Polio Survivors and PTSD
Original Post: At a recent visit, my Polio doctor asked me three questions that I could not answer. His response was “you are a perfect candidate for PTSD”. He had just been to a conference, where PTSD in relation to polio patients was discussed. My doctor has now referred me to a counselor.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: Fortunately, after studying and treating more than 6,000 polio survivors, I can say that PTSD in polio survivors is very rare. To have PTSD a person needs to understand the concept of life and death and that a situation can cause physical harm. Most children in hospital with polio were too young to understand this.
That being said, it doesn't mean that PTSD doesn't happen in polio survivors. It's just not common for polio survivors to meet the DSM-V criteria for PTSD. However, Adjustment Disorder with Anxious/Depressed Mood is virtually universal in polio survivors with PPS and often prevents them from doing what’s necessary (slowing down, saying “No,” using a brace, crutches or wheelchair) to treat PPS.
This is why psychotherapy was included as part of every Post-Polio Institute patient’s treatment protocol.
I hope this helps.