system
How to differenciate between a PTSD flashback and dementia?
human
How do we know the difference between a PTSD flashback and a dementia type hallucination in a patient who isn't a reliable source of information?  Take for example a patient who is a Vietnam era vet- he has PTSD flashbacks and has recently developed hallucinations or possible dementia.  Assuming we cannot do any invasive tests, is there a way to differentiate between the two based upon assessment and behaviors alone?  Since both have differing treatment strategies, how do we figure out what is what?  As a Psych NP student, I've gotten this question from the attending psychiatrist and been given instructions to "figure it out" and have been assured there is an answer.  After 3 days of searching and reading, I can't find anything about a surefire way to tell between the two...and our patient can't tell us.  We only have his presentation to go on.
gpt
HIThanks for using healthcare magicPTSD would occur at any age and dementia mainly in old age. Onset of PTSD is sudden after traumatic experience and dementia is mainly gradual except in vascular dementia. Hallucination in PTSD would be mainly auditory as compared to dementia it is be visual.  PSTD patient would become anxious moment he would have flashback, same would not occur in dementia  induced hallucination. Thanks