Users' questions 

Can misdiagnosis cause PTSD?

Leia Doyle

Can misdiagnosis cause PTSD?

Cases in which the suspected PTSD is due to psychopathology from another etiology is a form of misattributed PTSD due to misdiagnosis. Experiences of irritability, insomnia, poor concentration, and stress intolerance may be a result of persistent postconcussive syndrome from a traumatic brain injury.

What can be mistaken for PTSD?

Some that are often confused with PTSD are:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Panic Disorder.

What is a severe case of PTSD?

People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.

How do I know if my PTSD is severe?

Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event. Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks) Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event. Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event.

What disorder is similar to PTSD but symptoms occur immediately?

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) Acute stress disorder is very similar to PTSD, but is shorter in duration. ASD symptoms develop immediately after a traumatic event and last three days to one month. If symptoms persist beyond a month, the individual has developed PTSD.

How often is PTSD misdiagnosed?

In primary care (PC) settings, patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are often not diagnosed; 2% to 11% with PTSD actually have the diagnosis noted in the medical record. In addition, less than half of these patients with PTSD, or even fewer, actually receive treatment for PTSD.

What happens if PTSD goes untreated?

Untreated PTSD from any trauma is unlikely to disappear and can contribute to chronic pain, depression, drug and alcohol abuse and sleep problems that impede a person’s ability to work and interact with others.

What percent of patients who have PTSD never fully recover?

All told, 44 percent of the participants in all of the studies recovered from their condition and no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis.