Misdiagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Delaware

Approximately 7-8 out of 100 people will, at some point in their lives, fall victim to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This tragic and unfortunately common disorder can affect anyone at any time, and the repercussions can be horrifying for the victim as well as their family. People who suffer from PTSD and experienced an act of medical negligence in Delaware can spend the rest of their lives too afraid to receive care or to seek help when they need it. You don’t need to suffer alone and deserve the care and compensation owed to you after being denied the care you needed. The attorneys at Edelstein, Martin, & Nelson can help.

Medical Misdiagnosis of PTSD

Often, people suffering from PTSD will feel isolated and will begin to walk down a dark path of despair. Sometimes, the situation can become so severe that a person requires medical assistance, and they may begin to seek prescription medications. These innocent people can fall victim to misdiagnosis. Doctors prescribe powerful antidepressants or mind-altering substances that can affect the brain, and the results can be catastrophic, especially if they’re treating the wrong illness.

In the event that you or a loved one was victimized by the misdiagnosis of PTSD, you may face expensive medical bills and ongoing, untreated trauma. With the help of a professional attorney knowledgeable in medical malpractice, you can access a variety of resources and ensure your rights are protected.  

Understanding PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a behavioral condition that typically occurs after a person has experienced a terrifying, traumatic, or potentially life-threatening incident. Fear is a natural part of the fight-or-flight process, in which the human body undergoes split-second chemical changes to force us to react to danger. The majority of people who experience trauma or fear will eventually recover, but people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder often do not without concentrate d care.

PTSD is a very unpredictable problem that varies by individual. Victims of this disorder might not have suffered from a violent, dangerous event but instead experienced the death of a friend or loved one. Typically, symptoms set in early, sometimes 3 months after the event has taken place. To be considered for PTSD treatment, the following symptoms must last for at least one month:

• 1 re-experiencing symptom
• 1 avoidance symptom
• 2 symptoms connected to harsh reactions and arousal
• 2 symptoms associated with mood and cognitive processes

Mental Health and PTSD

Unfortunately, if PTSD is left untreated or is misdiagnosed, the victim can potentially turn to dangerous alternative therapy such as drug abuse and addiction. In this instance, you or your loved one may succumb to comorbidity, in which drug abuse and behavioral problems run together. If this condition is not diagnosed properly, the victim can resort to risk-taking and thrill-seeking, behaviors that can only intensify the current problems associated with the PTSD.

Steps to Take After a PTSD Misdiagnosis in Delaware

For individuals pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit, certain criteria must be met before you can file a claim against a potentially guilty party. By Delaware State Law, a family doctor or a psychiatrist must provide informed consent for the recovery of damages unless the patient received medication as part of a nonemergency procedure. Similarly, you must show valid evidence that the doctor provided valuable details regarding the consumption and handling of the medication.

Delaware Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Our attorneys at Edelstein, Martin, & Nelson are passionate about our practice and are knowledgeable about the laws, rules, and statutes surrounding unfortunate and sometimes tragic incidences involving medical malpractice or lack of responsibility in the State of Delaware. We fight for the rights of every victim and the members of victims’ families and will help you receive justice for such tragic and unfortunate circumstances. If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD and were improperly diagnosed by a doctor, contact our office at 800-300-0909 to file a personal injury lawsuit today.