Here is some extra information on complex CPTSD for those of you interested in hearing more.

From VeryWell Mind – https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-complex-ptsd-2797491

Both PTSD and C-PTSD result from the experience of something deeply traumatic and can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and insomnia. Both conditions can also make you feel intensely afraid and unsafe even though the danger has passed. However, despite these similarities, there are characteristics that differentiate C-PTSD from PTSD according to some experts.

“Flashbacks and traumatic memories, leading to suicidal depression caused my greatest suffering. People found me hard to be with because I couldn’t help trying to have my pain understood.”

The main difference between the two disorders (PTSD & CPTSD) is the frequency of the trauma. While PTSD is caused by a single traumatic event, C-PTSD is caused by long-lasting trauma that continues or repeats for months, even years (commonly referred to as “complex trauma”).

(Borderline personality disorder (BPD) does not list the flashbacks and traumatic memories among its symptoms.)

Difficulty controlling one’s emotions is a common symptom to both—BPD and CPTSD. That’s why it often leads to a misdiagnosis of BPD.

 

Yesterday I mentioned a medical journal used by the World Health Organization. I wasn’t entirely correct. What I had in mind was the ICD-11, which is recognized by the WHO.

Here is an overview. To read further, go to https://www.verywellmind.com/overview-of-the-icd-11-4589392

ICD-11 vs. DSM-5

The ICD-11 and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) share many similarities. Both are authoritative guidebooks for medical professionals to use for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders. They share a great overlap of material on mental disorders, with the DSM solely focused on mental health concerns, while the ICD covers all parts of the body and mind.

The most recent version of the DSM was published on May 18, 2013, by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).1 Compared to the DSM-5, the ICD-11 is broader both in its scope and its authorship.

Mental health professionals in the United States are more likely to rely on and be familiar with the DSM, rather than the ICD, mental health classifications as the DSM guidebook is specifically tailored to cover mental health disorders as they are experienced and treated in this country.

While the DSM-5 is published by the APA and has a rather narrow scope and authoritativeness as it’s focused on North America, the ICD-11 draws its authorship globally and is open to the public for submissions. The ICD-11 also covers medical diseases in addition to mental disorders.

Complex PTSD

The definition of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the ICD-11 involves the three symptoms of PTSD (re-experiencing, avoiding reminders, and a heightened sense of threat/arousal) along with broader problems in emotion regulation, shame, guilt, and interpersonal conflict, such that it affects the person’s entire life.

While it may be confusing that there are two systems for diagnosing mental health disorders, the important thing to remember is that the DSM-5 is primarily used in the United States while the ICD is used internationally and for insurance coding purposes.

 

WHY DID I BRING THIS UP?

  • To show that I was misdiagnosed in 2015 and I want to set the record straight.
  • Abuse led to an illness that left me with traumatic memories, leading to years of suffering.
  • I would like to have a psychiatrist who’s on the same page as me, with a better understanding of my illness.

But the past is past and I have answered God’s call to move forward, free to pursue further encouragement of people with low self-esteem. I give myself eagerly to that work, having felt for a long while that greater confidence can bring greater wellness and a more meaningful life.

marja