PTSD, disorder? Or just compounded memories?

2014-07-03T20:55:39-04:00

I know Im not a veteran yet but Ive been Diagnosed with PTSD due to some evens in my highschool years, im curious is it really a disorder or just compounded memories or what the thought of it is?

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 12:50 AM

2014-07-04T00:50:38-04:00

I think it's a real disorder that should be treated.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jul 4 at 2014 1:13 AM

2014-07-04T01:13:27-04:00

Your diagnosis may be suspect, not going to say it isn't true though. The real distinction between PTSD and the compounded memories is going to be your reaction to the "triggers".
The more common examples of extreme cases would be the reaction of combat veterans to the sounds of fireworks. They know intellectually that what they are hearing is fireworks, but it still creates a fight or flight gut reaction that is nearly impossible to control.
Examples of Childhood PTSD, Domestic (Violence) PTSD, Combat PTSD are based off of reactions that were "hardwired" to certain triggers that "saved" their life at the time. Where it really becomes a problem, or a disorder, is when the environment changes and those responses are no longer appropriate for the trigger and create a "cognitive dissonance" that can't be resolved in the current situation.
So, did your "memories" wire you with a specific physical, mental or emotional response/reaction set you can't control? or are you just experiencing compound or repressed memories?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 6:56 AM

2014-07-04T06:56:12-04:00

There are physiological changes due to PTSD. We're actually developing urine and saliva tests to measure changes in various protein biomarkers that occur with PTSD.