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Hello - I went through severe trauma in 2004. I've been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and paranoia. I don't think I have paranoia at all. I think I have a dissociative disorder relating to the trauma I went through. (Depersonalization). It feels as though it's all been a dream. I have outbursts of anger, rage at times that are difficult to predict or control. I know traumatic memories are processed in the brain differently. It feels as though these bouts of anger are like recurring pieces of the trauma and feelings I have been through. I have tried exercise and am on Paxil, Klonopin which does help a bit. However, my concern is that my diagnosis is wrong and I'm not getting the correct diagnosis/treatment to help with this.   I remember during the trauma my mind "went somewhere else" alot in order to cope (it involved death of my family and a car accident for me). I've had this since 2004 and would like to know about anyone specializing in trauma/dissociative disorders

Submitted: 449 days and 18 hours ago.
Category: Mental Health
Value: $9
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Optional Information

Age: 43; Female, Pennsylvania

Already Tried:
I am being seen by a Nurse Practitioner for depression (Paxil 12.5mg, Klonopin 0.5mg once daily) for four years. I do get counselling about once a month. I've had 3 or 4 partial program outpatient treatments/hospitalizations since that time as well (Horsham Clinic) (depression/anxiety). I find that healthy social situations seem to help somewhat. My family is deceased and I am not working currently (but looking for part-time), so social supports are minimal right now. I was diagnosed with paranoia, but I feel I don't have this at all. I feel it's all relating to the trauma in 2004 (3 deaths, car accident, etc.). I had to mentally cope in different ways. It still feels like a bad dream all the time. I suffered shock, rage, all the grief processes. However, I keep getting these "bouts" of anger/rage outbursts - unpredictable - which I've never had before prior to this trauma. Are they related to it somehow? If so, what can I do about it? I do attend grief support once monthly too, but I still have this problem. Thanks for your help.

Answer

Dear XXXXXXX,

 

I agree, it does sound like you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The symptoms of rage could certainly be consistent with this diagnosis, as could the "paranoia", anxiety and depression that you've described. While you've done a great job in seeking treatment from the NP, a counselor, and a partial hospital program, it doesn't sound like any of these treatments have specifically focused on treating your PTSD.

 

I would suggest that you find a therapist near your hometown who specializes in this area. I don't know of anyone offhand, but a good way to find someone would be to start with your insurance company's website or provider booklet as they would have a listing of therapists who accept your insurance. This listing also often includes areas of specialty and so could give you some info about who to call first.

 

The treatment of PTSD is very specialized and so it is important to find a therapist who has training in treating this specifically. It would also be helpful for you to meet with this person fairly often- probably at least once per week at first- to get the maximum benefits from the treatment.

 

Medication can be a useful adjunct therapy in treating PTSD, so if the meds you're on now feel helpful, it is important that you also follow through with taking these and attending any meetings you have with the prescribing physician.

 

Good luck, and please don't hesitate to contact me with further questions or concerns.

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Expert: Lively
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 255
Answered: 12/26/2008

Psychologist

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, 10 years experience working with individuals, couples, & families

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