PTSD: The Professional Diaries, Vol. 1
A Brief History of Mental Health Diagnosis Trends, including PTSD
Here’s a bit of history behind sort of a “fad diet”, as I’ll call it here, for mental health treatment: In the 90’s, everyone had clinical depression (some anxiety), 2000’s: Bipolar Disorder (though most people still don’t even know what it actually mean), and, suddenly, everyone has PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. FYI, they’re not “fads”, but since such little funding is available to do things like PET scans to siphon out some of the most pure diagnoses (i.e., those suffering from only one psychiatric disorder, that we are currently aware), and assist us in finding proper treatments more quickly and effectively, we must do a bit of guess work based on client self-report (in the hopes that that report can be relied upon).
Guesswork in diagnosing PTSD
So, why does everyone suddenly now have PTSD? It’s not because it’s trendy. As someone with it, trust me, no one is hoping for this shit on their diagnostic wishlist. Here’s why: we simply know more about it now than we did before. Here’s a bit of a quick reference guide as to the symptoms We’re at war, in case people forgot, and some of these soldiers are coming home with more that physical injuries. That’s not to say that all Vets have PTSD, or that ONLY Vets have PTSD, but it can’t be denied that we’ve learned quite a bit more since soldiers have been returning home.
So many symptoms…
PTSD can, however, be difficult to tease out of a shrubbery of other diagnoses. If someone presents, for instance, with a substance abuse issue with PTSD and let’s say, panic disorder. One might initially diagnose that person with the substance abuse issue, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It won’t become evident until later, if the client continues to return to sessions and participate thoroughly, that PTSD is evident and can then be treated accordingly in a different fashion.
How to Prioritize Diagnoses with PTSD
PTSD should always be at the top of the pyramid when discussing these issues, substance use must ALWAYS BE ADDRESSED, but the client will not get sober until the PTSD symptoms begin to be treated, but that’s just my experience. You also need to make the DISCLAIMER to your patients: “It will get harder before it gets easier”. During the hardest work, clients may stop treatment, increase substance use, and, possibly even attempt suicide. Be aware of these possibilities and be prepared that increased flashbacks will likely take place as well.
Utilize Other References for PTSD
Here are some other references to navigate working with client’s with PTSD: (Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any recommended sources and am receiving no funding from them or acting on their behalf.) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a listed 24/7 365 days a year helpline: 1-800-662-HELP(4357). https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Text HOME to 741741 and you will reach the Crisis Prevention Line where you can text with someone rather than talk, which is sometimes preferred. You can visit them here:https://www.crisistextline.org/ . Know that taking these steps can save your client’s (or your) life.
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