Bullied and now PTSD ?

[Shockwaeve]

We decided I can’t take school anymore since my 16th. I got bullied hard for about 2.5 years and since my AD(H)D was still undiagnosed we just went with it. After finishing the obligatory school at 16, I’ve tried 4 schools which 3 of those I had to leave due to severe anxiety problems (strongly referencing to my past – school issues) .

Today I’m on my 5th school, and although it’s artistic and professionnaly speaking I face more chances to succeed than some others surrounding me, I actually thought about quitting today for real when coming back home, thinking about the next school day.

Now, we know where the anxieties come from – the past – and I might very well never get over them, I dunno, but this far they’re incurable. Therapy doesn’t seem to work that well and Strattera seems to possibly worsen the routine evening depression and following suicidal thoughts.

Do I have PTSD ? I seriously think so. Anyway, I won’t quit this school after going through so much trouble (adapting school to match my mental possibilities and therapy) but I discovered I’m unable doing full normal school days. (btw – my concentration, irritability and stuff are improved by Strattera so that far that good =) )

I should probably add for PTSD I am capable (and have done) inventing stories, consitantly lying, hanging in the city in order not to go to class for days and weeks for being too ‘scared’ to go and… I’m noticing I’m depressed as I’m writing… god…

This is bad written, lacking detail but it’s all I can get for the moment, sorry for troubles reading =)

[BR549]

Well, it could very well be PTSD. You've gone through a lot, especially with switching schools so many times. I'm glad to hear you aren't giving up on this school.

I think you really need to talk to a doctor who knows something about PTSD. There are treatments and therapies that can help you. Even if currently therapy is doing nothing. Not all therapies and therapists are the same.

Strattera can cause depression in teens. You seriously need to talk to your doctor about this. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to quit Strattera, but possibly see if you could benefit from something else as well.

When was the last time you went to your psychiatrist? I'd definitely go back as soon as possible and work on getting things sorted out.

I'm sorry you're going through this. I will get better, so hang in there.

[adhdwptsd]

Pure19ambition those are great suggestions from BR549

[Shockwaeve]

Originally Posted by BR549

Strattera can cause depression in teens. You seriously need to talk to your doctor about this. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to quit Strattera, but possibly see if you could benefit from something else as well.

Actually, along one of my therapists the only scenario where it causes depression or similar is in overdose... And do to insufficient 40 mg I had to switch to 60 in a week, so since I have my 40 back, the depression is no longer an issue. No more suicidal tendencies either. Now, if I feel the depressed, it's actually for a reason =)

I'm 21 in two weeks by the way, not really a teen no more - although ADD seems to cause maturity retardation... from the positive side, a life get stretched that way. I'm aiming... idunno - 120 ? =)

[Trooper Keith]

You may consider looking into psychodynamic psychotherapy if it is an option. Psychodynamic practitioners focus on healing present wounds by looking at the past wounds which caused them, mainly centered around early childhood but also with any traumatic events.

PTSD is one of the most treatable disorders, so you're in good luck.

[Shockwaeve]

Psycho... actually somehow I suspect that one of my therapies in fact consists exactly of this kind of procedure. Not sure though, I'll ask her. I AM in good luck - she's a Canadian bi-lingual, and I personally am a Dutch tri-lingual !

Thnx my friend for being helpful =)

[tudorose]

Originally Posted by KMiller

PTSD is one of the most treatable disorders, so you're in good luck.

I wish! I've been trying to overcome the physiological damage of ptsd for over 8 years. real ptsd from a traumatic event leaves a neurological imprint on the brain. My body can no longer handle adrenaline

[Jacqueline1001]

Sorry to hear about everything you went, and are going through Pure19ambition. Doctor Hallowell believes that everyone one with ADHD has at least a mild form of PTSD because living with ADHD is traumatic. BR549

I agree withBR549
if you current therapy isn't helping try a new therapist. Some time you learn what you can from one therapist and then its time to move on to another.
Take care!

[tudorose]

Originally Posted by Jacqueline1001

Doctor Hallowell believes that everyone one with ADHD has at least a mild form of PTSD because living with ADHD is traumatic.

Bulldust! Geez maybe I should go and study a but more so I can have 'Dr' at the front of my name so I can spout such nonsense!

PTSD is considered a brain injury. It is something that happens to you as the result of a traumatic event outside the normal realm of human experiences.

Too many people throw PTSD around like it means nothing. If you really and I mean REALLY have PTSD you would understand this. You wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy. You have to rebuild your life, your relationships and accept that as much as you try you may never be able to live / enjoy the life you had before. Your body can't cope with adrenaline, things you used to enjoy you now can't because physiologically it leaves you feeling like you've been run over by a truck because you body can't tolerate the adrenaline.

Let me tell you. REAL PTSD is completely disabling. Having 2 men with sawn off shotguns come into your workplace yelling, screaming and threatening you is a traumatic event.

If the bullying included assault and deprivation of liberty then yeah investigate the PTSD because there would have been an actual EVENT to imprint onto your brain thereby causing the injury.

Having ADHD is NOT a traumatic event! I can't believe that any intelligent person would even consider this least of all a Doctor.

[Shockwaeve]

@ Jacqueline1001 - Thnx, but like tudorose is saying it might very well not be PTSD. Maybe I just don't like groups, it feels intimidating. What I do know is that I won't diagnose myself, I'll let a specialist handle it. The wrong therapy for the wrong disease might cause more damage than actually done I think.

[adhdwptsd]

You might want to become more educated about PTSD....... Try looking up DSM IV- TR PTSD...... It will provide the symptoms of PTSD and much more..... Self diagnosis I do not recommended leave that to the pros..That said you may want to check out some web sites on how to pick a therapist to fit you and your issues.........

[Shockwaeve]

Originally Posted by adhdwptsd

... you may want to check out some web sites on how to pick a therapist to fit you and your issues.........

Hey, yeah !

[tired1823]

go to medescape.org to find the best clinics and top specialists for ptsd

[Shockwaeve]

Thank you, but I think we'll keep analysing my momentarily problems, which will track us to the possible co morbidity. My therapist suggested some kind of 'double personality' which, both needing therapists, create my mental war... or perhaps that's just part of the attention deficit. Not schizophrenically like. I'll ask her more about it. I think this might be very true. Still convinced about Borderline which would explain some darker matters. Maybe Dark Matter =)

[CrazyLazyGal]

tudorrose, PTSD is NOT considered a brain disorder, and it can have many degrees of severity and some variation of symptoms. So the PTSD you experienced is not all there is to PTSD.

That said, you have a good point. I do think the term is misunderstood and misapplied. There are specific diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Many experiences are traumatic but do not fit the criteria for PTSD. That doesn't mean they aren't painful and can't be life-altering, just that they don't fit the criteria for PTSD.