No (known) Criterion A

[Anarchy]

Reading through @stenni's thread on "calling troll". I was intrigued by the views expressed in @simplySimon's compilation of members views on criterion A https://www.myptsd.com/threads/calling-troll-on-new-posters.53065/page-2#post-847655

Partial disclosure; I don't have a formal diagnosis (and don't want one), and have no conscious memory of what went on in the first six months of my life.

but I do have the scar tissue.

After a few years of believing that I couldn't possibly have PTSD (The only PTSD I'd heard of prior to last year, was the <2% of cases that are combat related), I now find PTSD to be a very useful paradigm for trying to understand my half century on this planet.

For many, Criterion A is a classic "Catch 22" situation. The trauma has resulted in dissociative amnesia - so we have no conscious memory of that trauma, and in many cases, even if we had, it's probably far too triggering to admit to anyway...

Is there any other "diagnosis" which requires something that one of the main symptoms of - precludes you knowing about it or being able to freely communicate it?

How do we deal with this, both for ourselves and for the "vaguely unhappy individuals" who come here wondering if they might have PTSD?

 

[sun seeker]

You might get something out of this thread that I posted when pondering a similar question:
https://www.myptsd.com/threads/i-wonder-what-made-me-this-way.51585/

I've come a long way since posting this. Hope it helps.

 

[Friday]

Is there any other "diagnosis" which requires something that one of the main symptoms of - precludes you knowing about it or being able to freely communicate it?

While it's not the main point of your writing... Yes. Many, many, many neurological disorders, by virtue of it affecting the brain, the person themselves is either the last to know, or the least capable of seeing the effects, much less judging their scope, or explaining them.

Spoiler: More info on that

Part of the reason proper (meaning done correctly in this case) diagnosis is such a long and cumbersome process is for that selfsame reason. Self reporting is extremely limited for several reasons*, and biased by nature. At best, self reporting is one of the smallest aspects of diagnosis, but unfortunately many people spend 5 minutes with their GP and self reporting is the entire extent of their diagnosis :( Regardless of the disorder or condition.

Proper / diagnosis done correctly takes a fair bit of time. There are thousands of differentials to be run. Most are eliminated fairly quickly... (Blood & urine tests eliminate about 3/4s in one go as long as a full work up is ordered)... But that still leaves several hundred things that need to be carefully considered. Someone who spent 3 months focusing on neurology & abnormal psych out of 8 years of education? Is simply not qualified to run that portion of the diagnostic. And yet? While that same doc will send something very simple (like cardiology) to a specialist in the blink of an eye and refuse to touch it themselves? For some reason thinks that the most delicate, complicated, and least understood organ of our body is totally within their purview. Getting neurology or psychiatric referrals is like pulling teeth with most GPs. They simply don't know what they don't know, and treat self reporting neurological issues like self reporting physiological issues. Oy vey! Danger Will Robinson!

* Just a few of those reasons: (Tied for First) A person both has to know that something is, indeed, abnormal; and also has to know that it exists, period. Neither of which is common. Then a person has to accurately describe it, ideally in a way that makes sense to the listener, and given proper weight (Think how subjective pain scales are, for a moment... And how neurotypical people often think they "understand" hypervig or any other symptom... Until they see it in action). There's 5 very common problems off the bat, and truly, only the tip of the iceberg.

 

[Chava]

Have you read Bessel Van Der Kolk's "The Body Keeps the Score"? I just started it but it resonates with my whole understanding of trauma. I was diagnosed PTSD a long time ago after an assault and suicide attempt but didn't feel comfortable with the therapist or even the diagnosis at the time because I was such a mess before the assault (extremely self destructive and probably more dissociative than I realized).

What I really relate to is Judith Herman's CPTSD description and Van Der Kolk's description of DTD (developmental trauma). They encompass all the complex and early trauma symptoms (also understanding there may be very few story-like or complete memories, and sometimes the memories are completely absent). These were backed by trauma experts. The vote to include CPTSD in the DSM IV was in favor of adding it, and then it just disappeared. No DESNOS or DTD made it into DSM V either. Instead we've invented more symptom-based diagnosis relating to mood regulation and social engagement. So you can feel like you are messed up in several unrelated ways? I feel really awful for the traumatized children piling up loads of these diagnosis without it all being connected in a way that is useful and also validates their reality.

Anyway, I recommend the Van Der Kolk book if you haven't read it. I do remember some of my traumas but sense I don't remember the primary ones (and I don't remember parts when I was unconscious). But even snippets of sensory or emotional memory don't get me any words. Trauma shuts down the entire language center of our brains....so it's tricky to "go there" and also find a way to communicate it. Trauma experts understand this (as well as the special situation of traumatic memory). This is a big challenge in therapy but it helps that I'm not doing talk-focused therapy.

As for the unhappy people coming here and wondering if they have PTSD, I'll always tell them I can't know and they should see a trauma specialist for a face-to-face and thorough intake and assessment (history, past and present symptoms, etc). Some therapists will work from the trauma angle based on the mix of trauma-like symptoms or self-regulatory challenges, without needing the perfect memories or details.

 

[Recovery4Me]

How do we deal with this, both for ourselves and for the "vaguely unhappy individuals" who come here wondering if they might have PTSD?

I found the safest bet is if I am able to in the moment, is to offer acceptance and some empathy. It is in their hands to choose if they wish to find out their specifics with a qualified T. Many people, such as maybe yourself...clearly do not feel the need to have the paper trail or official diagnosis. I have mine, as a result of mass therapy of reconstruction.:) I will walk with you in your journey with or without such criterion: because you are valuable no matter what to many of us here.

Consider for a moment that there are many such stories through out history of people doing wonderful things without being 'officially' recognized by everyone. I think my HP known as JC was one.:clown: Don't worry now, be happy.:hug: