PTSD can have devastating events on relationships.

MAJ Jack Horn, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, CCTP, CCTP-II, CCFP, CDBT, sir, it is a good thing that you have not been wrapped around that particular axle yet. To some, it is the end of their entire world.

CPT Waddell, I have indeed been wrapped around that axle. I am not undervaluing the impact, but stand firm in my statement about the diagnosis. WRT SSg Bowler's comment, respectfully,mothers is indeed one single diagnostic criteria set, the DSM, which allows us to manage mental disorders uniformly. When we don't diagnose properly, we run the risk of mistreating. There is nothing here than lessens the impact on the individual or relationships for non-PTSD trauma. It is also a necessary issue that requires professional intervention. But. The diagnostic criteria are pretty firm, even with subjective leeway. If a patient doesn't meet the specific criteria, he or she should not be diagnosed with PTSD. There are other legitimate labels for those issues.

MAJ Jack Horn, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, CCTP, CCTP-II, CCFP, CDBT, sir, to some it is life threatening via suicide. I have also known some that went into depression for a decade or two over such a breakup. It seems to me that it is the effect on the individual rather than the causal event that should be the determining factor here. How can we stand in judgment to say that their pain has not been sufficient or from the correct cause and thereby invalidate the results on the individual?

Both of you guys make excellent points and you are not incorrect as far as it goes. PTSD is a categorical disorder, that is it follows a medical model that requires specific elements to be present to justify that specific diagnostic label. I have worked with many people who have had great difficulty recovering from marriage trauma that didn't meet PTSD thresholds, but was just as devastating to them personally. Just because it isn't PTSD doesn't mean it isn't traumatic or devasting, not to mention dangerous from a suicidality perspective. I don't undervalue it from a clinical perspective, because I see it and deal with it all the time and I recognize it for the issue it is. We have elevated PTSD to the point where anything else is sometimes considered "lesser" and that simply isn't true. I don't want to water down the impact of any of the anxiety and trauma disorders...not PTSD, not adjustment disorder, not any of them. WRT to understanding PTSD, it is true that we are still learning, but it is also true that we are still learning about all mental disorders. I cringe a little from the perception that PTSD (and other related disorders) simply need better medications. My personal...and I stress personal...view, is that medications are good only for initial symptom management, which gives a competent...and I stress competent...therapist a window or crack in which to work effectively. IMO, it is a competent mix of meds and therapy that wins the day, with the emphasis on competent therapy. I've spent years after my retirement training, and I have seen some spectacular successes. Also, some spectacular failures. But, that is for another thread!