A 40-year-old member asked:
Can you explain if it's possible to not know you have been through a traumatic event, but still have ptsd?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Barbara Lavianswered
Clinical Psychology 36 years experience
Yes it is possible: Sometimes traumatic events are so overwhelming that the person blocked it out of their memory (in other words represses the memory). They may have ptsd with flashbacks and dreams that are attempts by the unconscious mind to help the person remember and get help for the trauma. In treatment they can be helped to remember and heal from the trauma.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 1, 2016
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