PTS vs PTSD... Do you think "re-naming" it will really make a difference?

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:37:08 -0400

Do you think "re-naming" PTSD to PTS will really make a difference in the "civilian" community, especially in the areas of treatment, employment, volunteer positions and public opinion? I tend to think the "damage" has been done and I liken it to giving a stone the title of a rock, but it's still a stone... (My apologies, I like metaphors...) Your thoughts?<br>

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 15 at 2014 1:47 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:47:17 -0400

At risk of being politically incorrect... no.  Changing the name does nothing to change the perception.  Changing the name will not break the barriers of the perceived stigma of seeking help (and remember, perception is reality to the individual).  All we can do to make a difference is to continue to educate service members and civilians and encourage those effected to seek appropriate treatment.  

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 1:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:52:31 -0400

I don't think they re named PTSD to PTS. There is a distinction between the two in my opinion. One is a disorder the other is not. Many people will from time to time show signs or symptoms of PTS however not every case of PTS will totally consume that individual which at that time of total control of them makes it a disorder.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Apr 15 at 2014 5:48 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 17:48:32 -0400

Here is something to really mess your day up... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/ [login to see] 3.htm<div>Apparently modifications made in RNA from traumatic stress can be genetically transferred at conception to your children...</div><div>I'm not sure that your typical "injury" is capable of being transferred to your children in this way. But this makes a serious argument for getting your head straight.</div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://images.sciencedaily.com/2014/04/ [login to see] 3.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/ [login to see] 3.htm">Hereditary trauma: Inheritance of traumas and how they may be mediated</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Extreme and traumatic events can change a person -- and often, years later, even affect their children. Researchers have now unmasked a piece in the puzzle of how the inheritance of traumas may be med...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Apr 15 at 2014 5:55 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 17:55:51 -0400

I cannot endorse semantics as a strategy to solve humanity's problems.<br><br>My holidays are no more enjoyable since they became DONSAs. Reservists are not thought of more highly because we call them Troop Program Unit members. Cross-leveling is no less disruptive because we call it.... I already forgot the new term.<br><br>PTS, PTSD, Battle Fatigue, Shell Shock, Combat Stress.... call it Perfectly Normal Warrior Behavior (PNWB) and it will still mean the same thing.<br>

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 17 at 2014 7:09 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 19:09:07 -0400

Of course renaming it will make all the difference in the world...it has been renamed after almost every conflict in our Nation's history and we don't have any soldiers with any problems any more.  I hope the sarcasm was completely apparent?  Renaming it does NOTHING to help anyone but those who are feeling guilty because they did nothing to help the men and women who were sent in harms way for them, while they sat and did nothing.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Apr 23 at 2014 7:34 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 19:34:51 -0400

Changing the name will not change anything. The only way we can get change is through education. Being a retired Service Member I have seen a lot of the stigma that goes with PTS/ PTSD. We need to work on better educating the Civilian sector on what is PTS/PTS and teach them that not everyone who has this is a loaded cannon waiting to explode. That is the real feeling of some of the civilian sector. I have seen this first hand.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 12:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:15:58 -0400

PTS vs PTSD; They are not changing the name but are classifying two different degrees of the same thing. Example: If an individual has a car accident it is possible for him to have PTS (Post Traumatic Stress)... an uncomfortable feeling when when starting to drive again, this should fade in a reasonable amount of time as he becomes comfortable driving again. However, if the feeling does not go away in time, gets worse, or causes difficulties in performing that task such as fear, sweating, noticable heart bounding, when trying to drive, nightmares and such, it could now be a disorder - PTSD.

Response by Sgt Randy Hill made Jul 22 at 2014 11:43 AM

Sgt Randy Hill — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 11:43:53 -0400

Yes MSgt Ellis by leaving out the word disorder, we encourage soldiers to talk about their experiences without the unfortunate stigma of a mental disorder of which this is not. Will it work? let us all pray for this success in healing and encouraging veterans to boldly step up like they have already done. Great question Msgt Ellis.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Oct 23 at 2014 4:32 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 16:32:30 -0400

no it will not make a difference to anything. Back in the day the called it shell shock, then PTSD now PTS any other names? lol

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 9:05 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 21:05:23 -0400

Ok this is tricky. I don't think it will change per say but by removing the D it helps remove the stigma of a disorder (which is still looked down upon in our society). Over time it will help in my opinion.

Response by SSG James Arlington made Jun 10 at 2015 3:12 PM

SSG James Arlington — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:12:30 -0400

Many dislike the term"Disorder." It really comes down to semantics. "A psychological pattern associated with distress." I guess it should be debated and agreed on in the medical community.