Hi,I am Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (Psychiatrist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Can A Drug Addict Suffer From Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
I was wondering how a doctor can tell a patient they dont have post traumatic stress disorder and Generalized anxiety just because they abused opoties? The Suboxone clinic sd they doctor could have mis diagnosed my friend because she was abusing drugs and the doctor prescribing her meds for that didnt know she had a drug problem and that anxiety and the pt
sd can come from being a drug user is that true? Because she is now takin suboxone and still has panic attacks and the stress disorder.
Hi, Post traumatic stress and generalised anxiety disorder are distinct diagnoses which are made only in absence of a clear cut influence of another cause like substance abuse or a medical condition causing the symptoms. If they are diagnosed, then it is only when the person has recovered completely from the withdrawal symptoms of the abused drug. Also, post traumatic stress is an entity that comes after exposure to a very intense and severe kind of stressor to a person, not the ones we encounter in routine lives. And generalised anxiety remains like a constant apprehension or worry throughout the day. Your friend seems to have the withdrawal symptoms of opioid abuse in the form of panic attacks perhaps due to sub optimal (inadequate) suboxone doses. Do not worry about additional diagnoses. Just stick to the replacement suboxone therapy and your friend should be fine over a period of next few weeks. Thanks!
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Can A Drug Addict Suffer From Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Hi, Post traumatic stress and generalised anxiety disorder are distinct diagnoses which are made only in absence of a clear cut influence of another cause like substance abuse or a medical condition causing the symptoms. If they are diagnosed, then it is only when the person has recovered completely from the withdrawal symptoms of the abused drug. Also, post traumatic stress is an entity that comes after exposure to a very intense and severe kind of stressor to a person, not the ones we encounter in routine lives. And generalised anxiety remains like a constant apprehension or worry throughout the day. Your friend seems to have the withdrawal symptoms of opioid abuse in the form of panic attacks perhaps due to sub optimal (inadequate) suboxone doses. Do not worry about additional diagnoses. Just stick to the replacement suboxone therapy and your friend should be fine over a period of next few weeks. Thanks!