How Do You Classify Your PTSD?

[upstream]

How do you classify what you are going through?

Is your PTSD an Illness, a Disorder, a Syndrome, an Injury, or something else?

[Cindy]

Interesting question. I responded disorder because it's in the title and I was corrected in a thread early on by referring to it as an illness.

I guess I can now see how it isn't an illness for sure because you can't take an antibiotic and make it go away.

Injury - Nah, the closest may be a traumatic brain injury but an injury to me focuses on the physical body.

Now, the difference between disorder and syndrome? They kind of mean the same thing to me. Unless a syndrome is cyclical. You got me.

[upstream]

I responded disorder because it's in the title and I was corrected in a thread early on by referring to it as an illness.


I remember, I was the one who pointed that out when you referred to PTSD as a mind disease.

It wasn't my intention to make you technically correct, I wanted you to see yourself in a better light... one that wasn't so harsh. Sorry if I came across funny on that one.

[Lisa]

i voted injury. I don't see it as an illness, because I see illness as something that is caused by chemicals or germs, or something related to the body going wrong - and to me PTSD is essentially caused by trauma which happens in life, not the body as such. However once PTSD develops, the body becomes affected by it so it's more like injury to me.

I don't see it as a syndrome because that from what I understand is typically a term that simply describes a set of symptoms that a cohort of people similarly have.

I kind of see it as a disorder... PTSD is disordered coping mechanisms, disordered memory, disordered arousal (hyperarousal) etc. etc. ... but it is also injury psychologically and that fits better with me. I would rather see myself as injured from trauma, and trying to recover, as opposed to 'disordered'.

[linasmom]

I voted injury, as well. I look at it as a result of the trauma - the trauma injured my brain, my physical well-being, and my soul. If not for the trauma, I wouldn't be broken.

[Jim]

Not certain how to vote as I would classify it as all of the above. Injury? Yes. A psychic injury to the brain. Syndrome? Yes, as a syndrome is a group of symptoms that together make a specific condition. PTSD has many varied symptoms. Disorder? Yes again! Definition of disorder is a physical or mental dysfunction, and it does cause that. Illness yes also an illness, as it makes one ill in various ways. I would NOT say it was a disease, as that is something one may catch, but illness yes. However. Don't have PTSD, am a Carer so maybe my opinion doesn't count here. ;-) Jim.

[TLight]

Definately injury.........the trauma has injured my brain, it is an injury with a number of facets to it, including behavioral changes, etc, that may be classified under the term syndrome, and yes, disorder, I agree with Jim.

[cactus_jack]

It's like a broken leg. It can be fixed, but if it's not you will have permanent injury from that.

Which is where a lot of us are.

[rallynut78]

I think disorder is a good word for it. my life literally feels disordered and mixed up.

[Seychelle]

I see it as a psychological injury - it has damaged my mind.

[kers]

I voted disorder. I went through something traumatic, which caused parts of both my body and my psyche to become disordered. I guess to me the injury was the trauma, and the PTSD is the aftereffects.

[judyandsus]

I think linasmom said it all better than I could

linasmom: I voted injury, as well. I look at it as a result of the trauma - the trauma injured my brain, my physical well-being, and my soul. If not for the trauma, I wouldn't be broken.

[cyndi]

Funny (or not), I was just trying to describe a few days ago that my mind feels "broken". Wish none of us felt that, but I'm glad to know I'm not alone in this healing.

[Mercy]

I think of PTSD as injury, for me from many many seriously harmful events. I'm not so sure about whether I will be able to recover some sense of normalcy in my life or whether I am maimed for life, emotionally, psychologically and partly physically. I have been lonely for people who can even begin to understand PTSD and who might be able to witness with me by their words and thoughts.

[sirsir]

I must said my PTSD is more of an injury than anything else. I have shrapnel in my leg from the war. I have my good days and bad days with the pain. With PTSD I have my good days and bad. I take pain meds and now PTSD meds. Neither will stop me from doing a job but both affect how I get the job done. I have to talk to a Dr. about both. I believe both are treatable however not cureable.

[Gravastorm]

I voted other.

To me it is an unwelcome visitor. An unruly guest that has depleted valuable resources, rearranged the terrain and generally trashed the place. A demon to be exorcised. Of course I am new to this so my opinion my change with greater understanding.

[stephanie]

I said disorder. I like the idea of it being an injury, but you can heal from an injury...such as a broken arm. This is something we have to learn to cope with and manage. It is always with us.