Show Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been documented as far back as the Civil War. Though the name has experienced a few changes, from soldier’s heart, shell shock, battle fatigue, PTSD and now more recently post-traumatic stress, the definition for the condition remains relatively the same. If the terms of the condition haven’t truly changed, why has the name changed? Including “D” for disorder in the name carries a stigma that often leaves those most vulnerable, such as veterans, unwilling to seek help. Based on this knowledge, notable figures have been pushing to change the name of the condition from PTSD to PTS to encourage more people to seek help. Changing the Name to Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS)PTSD was first named in the 1980s and classified as an anxiety disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. The most recent revision of the DSM-5 removes PTSD from the anxiety disorders category and places it in a new diagnostic category called “Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders,” since the symptoms of PTSD also include guilt, shame and anger. The most significant diagnostic criteria require exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. While PTSD remains the official diagnostic term for this condition, notable figures in mental health and champions for veterans mental health have consistently referred to PTSD as PTS in the news and across social media platforms. As the George W. Bush website states, “PTS is an injury, it’s not a disorder.” The goal behind the PTSD name change is to encourage veterans to feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and seek help sooner. A New DialogueIt’s reported that less than half of veterans with any diagnosed disorder receive treatment. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published a report in 2018 that revealed that 20 veterans die by suicide each day. This growing public health concern certainly has the attention of many with the end goal of helping affected individuals seek treatment. PTSD treatment has seen positive effects, with up to 60% of individuals experiencing response rates to certain treatment methods. One key issue in changing the name to PTS involves health care coverage. Veterans are not able to receive benefits or health care coverage with the diagnosis of PTS. However, since PTSD is included in the DSM-5, this diagnosis qualifies veterans for benefits and even disability payments. It’s clear that the name and diagnosis of PTS don’t carry the same weight as PTSD in the medical and insurance world, but some view it as a start for change in opening the conversation for more to seek help. Related: The Basics of Veteran Culture and Its Impact on Clinical Work (Webinar) Breaking the StigmaOfficials in the Pentagon have dropped the “D” from PTSD for several years now. This change has helped break down the barriers associated with PTSD treatment for veterans. Many service members report feelings of shame associated with seeking help for their symptoms. Breaking the stigma of PTSD is crucial to ensuring that more people receive treatment and why some individuals consistently drop the “D” for disorder from the name. When the focus is shifted away from classifying the condition as a mental health disorder instead of a normal response to trauma, it can open the door to treatment for many who are suffering. If you or someone you know is suffering from post-traumatic stress and are using substances to help relieve the pain, know that help is available. Reach out to The Recovery Village and one of our representatives can discuss an appropriate treatment plan. Don’t suffer in silence — help is a phone call away.
Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Karen Vieira, PhD
Pai A, Suris AM, North CS. “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the DSM[…]ptual Considerations.” Behavioral Sciences, March 2017. Accessed May 16, 2019. Kelly, Kacie. “Changing the Dialogue of PTS.” George W. Bush Presidential Center, June 29, 2018. Accessed May 16, 2019. Vazan, Peter. “Substance Use and Other Mental Health Di[…]Unmet Treatment Need.” Subst Use Misuse, July 2013. Accessed May 22, 2019. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA Releases National Suicide Data Report.” June 18, 2018. Accessed May 16, 2019. Reisman, Miriam. “PTSD Treatment for Veterans: What’s Wo[…]w, and What’s Next.” Pharmacy and Therapeutics, October 2016. Accessed May 16, 2019. Thompson, Mark. “The Disappearing “Disorder”: Why PTSD is becoming PTS.” TIME, June 5, 2011. Accessed May 16, 2019.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, has been part of everyday language for a generation now (though it first became an official medical term in 1980). Less often heard of, but a legitimate item of concern, is post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS), which has similar symptoms and usually begins in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. PTSS may resolve on its own, develop into PTSD, or go “underground” and re-emerge as PTSD months or years later. PTSS and PTSD SymptomsA person with PTSS or PTSD will display some or most of the following symptoms:
The DifferencesThe main difference between PTSS and PTSD is intensity and duration. PTSS often resolves on its own within a few days or weeks, in which case it is not considered a diagnosable mental disorder. And the more severe post-traumatic symptoms—flashbacks, total loss of self-confidence, suicidal ideation—typically do not occur with PTSS, or are one-time and relatively minor. PTSS can develop into PTSD, however (though it’s also possible to survive a traumatic experience without apparent aftereffects, only to develop PTSD seemingly out of the blue months or years later). If post-traumatic symptoms are severe, continue to intensify, interfere with everyday functioning, and/or persist for more than a month, there will likely be a diagnosis of PTSD (chronic PTSD after three months) requiring medical treatment. Both PTSS and PTSD are sometimes called simply “post-traumatic stress,” further complicating the matter of differentiating them. (“Post-traumatic stress” may also mean simply the state of being temporarily shaken from a frightening experience.) What to DoIf you suffer a traumatic experience and especially if it was an unanticipated or violent event, it’s a good idea to see a counselor even if you don’t have obvious post-traumatic symptoms. Coming to grips with trauma early on may keep PTSD from developing or from becoming severe enough to cause major problems. If you suspect you already have PTSS or PTSD, don’t wait to see whether it gets worse: talk to a doctor immediately. A few additional tips:
Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health DisordersMany people with post-traumatic or other mental health disorders also suffer from drug addiction, and recovery from either problem requires treatment for both. Hemet Valley Recovery Center provides addiction detox and rehab along with treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders. Contact us to learn more. |
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