I learned something new from a comment.  A person commented that CPTSD would be added to the ICD with the next version.  OK….I didn’t know what it was so I asked Mr. Google. This is the first link I was given.

http://www.apa.org/monitor/2009/10/icd-dsm.aspx

The difference between the ICD and DSM.  Here in the United States the DSM means you either get health insurance coverage or you pay for it out of your own pocket.  ICD is the book used by the WHO, World Health Organization.  I learned long ago, just because it is in the DSM or the ICD doesn’t mean some professional understands it.  I read books written by “authoritative” people that say all sorts of things that are proven wrong.  A description in a diagnostic “bible” is a long way from understanding.  I remember a conversation I had with my first counselor.  He told me I couldn’t tell him anything he hadn’t heard before.  After one memory I shared, I noticed he was sheet white.  I figured he heard something new.  After that memory, he stated, “I’m glad I have 30 years of experience to deal with you.”  The C part of PTSD is Complex and for some of us that complex needs to be in all capital letters.  Life is complicated when long term physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual abuse and neglect are the main part of childhood.  The world gets twisted and distorted sorting this all out and healing is complex.  I believe it is complex but not impossible.  Persistence, determination, and a healthy person, hopefully a counselor, to help uncover distortions and lies to find the truth.  Sometimes the truth is very painful to learn much like cleaning an infected wound.  I may howl and cry but after the crud is cleaned out healing is possible.

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