Ptsd - A Mental Health Problem?

[cherryblossom]

Ok, this might sound a bit of a strange question, but I need your opinions please. Is PTSD a "mental health problem"? Is that the best and only description of PTSD? Is there evidence that it is a brain injury, or some other physiological condition?
PTSD is caused by an outside stressor (trauma), where as most "Mental Health Problems" are thought to be caused by genetic vulnerabilities or deficiencies, plus environmental stressors. Or is PTSD the same? Are we predisposed to PTSD by genetic vulnerabilites?

 

[cherryblossom]

Oh, and just to add, if you are diagnosed with PTSD, and PTSD isn't curable, does that mean you could be classed as having 'mental health problems' for the rest of your life, even if your symptoms are well controlled?

 

[becvan]

I firmly believe that we should be classed as having a brain injury. Any of us, with PTSD, only need an MRI to show the dramatic changes to our brain. No other mental "illness" can say that. There is tons of evidence that our brains are damgaged and it's openly admitted to by health care around the world. Why in the world we are lumped into the mental health area is beyond me. As for being labelled with mental health for a lifetime, I do know that if your diagnosed as an adutl here, the answer is yes. As a child it's a maybe. My son is no longer listed as having PTSD because he no longer meets the criteria. I, on the other hand, have that diagnosis for life (I did not improve as drastically as he did.)

bec

 

[lovinbiker]

Are we predisposed to PTSD by genetic vulnerabilites?

Hi Cheeryblossom, I will answer the only question that I feel I can.
I would say that PTSD affects only some people that have suffered trauma
I.E 2 people can both be subjected to trauma but there is no garuntee if either will develop PTSD after PTS.
So IMHO I would say that like other mental health problems PTSD sufferers are predisposed by genetic vulnerbilities.. but that is just my opinion.

LB

 

[Tinyflame]

I do not know either, but I think increased sensitivity, increased anxiety, and lack of the means or ability to access support seems to play a role. Also, cumulative number of traumas (along with again the above), and/ or sustained trauma.

That being said, these traumas are considered 'abnormal events', (ie. 'normal' reactions to 'abnormal' happenings).

 

[AdamAnt]

Seems to me there has to be a "perfect storm" of events and circumstances for PTSD to take place. If someone is already wiped out emotionally about something are they more susceptible? There's the chemical aspect also, if a cortisol injection immediately after trauma fends off PTSD, then is there not maybe an inability of the body to provide it? If we don't have the proper vitamins, amino acids, etc., in our diet, perhaps our bodies cannot produce hormones and neurotransmitters that it needs to properly process the event in a healthy way. Maybe this could explain why a set of events that would not normally produce PTSD can do so?

 

[Tinyflame]

Very good point, re: the cortisol. Whether it be 'mentally' not registering it as stress or as you said a physiological inability to produce a certain amount, or retain it adequately in the body at the time, etc.

 

[cherryblossom]

Thank you for your replies, and please keep your opinions coming.

The reason I ask all this is because my employers are trying to use PTSD as a reason to fire me. I really don't want to get into whether it's legally allowed etc, because that is quite complicated. But an Occupational Health Doctor (who talked to me for about 50 minutes), has said that I have "had a significant period of mental ill health on the background of a long standing history of mental health problems". While I agree with the first part, because I have been off work since May, I'm trying to dispute the second part. He is basing the second part on the fact that I was diagnosed with PTSD 8 years ago. However, I have only had one other absence from work due to PTSD, which was 2 years ago. Yes, I have PTSD, and yes I have many PTSD symptoms, but the majority of that time I have been generally "high functioning". I also had no history of mental health problems prior to the one traumatic life event which caused my PTSD. It feels unfair to label me with "a long standing history of mental health problems", because of a PTSD diagnosis. Or am I just clutching at straws?

 

[Tinyflame]

No CB, I agree, I think that is misrepresentative, from what you describe. There is no known cure at this point for PTSD (therefore the recurrent symptoms). And at best it would be a "Mental Health Problem" (no 's', would it not?) - (though I think he's inferring the 'symptoms'). Perhaps you will be able to discuss this with the Occ Health Dr (a re-wording)?

 

[AdamAnt]

Its hard to call it 100% a mental health problem with the obvious physical changes that go with it...

 

[Tinyflame]

Yes AdamAnt, I agree: aren't those the very 'facts' that constitute definition of a disease or disorder? -Qualitative but also quantifiable, so to speak?

 

[Jestadud]

When in therapy and trying to get to grips with the diagnosis I asked my T if having Ptsd meant I had a mental illness. She replied "No but it is a mental health problem."

I would think this single ( problem not problems )mental health problem strengthens your case as you were diagnosed 8 years ago yet they have not felt any cause for concern before now.

If you lost the sight in one eye or the use of one arm but were still able to do your job could they get rid of you?