Remission Or Misdiagnosis?

[StellaBlue]

For the past 3-4 months, I have experienced a definite lessening (to the point of extinction for some of them) of my PTSD symptoms and am questioning the diagnosis. When I expressed this to my therapist, he recognized my progress but pointed out that when I'm "triggered", we can tick off every box in the DSM for PTSD (well duh, isn't this true for anyone?).

But the thing is, I'm noticing when I've been "triggered", noticing what's happening in my body and my head and I'm able to more quickly rebalance (we're talking hours or days rather than months or years).

Honestly, I've never felt this "solid" in my life.

So, with this new sense of "solidness", I've started working with a Somatic Experiencing therapist. But, my logical mind has started questioning the whole PTSD diagnosis....as in, maybe my traumas weren't really traumatic enough to qualify under Criterion A; maybe I had a personality disorder for all these years and the DBT "cured" that; maybe I've been stuck in a pathological victim role for all these years and that's why I've been so messed up.

I don't know - maybe I'm in denial. Maybe the couple of SE sessions I've had (which have been very gentle) are more triggering than I am aware of. Maybe the diagnosis is not relevant. Maybe I ought not be digging into the past.

I'm not sure if I have a question here - thoughts on this would be appreciated, though.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

Every time I'm not actively falling apart, ie trying to kill myselgf or so depressed I can't stand up, I question my diagnosis.

I don't have much to offer other than a congratulations on feeling solid. I hope that it lasts.

 

[EveHarrington]

I don't think that just anyone can tick off all the dsm PTSD criteria when triggered. Normal people "triggering" is nothing like actual PTSD triggering (and why I think there's much frustration here on the board when anything mildly upsetting out there/not here on the board is labeled as "triggering" to someone). I remember those days fondly, when I didn't get "triggered", just got upset or uncomfortable from certain things.

I think if you can still check off all of the dsm criteria when triggered, then yes, it's PTSD. IMHO.

 

[scout86]

maybe I had a personality disorder for all these years and the DBT "cured" that

I think you're less likely to "cure" a real personality disorder than you are to "cure" PTSD. It sounds like your hard work and therapy are paying off and things are improving. I think that's actually what's supposed to happen. :) Good for you!

 

[StellaBlue]

It just occurred to me that maybe what I'm hoping is that it hasn't been PTSD at all - because the thought of a relapse back into that darkness terrifies the crap out of me. At the same time, I think I recognize that by denying the reality of it, I'm more likely to get myself back into that place rather than to continue on this path where I can be aware of when I'm triggered. Big sigh. Sometimes it's too complicated for my little brain.

 

[scout86]

the thought of a relapse back into that darkness terrifies the crap out of me.

That's a reasonable enough fear. But, you're learning things along the way that are going to help. Any kind of "relapse" doesn't have to be going back to square one. You'll figure things out faster and have a better idea how to proceed.