So, I am 33. I have only recently discovered that aphantasia is a thing, and that I have it. I experienced an extremely traumatic event at age 16, and it was not until very recently that anyone suggested I might have ptsd. Whether or not my aphantasia was caused by my trauma (I have no way of knowing, it was so long ago now that I can't remember whether I used to visualise or not during childhood) I am convinced that my aphantasia is the main reason why I was not diagnosed with ptsd years ago; given that not only do I not have visual flashbacks (obviously) but I also do not dream, and therefore no nightmares. But I have basically all the other symptoms of ptsd. I would not be surprised to learn that my aphantasia was a way for my brain to protect itself from harmful imagery, and am curious as to whether or not there is any research in this area?

So, I am 33. I have only recently discovered that aphantasia is a thing, and that I have it. I experienced an extremely traumatic event at age 16, and it was not until very recently that anyone suggested I might have ptsd. Whether or not my aphantasia was caused by my trauma (I have no way of knowing, it was so long ago now that I can't remember whether I used to visualise or not during childhood) I am convinced that my aphantasia is the main reason why I was not diagnosed with ptsd years ago; given that not only do I not have visual flashbacks (obviously) but I also do not dream, and therefore no nightmares. But I have basically all the other symptoms of ptsd. I would not be surprised to learn that my aphantasia was a way for my brain to protect itself from harmful imagery, and am curious as to whether or not there is any research in this area?