PTSD/Suicide on Special Operations Forces members, doubts..

[reed11b]

I was warned that EVERYTHING going to/through the VA is accessible by the Military. In a time of downsizing (IMO) anyone being flagged as a psych case is going to get fucked (or risks a very good chance of). I would be very careful indeed about what you let get into your file (at least while you still intend to serve). That's not to mention the possible gun ownership issues if you're are diagnosed as a psych case by the US GOVT.

Feeling a warm and fuzzy yet? Me neither...

Yup. Vet Centers are an exception to this rule. We also do not diagnose as a rule of thumb.
Reed

 

[pardus]

Yup. Vet Centers are an exception to this rule. We also do not diagnose as a rule of thumb.
Reed

There you go folks...

 

[x SF med]

I guess it's not just people trying to take advantage of the system then, the system is taking advantage of itself. A self feeding bureaucracy. That can't be bad right?

also known as a "self licking ice cream cone" (thank you Crip for reminding me of that gem)

 

[LibraryLady]

Some people are. It took one of my sisters 15 years to talk about what happened to her, and then only at the urging of another girl who had the same thing happen to her, by the same person. Sad world when you can't even trust a church youth pastor.

I get the denial part, truly I do, having taken my canoe down that river. What I don't get are the intrusive and insensitive questions they use. Delivered by people who are genuinely caring, but know they are going through the motions of "procedure". Having used the mental health care system (both VA and non) to great effect and knowing there are way better ways to talk about sexual trauma and PTSD, I really get pissed at what the VA has come up with to screen for problems.

LL

 

[reed11b]

Pardon my cynicism about the VA, but remember they have to justify the dinero they receive. PTSD is the new "in" thing at the VA that gives them a ton of money.

I have heard this theory for everything from chiropractors to veterinarians, and I think it is BS. The VA over asks and over screens because every time they don't and someone and acts out and might have had PTSD, the media crucifies the VA for not helping the Veteran earlier. False positives are better then a false negative or a missed diagnosis as far as the VA is concerned. Same reason you are always asked the suicide question. It's CYA, not conspiracy, kinda like the military.
Reed

 

[LibraryLady]

I have heard this theory for everything from chiropractors to veterinarians, and I think it is BS. The VA over asks and over screens because every time they don't and someone and acts out and might have had PTSD, the media crucifies the VA for not helping the Veteran earlier. False positives are better then a false negative or a missed diagnosis as far as the VA is concerned. Same reason you are always asked the suicide question. It's CYA, not conspiracy, kinda like the military.
Reed

Read my post just above. I get what they are doing, and the repetition to catch those acknowledging their denial. What I don't like is the way the questions are worded and the apathy in which they are asked.

LL

 

[policemedic]

I have heard this theory for everything from chiropractors to veterinarians, and I think it is BS. The VA over asks and over screens because every time they don't and someone and acts out and might have had PTSD, the media crucifies the VA for not helping the Veteran earlier. False positives are better then a false negative or a missed diagnosis as far as the VA is concerned. Same reason you are always asked the suicide question. It's CYA, not conspiracy, kinda like the military.
Reed

A false positive diagnosis is never a good thing, particularly in the mental health arena where disabilities are imposed upon the individual.

We can debate all day long whether or not being tagged by the VA as having PTSD is a valid 'diagnosis', but having that tag in your file because of the use of a survey instrument whose sensitivity and specificity need to be improved does not help you.

 

[medicchick]

I get the denial part, truly I do, having taken my canoe down that river. What I don't get are the intrusive and insensitive questions they use. Delivered by people who are genuinely caring, but know they are going through the motions of "procedure". Having used the mental health care system (both VA and non) to great effect and knowing there are way better ways to talk about sexual trauma and PTSD, I really get pissed at what the VA has come up with to screen for problems.

LL

Gotcha. Yeah, the delivery can make all the difference on questions like that.

 

[reed11b]

A false positive diagnosis is never a good thing, particularly in the mental health arena where disabilities are imposed upon the individual.

I never stated it was a good thing.
Reed

 

[policemedic]

I never stated it was a good thing.
Reed

No, you didn't. To be clear, I was referring to the VA's view on the matter.

False positives are better then a false negative or a missed diagnosis as far as the VA is concerned.

 

[DA SWO]

The other issue is the have lowered the standards for PTSD. I was examined in 2005(?) and have 2 positive answers, she told me I was normal and experiencing the same things 90% of combat vets experienced. Today you only need 1 positive to "have" PTSD, the more positives the higher your rating.

Sad, some guys/gals really need the treatment, but we have turned the VA into another social entitlement agency.

 

[RENO]

...In my opinion, only those that walk the walk, can talk the talk ...

 

[pardus]

...In my opinion, only those that walk the walk, can talk the talk ...

That highlights the problem now, the powers that be have decided that operating a video game (drones) 5,000ml away from a combat zone is walking the walk!

 

[reed11b]

...In my opinion, only those that walk the walk, can talk the talk ...

meaning what exactly?
Reed

 

[8654Maine]

...In my opinion, only those that walk the walk, can talk the talk ...

Please expound.

 

[RENO]

.


The answers to question about combat PTSD, come best from those that have experienced combat PTSD. After almost 50 years fighting this son of a bitch, answers have been coming that are making seance and seem to be helping. Some of those answers came from those that experienced similar situations, but at large, most of my relief was drawn from going deep inside searching for reasons "WHY". Try that without walking the walk.

 

[pardus]

.


The answers to question about combat PTSD, come best from those that have experienced combat PTSD. After almost 50 years fighting this son of a bitch, answers have been coming that are making seance and seem to be helping. Some of those answers came from those that experienced similar situations, but at large, most of my relief was drawn from going deep inside searching for reasons "WHY". Try that without walking the walk.

There is no such thing as "combat PTSD" PTSD is PTSD.

Please do not confuse your personal experience with accepted current PTSD thought by the medical community.

 

[RENO]

There is no such thing as "combat PTSD" PTSD is PTSD.

Please do not confuse your personal experience with accepted current PTSD thought by the medical community.

Next thing you'll be trying to say there's no such as combat. Wise up, old timer ...

 

[pardus]

Next thing you'll be trying to say there's no such as combat. Wise up, old timer ...

PTSD= Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Not combat, Trauma.
Rape, Car accident, mugging, animal attack, rap concert.

Like I said.You are artificially influencing what PTSD is.

I have the greatest respect for Vietnam vets! But you do not own PTSD.

 

[SkrewzLoose]

I hate to burst your bubble, but PTSD exists outside of the Military as well.