Is Ptsd Curable?

[Tympre]

I am in a trauma group for the last week and next week. Thursday a trauma specializing psychiatrist, stated that PTSD was curable. It would take 2 years with medication and therapy, but 5 years without. I find this about as believable as the old school peddler's seller snakes oil as cure all. But then Friday several other specialists, dealing with trauma, in various areas like sleep, anxiety, relationships and such, all stated the same. There was a exception that if the PTSD was overly complicated(was not aware of a simple version) then it could take longer. Has anyone else had several Therapists and Doctor's tell you this? I think the ones I hear from might be reading from a script.

 

[Abstract]

@Solara, I do think part of the problem is semantics. Other than Survivor I don't think anyone is keen on the word "cure" here. I know you believe in recovery but there seems to be an awful lot of sentiment that indicates a "this is as good as it gets" way of thinking. I have never seen one of Anthony's articles less supported than the one on recovery versus cure. With hard work I don't see a limit to how much we can heal.

I am not sure how many people accept that when symptoms drop to a certain point they no longer have PTSD clinically.

I am not sure how on earth me thinking this keeps me stuck though. It makes me sad that others think that way but I don't obsess about it and my belief that I can work on change is helpful in moving me forward. If I am not moving it is to do with terrible struggles with not being able to tell what is true and not with trauma, my dissociative symptoms that physically block me from doing things and my present inability to have therapy. All of which I am working on. Are they blocking me? Absolutely, but not this And I wouldn't wish anyone to have the war I have going on in my head all the time and certainly don't choose it. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

 

[Abstract]

Does it matter if there is a cure if I am happy?"

Hi Junebug,
Do you mean it doesn't matter word one uses when you get to a place where PTSD is no longer affecting you in significant ways or do you mean staying where you are and being happy? I don't think Intothelight meant the latter.

 

[Abstract]

Has anyone else had several Therapists and Doctor's tell you this?

I don't think many will use the word cure Tympre but it is believed to be treatable and that people can and do recover. From a clinical perspective you are cured of PTSD when you no longer meet the criteria as you no longer have it. It becomes an adjustment order at that point or possibly nothing at all.

We have had members here post in a state because they have been told by their psychiatrist that they no longer have PTSD, and they realise that their identity has become attached to the concept of PTSD.

 

[Tinyflame]

Oh no I didn't mean the latter @Abstract , more so managing the best one can (which is all any of us can do- and including adding all known means of tools we can to do so), and in the doing so if we are happy, does it matter if we carry a label of anything? Or another way to put it, 'cured' or not, if we are happy is it a big deal if we are 'cured'? The ptsd may still affect us in some areas in significant ways, but if we can (like the serenity prayer) "accept what we can't change, change what we can, and have the wisdom to know the difference" , and still be happy as possible in the moments, how much weight does a 'cure' carry?

If I lost a leg, I may get an artificial one, I may learn to run marathons like a few people, or I may take up a different sport entirely. Or I might remain in a wheelchair. But whether I'm happy or not (on a day-by-day basis), and doing the best I can, that will affect my life even more than whether they could fix my leg. And one still never knows, amazing things are possible, the future may hold great breakthroughs. But all we have is 'now'.

 

[Abstract]

I do not trust mental health professionals, period. I have documented and validated reasons for this.

Madhather, your situation with past therapy is one that would make anyone find it very hard to be in therapy. Obstacles like this one are huge and impact us deeply let alone the effect that they have in other areas of our lives. I can only imagine what it feels like as I have enough trouble without having had experiences like that. My comment about people not doing anything to change did not include you as I know you are working on change.

I wanted to say too that I understand not finding it easy to share. Not saying you are but I am cagey with a capital C. If you started with your perspective often a thread will look very different.