In an earlier post and trying to think what the YWCA was talking about, I asked it it was Rape Trauma Response and you were still awaiting the information. Rape Trauma Syndrome and Rape Trauma Response is the same thing I believe.If you google-I think you will find it same if not identical. I appreciate you sharing of information.
The thing is, neither are a diagnosis, they are more of a concept to help understand a set of behaviors. I have not got the new DSM yet but while the author of these can claim it is a type of ptsd, I find it more of a concept to explain stages. You either have ptsd or you do not. There has been much talk about ptsd from childhood-its still ptsd.
It is necessary for treatment for the professionals to understand the root of ptsd, ie. combat, early neglect, rape, etc. They are still all ptsd.
An analogy is "learned helplessness"-one could claim that is a type of depression but it is a concept (has much value in understanding how one comes to feel powerless and apathetic) that can be part of clinical depression. It is not a diagnosis and not in the DSM.
I am about to say two things that are somewhat contrary:
The diagnosis in the DSM are disorders, not diseases. Diseases can be measure by blood tests or other testing that show the disease and are more objective. Disorders are more subjective-testing is limited. Yes there are certain tests such as MMPI to identify personality disorders and such, but for the most part, there are less scientific measure for identifying disorders. Although some research is being done to help this along.
The DSM is not taken lightly. I have a great respect for those who work very hard to update and the amount of time that goes into a revision. It is the standard that we must use, and not make up our own sub sets that have not been approved. If it is not in the DSM, it is NOT a diagnosis. The DSM is the only approved tool for diagnosing any disorder and if someone is using a term as a diagnosis, one should consider the professionals experience, integrity, and reasoning.
In the US, no person can make a diagnosis without holding a masters degree with licensure in psychology, social work, or counseling. To teach at a University, faculty generally have PhD, or PsychD. A person with a masters degree can teach as an instructor but it is very difficult to get such a position, even at a community college. I understand why-I once had a substance abuse class with a woman with a masters. When taking a test, it was difficult to answer properly, according to research or according to Sara-the instructor. For example: She claimed things were hallucigens that the book said was not. She had opinions that were not valid.
Again, I understand why some grant funded programs do what they do. Often they do not put things in writing as they do not have to. Technically, it is an ethical violation to keep 2 sets of notes. Turning a brief/generic note into the agency for permenant records stating what happened in session. Keeping a second not for self that may state details of what client is doing/thinking. Yet it happens and I cannot disagree with reasoning in protecting women.
