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Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Confusion With PTSD
- nina.liberty@live.co.uk
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1 year 11 months ago #270469 by nina.liberty@live.co.uk
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Confusion With PTSD was created by nina.liberty@live.co.uk
Firstly I was diagnosed with CPTSD by a psychologist/therapist in Australia as I paid for my own therapy due to giving up on NHS therapy after 3 1/2 years waiting. The delay meant I could not work and now have been out of the workplace for 5 years. Given the exacerbation of my condition, can that in anyway be used in a claim for PIP (understanding there is a points based system that does not assess liability).
Secondly, there appears to be a poor understanding of CPTSD and PTSD similarities but the key key differences and in fact a housing assessment stated I had PTSD which I do not have. Is this a common problem and in what ways can one overcome the lack of understanding that I think is likely, will occur again in the PIP application process?
Thirdly, are there any specific resources or forum posts that may give me further information about the specifics of applying for PIP concerning the condition of CPTSD specifically?
All pointers would be gratefully accepted.
Secondly, there appears to be a poor understanding of CPTSD and PTSD similarities but the key key differences and in fact a housing assessment stated I had PTSD which I do not have. Is this a common problem and in what ways can one overcome the lack of understanding that I think is likely, will occur again in the PIP application process?
Thirdly, are there any specific resources or forum posts that may give me further information about the specifics of applying for PIP concerning the condition of CPTSD specifically?
All pointers would be gratefully accepted.
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- BIS
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1 year 11 months ago #270472 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Confusion With PTSD
Hi Nina
Welcome to the forum. Please go into your records and change your forum name. At the moment your email address is showing and this is open for anyone to see on the internet. Follow the link on how to do this benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum#two
I am not sure that I understand your first question. You should include a letter, or any relevant notes from your psychologist/therapist that you had in Australia and you can say that you had been unable to access help from the NHS. Your claim for PIP starts from the time you apply for it. One of the criteria is that a claimant must have had a condition for three months before their claim and an expectation that it will last for at least nine months after the claim has begun. Clearly, you fit that criterion - but the fact you weren't able to get help before and your condition has since deteriorated, won't make a difference in terms of a claim.
I understand your concern that whoever is assessing your condition won't understand the differences between CPTSD and PTSD. It is a concern that many claimants have with a variety of conditions and their fears are sometimes realised when they apply for PIP. Assessors often don't have specialist knowledge and it is quite possible they will never have come across someone with CPTSD or even understand the important differents.
I know of claimants who have put in information from a reputable website, about their condition and referred to it when answering the questions on the PIP form. PIP is not so much about a specific condition per se - it is how that condition affects daily living and/or mobility as laid down in the specific criteria. Two people can appear to have the same condition and symptoms, but they won't necessarily be awarded PIP because the effect on their life varies. The best thing you can do is go through our guide and look at each question and explain as fully as possible how CPTSD affects your life. Assume that the person reading it knows nothing about your condition. Don't leave anything out - but stick to the specific criteria.
There aren't any specific resources about CPTSD and I couldn't find any forum posts where someone has reported applying for PIP with it.
BIS
Welcome to the forum. Please go into your records and change your forum name. At the moment your email address is showing and this is open for anyone to see on the internet. Follow the link on how to do this benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum#two
I am not sure that I understand your first question. You should include a letter, or any relevant notes from your psychologist/therapist that you had in Australia and you can say that you had been unable to access help from the NHS. Your claim for PIP starts from the time you apply for it. One of the criteria is that a claimant must have had a condition for three months before their claim and an expectation that it will last for at least nine months after the claim has begun. Clearly, you fit that criterion - but the fact you weren't able to get help before and your condition has since deteriorated, won't make a difference in terms of a claim.
I understand your concern that whoever is assessing your condition won't understand the differences between CPTSD and PTSD. It is a concern that many claimants have with a variety of conditions and their fears are sometimes realised when they apply for PIP. Assessors often don't have specialist knowledge and it is quite possible they will never have come across someone with CPTSD or even understand the important differents.
I know of claimants who have put in information from a reputable website, about their condition and referred to it when answering the questions on the PIP form. PIP is not so much about a specific condition per se - it is how that condition affects daily living and/or mobility as laid down in the specific criteria. Two people can appear to have the same condition and symptoms, but they won't necessarily be awarded PIP because the effect on their life varies. The best thing you can do is go through our guide and look at each question and explain as fully as possible how CPTSD affects your life. Assume that the person reading it knows nothing about your condition. Don't leave anything out - but stick to the specific criteria.
There aren't any specific resources about CPTSD and I couldn't find any forum posts where someone has reported applying for PIP with it.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- Angel
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1 year 10 months ago #270577 by Angel
Replied by Angel on topic Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Confusion With PTSD
Hi. I also suffer from C-PTSD. The DWP and assessors have no clue. I state ‘Complex PTSD’ and explain what the term means. It is only at my last review (2021) that I received MH (mental health) ‘points’, despite claiming DLA and then PIP for the previous 11 years; I have physical health stuff going on also.
Explain as if to a complete idiot in your application. Back up everything you say (including history/ longevity) with copies of relevant GP notes/ support organisation letters etc. You will need to put all the work in. If you have used any MH organisations ‘ever’, write to them and ask for a letter on headed paper stating any support received, or dates you used the service etc. They may not give specifics but dates can be really helpful. Good luck.
Explain as if to a complete idiot in your application. Back up everything you say (including history/ longevity) with copies of relevant GP notes/ support organisation letters etc. You will need to put all the work in. If you have used any MH organisations ‘ever’, write to them and ask for a letter on headed paper stating any support received, or dates you used the service etc. They may not give specifics but dates can be really helpful. Good luck.
The following user(s) said Thank You: BIS, Gary
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