Yes, Medical PTSD Is Real—Here’s How to Heal

Medical PTSD could lead to avoidance of doctor’s offices and fear as appointments approach, among other symptoms.

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Unfortunately, there are many ways in which someone might experience trauma. Some of these situations may be expected, such as in a war zone, while others are spaces where a person should experience care and consideration, such as in a family or medical setting. The latter, whether in a medical professional’s office or during a medical procedure, can cause something called medical post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Medical PTSD is not technically a diagnosis on its own, “but is instead PTSD which was caused by a medical-related trauma,” says Charlie Health Primary Therapist Alysson Thewes, LCSW. A patient might have gone through a traumatic experience with medical staff, had improper medical treatment, or had some other type of traumatic experience involving a medical professional or in a medical setting. Read on to learn more about common symptoms and causes of medical PTSD and how to seek treatment for the condition.

What is medical PTSD?

PTSD is a condition that results from a traumatic event—so the significant difference between medical PTSD and any other type is the cause. While PTSD might come from a car crash or some type of accident, medical PTSD stems from medical care that causes trauma, ranging from misdiagnosis to mistreatment in a healthcare setting. 

“This trauma often is one which puts a person’s life at risk, but not always. This medical trauma could be a botched surgery or substandard medical care that caused more pain or injury,” says Thewes. Whatever the case, the trauma of the experience can cause medical PTSD. 

Common symptoms of medical PTSD

Despite having a specific label, medical PTSD’s symptoms are similar to those of PTSD. According to the National Center for PTSD, PTSD symptoms can develop at any age and often start soon after a traumatic incident but can potentially take years to present.  PTSD has four key symptoms that will last at least four weeks at a time and can cause severe distress or disruption to your life. The National Center for PTSD describes the four types of PTSD symptoms as follows: 

• Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms)
• Avoiding things that remind you of the event, including people and places
• Having more negative thoughts and feelings than before the event
• Feeling on edge or keyed up (also called hyperarousal)

Despite the overlap in symptoms, medical PTSD symptoms can have unique triggers. For instance, a combat veteran with PTSD might not be triggered by having to go to the hospital and talk with a doctor, but a person with an unsuccessful surgery due to negligence might, says Thewes. “This person might be triggered by having to go to the hospital and experience PTSD symptoms when thinking about the appointment or leading up to the appointment,” she adds. 

Treatment for medical PTSD

As is the case for symptoms, medical PTSD treatment is the same as any type of PTSD, typically including a mix of trauma therapy and medication. However, it can help to find a licensed mental health professional who has worked with other cases specific to medical trauma. Here are some common treatments to consider, according to Thewes.

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a common and effective technique for supporting people living with PTSD. There are many potential areas within CBT that can be beneficial. A licensed therapist can help a person improve their PTSD symptoms through the following techniques: 

• Gradual exposure to memories and triggers while in a safe environment
• Cognitive restructuring, such as challenging and identifying negative thoughts
• Stress management, to learn relaxation techniques and how to regulate emotions
• Social skills training, to improve communication skills and grow their support group

2. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a form of therapy for PTSD that has the person perform back-and-forth movement while thinking about the traumatic memory (a practice clinically known as bilateral stimulation). This technique can help the brain process traumatic memories and change your experience with it, according to the National Center for PTSD. 

3. Medication

Medication can play a helpful part in PTSD treatment. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) sertraline and paroxetine are both FDA-approved for treating PTSD, and a doctor or a mental health professional can prescribe them. 

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one have experienced a traumatic event as a patient in a medical setting, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides mental health treatment for people dealing with serious mental health conditions, including trauma-related conditions. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With this kind of holistic online therapy, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.