Posted on Jun 28, 2014
Why do we label Post Traumatic Stress a "Disorder"
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By calling PTS a disorder we imply that those suffering are somehow "broken" or "abnormal" when, in fact, I believe that the symptoms and effects of post traumatic stress are a completely natural reaction to witnessing and participating in the horrors of combat. When the average civilian hears"disorder" they often immediately label the individual suffering as someone who is potentially dangerous and a "ticking time bomb". Interesting that when someone breaks a bone we don't say they suffer from "Post Traumatic Fracture Disorder" or when someone is sick we don't call it "Post Virus Exposure Disorder" because broken bones and illness are considered "normal" results of accidents and exposure to germs. We should consider the lingering and potentially crippling effects of the mental anguish, survivor's guilt, depression and other symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress as normal too. Finally, I believe that by labeling PTS a disorder there are many who do not seek treatment due to the stigma associate with that term.
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Edited >1 y ago
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I HAVE PTSD AND I DO NOT MIND IT BEING LABELED A DISORDER, BUT I DO UNDERSTAND YOUR POINT. WE JUST HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANIES CANNOT USE THAT TO STOP AUTHORIZING MEDICAL SERVICES, JUST BY DROPPING ONE LETTER :)
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PTSD isn't confined to combat. Most military personnel come to the services with some sort of PTSD already in place. It comes about as a result of trauma, drama and dysfunctions within the Family of Origin. That's where the real "set up" happens, and that's where inadequate coping mechanisms are learned for later use in adult life.
The problem is, people think they need to adjust their current coping regime, when the truth is, they must create an entirely new internal system to deal with life, events and relationships.
The problem is, people think they need to adjust their current coping regime, when the truth is, they must create an entirely new internal system to deal with life, events and relationships.
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SSG William Egan
100% CORRECT. TY MAJ FOR MAKING THAT POINT.
SOMTIMES IT IS STRICTLY COMBAT BUT COMBAT CAN BRING THE FAMILY OF ORIGIN TO LIGHT AND AGREVATE IT SO NOW THEY WORK IN TANDEM.
SOMTIMES IT IS STRICTLY COMBAT BUT COMBAT CAN BRING THE FAMILY OF ORIGIN TO LIGHT AND AGREVATE IT SO NOW THEY WORK IN TANDEM.
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You make great points. Unfortunately, without the disorder label, it would not be recognized by the DSM and would be difficult to get insurance companies to pay for services to treat the "disorder."
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