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Tuesday, January 06, 2009 Mark Heartwood asks

Q: In people with complex PTSD, is there damage to the pleasure center of the brain?

Someone I know with PTSD was told by a therapist/L.C.S.W. that PTSD causes damage to the pleasure center in the brain. I have a problem with being happy and experiencing love, in that I always cry...

Then, I tend to reflect back to contrast my past experiences to the present, so much so that, it takes me totally out of the here and now and often leads me to slip into a depressed state, when I should be enjoying my happiness.

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1/ 6/09 9:29pm

Mark - There does appear to be some evidence that prolonged trauma leads to changes in the brain. However, if you are trying to figure out the source of your own unhappiness and have not sought out an evaluation with an experienced mental health professional, you should probably do so. Depression can be successfully treated in many people with the right combination of therapy and medications.

 

Rick Wirtz

 

Rick Wirtz is a Psychologist, not a psychiatrist or medical doctor. Although the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medications or give you specific advice about them, they typically have experience working with patients who take a variety of medications. The response above is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own physician

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By Mark Heartwood— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 01/06/09