The first hurdle

This is quite closely related to the GPs post, but it is a new question.

How do you convince a GP that you have suffered trauma, when part of the issue is that you can’t talk about it?

I am persistently disrupted – and stopped – by my fears, and I comfortably meet all the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. Now I don’t want to self-diagnose. I greatly respect doctors (which is probably half the problem) so I don’t mind if an expert explains that my diagnosis is this or that. My big problem is that in my experience, doctors don’t diagnose.

I have actually suffered this for years but whenever I have gone to authority figures I’ve felt they’ve patted me on the head and fobbed me off. I am generally only brave enough to see doctors when my symptoms are utterly debilitating. Once, my brain stopped functioning. This screwed up my degree, and if it happens again it will affect other people too. It was as though someone had flicked an ‘off’ switch in my head. It continued for months on end. The doctor told me to take a holiday.

Is there perhaps a professional I can contact on the internet? It is much easier talking about this online because I can conveniently hide any reaction without needing to run! I am not expecting an online official diagnosis, but I think it would help (a lot) to practice responding to the kind of questions the GP will ask. I am very scared about addressing this, but I am also scared of not living a normal life. I could do with getting some confidence.

How did everyone else get a diagnosis if you didn’t want to talk about your trauma?

Many thanks.

I was quite lucky in the fact the MOD sent me to a Shrink and he diagnosed my PTSD.

Unfortunately I had explain about army life in detail as he wasn't 'ofay' with the terminology I was using, this cuppled with having to go through my experiences made it a very difficult session for me.

I still feel that a lot of people and places still don't understand what PTSD is. My GP gives me medication to help with my anxiety attacks but confesses he doesn't know what else to do.

DHSS don't seem to take into account PTSD when awarding tax credits etc.

The big question is.......is PTSD classed as a disability?

Hi Trogg

It sounds as though your GP is 'lost' when it comes to mental health problems.

In my experience, there are a couple of things GPs can do.

The first is to refer you to your local community mental health nurse or team. This can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you are at least getting to see someone who should be a mental health professional, on the other, if they don't understand PTSD then it could be a dead end or you could receive inappropriate treatment.

I work in mental health, and have PTSD. It never ceases to amaze me how little is known about PTSD in the profession as a whole (including GPs, nurses, psychiatrists and others). If you get a good one who knows that they are talking about they can be very valuable.

The second thing your GP may be able to do is refer you to your local psychological services. The problem with this is that there can be VERY long waiting lists (depending where you are in the country) and these can be up to 2 years!!

Personally, I would avoid psychiatrists at all costs unless they specialise in PTSD. Many psychiatrists are only really aware of the mainstream mental health problems. Being medically based, many psychiatrists may only use drug treatment - which may not be appropriate. At least with psychology, even if there is no specialist PTSD service, they may be able to help with some of the symptoms.

One thing I generally recommend is to contact ASSIST. They are based in Rugby and are PTSD specialists. The reason I recommend them is because I use them and find them excellent. They have a helpline number which you could call. They may be able to help you find help in your area. You can find a link to their homepage on the 'UK LINKS' section of this site. The helpline number is also on the front page of this site.

I hope this helps.

Martyn (Site Admin)

Hello,
I'm really new here, but i'm touched by your message. Youre not wanting to talk about your trauma experience to your GP, is there any reason why? You see you can 'present' with symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, headache/migraine etc etc.. and the GP can treat those symptoms. But if he/she knows that the symptoms are resulting from a traumatic event, then the question of PTSD can be looked for.
My GP's were amazing, and still are, since i cannot see any others, just the two who have been 'with' me throughout. I was referred to a specialist Psych, who officially diagnosed me with PTSD.
Its been 9 years now, and i'm 'surviving', but currently suffering a kind of relapse i think.
PLEASE try to get your diagnosis, and help.
Regards
Kris

Hi Martyn,

Thanks for the reply, I will give ASSIST a try and see what they offer.

Cheers

Trogg (John)

Just a little message about GPs.

Although you can present with 'symptoms' it is important that you give the GP enough information so they can refer you (hopefully) to appropriate services. It is generally not necessary to go in to details. The GP just needs to know that something has effected you.

If you GP is any good, then they will generally refer you to someone BEFORE they try to start any kind of drug therapy. Most GPs are out of their depth when it comes to complex mental stuff.