Complex PTSD Should Be Included in DSM-V

There are many strange disorders being proposed by outside parties or by the American Psychiatric Association for inclusion in DSM-V. Oddly enough, however, complex PTSD is not among them. C-PTSD is not just gradually different from regulat PTSD, but encompasses other features such as those seen in personality disorders. It is a disorder caused by [...]

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Against a Hierarchy of Trauma-Based Disorders

There was a discussion on a DID forum I participate on, in which someone asserted that there is a hierarchy of trauma-based disorders from PTSD via chronic PTSD and other dissociative disorders to dissociative identity disorder. I have read similar things before, such as in the dissociative spectrum, where depersonalization is on one end and [...]

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My Truth on Dissociation and Childhood Trauma

In my previous post, I discussed whether I’m exaggerating the effects of my traumatic experiences. This is a common theme for survivors of trauma. Often, we’re either told or think ourselves that we exaggerate or make stuff up. When dissociative identity disorder complicates the matter, this is even worse. Some people deny that DID even [...]

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: DSM-IV and DSM-V

I have very recently been labeled with PTSD. I am not sure that I agree with this sort-of diagnosis – I’m not sure whether it’s an official diagnosis or not. I checked the DSM-IV criteria and unfortunately do seem to meet them. I was particularly reluctant to believe I avoid stimuli associated with the trauma, [...]

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Disability Doesn’t Cause Abuse

I gerenally appreciate Harold Doherty of Facing Autism in New Brunswick for his advocacy for better adult autism services, particularly for those with the most severe disabilities. However, his most recent severe autism reality post had me rather up in arms. In short, Harold describes a situation in 2007 where a severely autistic woman was [...]

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18-Year-Old Man Restrained in Room for Three Years

I received an E-mail from my boyfriend alerting me to a news story from a Dutch television program. 18-year-old Brandon lives at ‘s Heeren Loo, a well-known institution for people with intellectual disabilities. There, he has been fixated to the wall of his room using a leash for three years consecutively. His room is empty [...]

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Announcement: New Forum for Trauma Survivors and People with Serious Mental Illness

I have set up a new support forum for survivors of trauma and abuse and people with borderline personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder, PTSD and related conditions. In order to join, you don’t need to be both a trauma survivor and have BPD or something similar – it’s okay if you fall into just one [...]

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Repressed Memories in the Dutch Court System

There are two countries where the emergence of repressed memories of sexual abuse is common: the United States and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, the controversy around whether one can repress memories at all and whether they are to be trusted, led to strict regulations for people seeking court action in cases of repressed memories. [...]

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Life After Trauma, Part 2: Possible Effects of Trauma

Chapter one of Life After Trauma starts by defining trauma. It is made clear with an example that the same experience may be traumatic to one person, but not another, depending on circumstances. Then, possible reactions to trauma are dicussed. They are divided into: Physical reactions, such as tension Mental reactions, such as changes in [...]

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Three Years

Today, I have been in the mental institution for three years. This third year – which will be my last full year in this institution since I was accepted to the workhome -, was quite important. I made quite a lot of progress in trusting people. I came out multiple to my psychologist and primary [...]

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