Why do we label Post Traumatic Stress a "Disorder"

2014-06-28T12:57:34-04:00

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.

Response by SSG Jeremy Siebenaller made Jun 28 at 2014 7:53 PM

2014-06-28T19:53:48-04:00

LTC,
Respectfully, I don't think "they" know what the hell to call it! PTSD> Shell shock its been relabeled and removed and brought back. I think that the guys trying to figure it out, don't really want to call it ANYTHING because they don't really want to admit that there is something different in our boys and gals when they get back. They want everything to be kinda swept under the rug, or make it seem like there is something wrong personally with the individual and it isn't something that happened over there. That's just my $.02

Response by MAJ Derrick J. made Aug 21 at 2014 5:33 PM

2014-08-21T17:33:15-04:00

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.

Response by MSG Jaime Barzana made Aug 27 at 2014 10:19 PM

2014-08-27T22:19:38-04:00

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."

Response by SSG William Egan made Jul 17 at 2016 7:24 AM

2016-07-17T07:24:28-04:00

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 :)

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 19 at 2017 2:08 PM

2017-08-19T14:08:09-04:00

Whoever came up with PTS should be shot, just something new to lower a VA claim. To me because I stuffer from this disorder or demons, I have to live with it everyday, you are marked as a target when people find out you have this disorder. A lot of people can't see or understand what you're going through, but the ones who do and care know the feeling. So you will always have the demons deep down, even if you think they are gone from your mind. One day you wake up and smell the coffee my friend.