Are Majority of PTSD Cases Actually "Moral Injury"?

Both PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and moral injury are serious mental health conditions that can arise after a traumatic experience. However, they stem from different aspects of the trauma.

PTSD focuses on the symptoms a person experiences. These can include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders, hypervigilance (feeling constantly on edge), negative thoughts and emotions, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. These symptoms can develop after any kind of traumatic event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or violent assault.

Moral injury, on the other hand, is specifically caused by a violation of one's moral code or witnessing the violation of moral codes by others. This violation can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, anger, betrayal, and disillusionment. It can also cause a loss of faith or meaning in life, and make it difficult to trust others or institutions. Moral injury is often associated with war veterans who have witnessed or participated in events that go against their core values.

While the symptoms of PTSD and moral injury can overlap, it's important to understand the distinction. PTSD is a broader response to trauma, whereas moral injury stems from a specific type of trauma - the violation of deeply held morals. However, there is a good chance that most people suffering are issued the PTSD tag, but is moral injury a more fitting term?

Let’s get the take of someone who has been studying this issue a long time…