crucial leadership
is needed for change
crucial leadership
is needed for change
One might say that the push for changing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) lies at the intersection of mental health and science, namely, with the American Psychiatric Association which publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The DSM is periodically updated and is the pre-eminent reference used by mental health professionals, worldwide, for diagnoses. On September 2, 2023, a Type 5 proposal to change the text of the DSM was submitted by Dr. Eugene Lipov and his team. We’re counting the days till a response is received.
AND THE SURVEY SAYS…
REDUCING STIGMA
WOULD SAVE LIVES
REDUCING STIGMA
WOULD SAVE LIVES
A recent peer-reviewed study conducted by Stella Trauma Care between August 2021 and August 2022 explored the potential impact of this name change. The survey assessed participants’ opinions on whether renaming PTSD to PTSI would reduce stigma and improve their hope and likelihood of seeking medical help.
The results revealed that over two-thirds of the respondents agreed that changing the name to PTSI would reduce the stigma associated with PTSD. More than half of the respondents believed this name change would increase their hope of finding a solution and their likelihood of seeking medical help. And those diagnosed with PTSD were more likely to believe in the positive impact of renaming.
AND THE SURVEY SAYS…
REDUCING STIGMA
WOULD SAVE LIVES
A recent peer-reviewed study conducted by Stella Trauma Care between August 2021 and August 2022 explored the potential impact of this name change. The survey assessed participants’ opinions on whether renaming PTSD to PTSI would reduce stigma and improve their hope and likelihood of seeking medical help.
The results revealed that over two-thirds of the respondents agreed that changing the name to PTSI would reduce the stigma associated with PTSD. More than half of the respondents believed this name change would increase their hope of finding a solution and their likelihood of seeking medical help. And those diagnosed with PTSD were more likely to believe in the positive impact of renaming.
He once helped define PTSD. Then, he became
a compelling voice for a shift to recognize
the condition as an injury.
Dr. Frank Ochberg
Dr. Frank Ochberg is a founding father of trauma science. He defined the term “Stockholm Syndrome” for the FBI — a condition where hostages develop a psychological / emotional bond with their captors. It has since been applied to victims of child abuse, coach-athlete abuse, relationship abuse and sex-trafficking.
In 1980, Dr. Ochberg was on the committee that originally defined “PTSD” (for post-traumatic stress) as an operational diagnosis. Over the years, though, his thoughts about the condition evolved. Informed by further study and advances in technology, he concluded that severe trauma is not a “disorder,” but rather a physical “injury.”
He once helped define PTSD. Then, he became a important advocate to recognize the condition as it is, an injury.
Dr. Frank Ochberg
Dr. Frank Ochberg is a founding father of trauma science. He defined the term “Stockholm Syndrome” for the FBI — a condition where hostages develop a psychological / emotional bond with their captors. It has since been applied to victims of child abuse, coach-athlete abuse, relationship abuse and sex-trafficking.
In 1980, Dr. Ochberg was on the committee that originally defined “PTSD” (for post-traumatic stress) as an operational diagnosis. Over the years, though, his thoughts about the condition evolved. Informed by further study and advances in technology, he concluded that severe trauma is not a “disorder,” but rather a physical “injury.”
THE MISSION
The mission of ItsPTSI.com is to facilitate a change to the label of post-traumatic stress from “PTSD” to “PTSI,” by lobbying medical organizations (like the American Psychiatric Association) and governing bodies (local, state, federal) — to officially recognize the condition as an “injury.”
Success of this mission, as defined above, will hasten societal shift as part of a cascading effect, exponentially improving the lives of PTS survivors everywhere. As the movement for change grows, this website hopes to help consolidate the (currently) disparate initiatives around the country — and the world — that are already working to effect a shift from “disorder” to “injury,” while providing a de facto clearinghouse of PTSI-relevant information and organizing functions.
Realization of this campaign to change the label to PTSI is an important step, but not the only factor that will help erase stigma and lead to making effective treatment available to all who need it. If/when success is achieved at changing how the diagnosis is officially understood and labeled, that may eventually influence — directly or indirectly — the acceptance within the healthcare system (regarding insurance coverage, etc.), but we’ll refrain from addressing that, for now.
ABOUT
The mission of ItsPTSI.com is to facilitate a change to the label of post-traumatic stress from “PTSD” to “PTSI,” by lobbying medical organizations (like the American Psychiatric Association) and governing bodies (local, state, federal) — to officially recognize the condition as an “injury.”
Success of this mission, as defined above, will hasten societal shift as part of a cascading effect, exponentially improving the lives of PTS survivors everywhere. As the movement for change grows, this website hopes to help consolidate the (currently) disparate initiatives around the country — and the world — that are already working to effect a shift from “disorder” to “injury,” while providing a de facto clearinghouse of PTSI-relevant information and organizing functions.
Realization of this campaign to change the label to PTSI is an important step, but not the only factor that will help erase stigma and lead to making effective treatment available to all who need it. The movement may also eventually influence — directly or indirectly — the acceptance within the healthcare system (insurance companies, etc.)