How Do You Know

[JFSurvivor]

How do you know if you have complex PTSD or PTSD?

 

[Riot]

@JFSurvivor, well, the post automatically linked you to each one respectively, so there's that. I would be careful about self-diagnosing either one, though. Your best bet is to find a qualified specialist for whatever it is that is ailing you, and go from there.

Quote from one of the links:

CPTSD is not presently a diagnosis, regardless of your location in the world, as the new criterion for PTSD now covers complex trauma under the sub-type diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – With Prominent Dissociative (Depersonalization/Derealization) Symptoms.

 

[Lucycat]

How do you know

For me the psychiatrist told me. I had never heard of either before, except for soldiers.

 

[Riot]

@Lucycat, same here.

 

[Panda Bear]

My Therapist diagnosed and told me it was complex PTSD....for insurance it comes up as "prolonged ptsd". Complex PTSD doesn't have its own place in the DSM.

 

[JFSurvivor]

@JFSurvivor, well, the post automatically linked you to each one respectively, so there's that. I would be careful about self-diagnosing either one, though. Your best bet is to find a qualified specialist for whatever it is that is ailing you, and go from there.

Quote from one of the links:

CPTSD is not presently a diagnosis, regardless of your location in the world, as the new criterion for PTSD now covers complex trauma under the sub-type diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – With Prominent Dissociative (Depersonalization/Derealization) Symptoms.

I was diagnosed by a therapist with PTSD....I had read somewhere that C-PTSD is not in the DSM so I didn't think that therapists would diagnose you with it.

 

[Riot]

@JFSurvivor, nope. If you read the link you'll see why.

It used to be an informal way to describe other symptoms, but in the recent updates it was included in the PTSD diagnostic. I think most people use it now just out of habit, when chatting or describing it. I actually didn't know that it was included until more recently. I think it's great it was included. :)

 

[JFSurvivor]

@JFSurvivor, nope. If you read the link you'll see why.

It used to be an informal way...

cool!

 

[TinkerG]

I was diagnosed by a therapist with PTSD....I had read somewhere that C-PTSD is not in the DSM so I didn't think that therapists would diagnose you with it.

I was diagnosed in 2000 with Complex PTSD due to 'stockholm syndrome" (the original name for CPTSD) effects of DV, by a psychiatrist. It refers to a kidnapping event in which the captive began to identify with their captor and all that encompasses that. Shell shock is what they used to call PTSD from combat vets, which refers to the way you would react if a shell exploded nearby...dazed and confused. Insurance companies and practicing doctors have been the driving force behind the "defining" of diagnoses and compartmentalization of these illnesses. At least this is how it was explained to me.

I've found that, as it pertains to me, CPTSD and PTSD should be two different diagnoses, but I really dont care as long as its in the DSM.