I've been suffering from generalized depression for about four years now and going to therapy for three, but due to location problems I have had to change therapists half a dozen times.

My latest (and by far the best) therapist i've been seeing for half a year now diagnosed me with PTSD, but I can't really understand how that means anything apart from the depression.

Most people I've met with PTSD have been rape victims or war veterans, but I was sexually/physically/mentally abused by my mother for 18 years, so it's kind of hard for me to relate.

I guess what I'm wondering is, do these causes/symptoms also apply to a lot of PTSD sufferers? Are there other different disorders that are more commonly used to address extended child abuse besides or instead of PTSD?

Thanks for any input,

-Kay

Hi Kay, welcome to the forum.

Kay,

You can answer this for yourself actually, from your statement above, being sexually, physically and mentally abused by my mother for 15 years.

Two questions:

1. Did you experience, witness, or was confronted with an event/s that involved actual or threatened death, serious injury or a threat to the physical integrity of yourself or others?

2. Did your response involve intense fear, helplessness, or horror? Note: In children, this may be expressed instead by disorganized or agitated behavior.

From your statement, I would say you would answer yes to these both.

What is your opinion on that?

Kay,

Welcome to the forum. I am not the best person to answer your questions that is probably the place of someone with PTSD. They have the first hand knowledge and experience. But certainly welcome, I hope that some of the support you find here will answer your questions and help you heal.

My husband is quick!!

hahahaha!

I'll raise my hand on this one. I'm here and diagnosed with PTSD from childhood sexual abuse. My thought was just like yours when I first was diagnosed. "But I'm not a veteran." was my response. But the more research I did on Ptsd, I came to realize that I was a texbook case! Hard to come to that conclusion when I was in the denial stage.....

Anyway, I hope that you stick around and heal some. This place is a sanctuary to me. I hope the same for you.

Hi Professortruth!

Straight PTSD typically comes from single or distinct events. When the trauma is in a continuous or repeating situation, the condition is called Complex PTSD and this is what most victims of domestic abuse of all sorts are categorised as.

Victims of childhood trauma used to be described by a different diagnostic name (which I won't name because I hate it so much), but the PTSD diagnosis is becoming much more widespread. The former diagnostic category was steeped in blame for the victim - the implication was that the sufferer was intrinsically bad, and the diagnostic descriptions could be quite hateful (especially towards females). There has been a real shift towards the Complex PTSD diagnosis, as attitudes towards abuse have changed, which gives the sufferer more dignity, as it states that the person (or child) was the victim of atrocities that they have survived. It's a subtle but important shift that made a big difference to the way I viewed myself when my label was changed.

The symptoms are pretty much the same between the two types, except that when you factor in childhood development it makes it obviously more difficult to recall and process what happened to you the earlier you go back in your life. I personally find (I can't speak for the single event victims) that my traumatic events were so numerous and the circumstances on different occasions so varied, that the number and variety of my triggers is quite staggering. Everything seems to trigger it off, because it seems everything in everyday life potentially reminds me of when the crap happened!

If you look at simple lists of the symptoms (either on here or by googling) you will probably see references to characteristics and habits that you may not even have realised were connected. It was a revelation to me when I saw myself, my moods etc described so completely. The more you understand about why the symptoms are happening, the more you'll be able to steer your way to a calmer, more positive outlook and life.

I hope that helps. I tend to waffle! But don't feel out on a limb anymore. There's plenty here who've been through what you have. Feel free to share.

Yep... basically it works of timespan! Acute is less than three months of symptoms, Chronic is more than 3 months of symptoms, and purdy described complex so well. Thanks purdy... very nice explanation of complex PTSD.

I struggle to comprehend myself that anyone can have PTSD if it isn't complex... meaning that you either have PTSD or you have a lesser disorder that has been misdiagnosed, ie. GAD or the like. Some physicians are getting way too loose with the PTSD diagnosis for my liking, being that some are just handing it out if you sprained your ankle, or broke your arm or something... which is bullshit. You can't get PTSD from stupid, insignificant aspects within life, it must be trauma to the extent of life threatning events, actions or witnessing. Child abuse is forms fit into this, spousal abuse generally fits into this, major motor accidents, rape, torture, war, etc etc...

Anyway... I am starting to ramble about one of my pet hates... PTSD diagnosis.

Welcome Professortruth!!!!!!