Undiagnosed Newbie here - how do i get a proper diagnosis?

[Lucycat]

I am sure that I suffer from C-PTSD.

Hi @May24 and welcome to the forum.

I understand how difficult it is to get people to recognise the diagnosis of CPTSD, but I am wondering does it actually matter for you? Will having that diagnosis enable you to access any support or services that are not currently available? Is it a matter of feeling validated in your trauma and suffering?

The Netherlands are praised for being at the forefront of research into PTSD and CPTSD so you are well-positioned to access a psychiatrist who will understand you if you choose to do so.

On this forum, there are people with very traumatic histories and no diagnoses at all, and there are those with multiple diagnoses. There is a difference between nations as we, here in the UK do not need a diagnosis to access services, whereas those in the US do I believe. Furthermore there is the discrepancy between the DSM which is published by the American Psychiatric Association, and the ICD which is from the World Health Organisation. They are similar but different, and the UK tends to favour the ICD. I don't know which one the Netherlands uses to decide on criteria. What all this means is that a diagnosis in one country might not quite match that in another.

But does any of this matter ? If so why? Clearly you need help and support to deal with your traumatic childhood regardless of the label you have or do not have. It is perfectly acceptable on this forum to discuss symptoms and difficulties regardless of a diagnosis.

 

[May24]

For insurance reasons, that’s all. I get by very well though fortunately.

 

[EveHarrington]

I think you’re stuck until actual memories of a criterion A trauma surface.

You can’t officially be diagnosed with PTSD until there is “proof” of a trauma, usually in the form of memories.

If you go elsewhere you’ll likely end up with the same result.

 

[May24]

I do remember being raped at the age of 15. I do remember being assaulted by my GP at the age of 16. I do remember being assaulted at other occasions, even as a very small child. I do remember my brother telling guests that he abused me when I was small. I do remember waking up when I was very small and my father was laying next to me in my bed. I do not remember the details! I do remember my mother giving me sleeping pills 'because I wake up too early'. So being drugged and not remembering details is not enough?

 

[littleoc]

I think that's enough. I'm not a professional, but it at the very least is distressing.

 

[EveHarrington]

Wait....You have enough memories of trauma to meet criterion A of the PTSD diagnosis.

I advise seeking out someone new who can diagnose you.