like I am homeless once again.
One family member advised I should walk into the police station. Another family member advised I contact the tenants union in case I need to withhold my
rent if things get worse from here. As mentioned in my original post, I felt my family was not there for me when I needed support network last year before my
Trauma therapy break through at the end of last year. Any advice appreciated!

 

[Freddyt]

Thank you. I have an appointment with my GP to ask if I should be diagnosed as Narcissistic abuse disorder and c-ptsd.

You need to see a mental health proffesional, a Psychiatrist to be exact to begin your journey.

 

[anonymous12345]

You need to see a mental health proffesional, a Psychiatrist to be exact to begin your journey.

Oh thank you will try that as talk therapy with a psychologist no longer a great option for me perhaps!

 

[Freddyt]

Oh thank you will try that as talk therapy with a psychologist no longer a great option for me perhaps!

It is helpful in some ways but you need someone who understands trauma to really move forward.

 

[DharmaGirl]

Regarding your question about whether you qualify as a sufferer of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), I'm not a medical professional, but I can offer some general information. While the World Health Organization (WHO) does not currently officially recognize C-PTSD as a separate diagnosis in its ICD, that doesn't mean it isn't a valid condition. C-PTSD is recognized by some other diagnostic manuals, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It might be helpful to discuss this further with your doctor or a mental health professional who can provide you with a more accurate assessment and help clarify your symptoms.

The WHO does recognize C-PTSD and the DSM-V does not recognize it. Check your facts Riley.

 

[anonymous12345]

Doctor advised that yes, after working with me and hearing of my upbringing I absolutely suffer from complex PTSD.