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oofbey 13 hours ago

Language constantly evolves. So it’s a little unfair to say anybody is trying to change a definition. In specific professional contexts, definitions are necessarily much more precise. Because in these contexts definitions have consequences. But in general dialogue being pedantic and sticking to a strict definition generally just makes you an ass.

In psychiatry trauma has long been defined much more narrowly than just acute stress. Specifically exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. So not just any acute stress but stress associated with real life violence. That’s the DSM definition of trauma for PTSD and you’ll sometimes find nitpicky professionals sticking to this narrow definition. But it’s not how most people use the word.

SoftTalker 13 hours ago | parent [-]

I think it's understandable that someone with the experiences to give them "real" DSM-defined PTSD might look sideways or roll their eyes at someone claiming PTSD because they had strict parents who made them go to church or didn't let them play video games. Doesn't make them an ass.

sokka_h2otribe 12 hours ago | parent [-]

No, it's not actually understandable to me.

I don't believe the person with PTSD of your definition benefits from gatekeeping an understanding of ptsd.

It also just flatly does not correspond to the research. Modern PTSD and cptsd concepts exist because the existing concepts didn't work, and the patients fit classic outcomes.

Put another way,

If someone was assaulted in church, maybe they had a more "real" PTSD If someone was different in their head and felt constrained at church everyday and their heart rate goes up every time they enter a church to the same degree as the assaulted persons does too....that's the outcome being similar (with some simplifications).

Trauma is the bad thing and being unable to do anything about it, and what that can do to your psyche.

People develop trauma not just because of how bad the experience was, but the circumstances before and after.