Psychological Trauma

The psychological trauma section is a concise, comprehensive, integrated overview of research and the state-of-the-art thinking about posttraumatic stress disorder. These chapters break new ground in summarizing current basic and clinical research to inform the theoretician, practitioner, and researcher in the field. It is essential reading for all mental health professionals to be up to date in this burgeoning field. Earl Giller Jr., Ph.D., Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, Groton, Connecticut [R]isk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is a well-written and unusually coherent collection of papers. It is recommended for any clinician interested in a guide to current PTSD research. Michael Craig Miller, M.D., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts

Psychological Trauma addresses these advances in a critical and thorough approach. The practicing physician will find this volume an indispensable addition to the existing literature.

Psychological Trauma reviews the theory of traumatic exposure as a major factor in psychological disorders like PTSD. It also addresses the differing outcomes of such exposure as well as exciting treatment options for patients. Some highlights from this volume of the 1998 Review of Psychiatry series include:

• Complete coverage of the neurological damage from exposure to trauma.
• A thoughtful discussion of the reasons some rape survivors suffer from chronic PTSD.
• An established connection between PTSD and anxiety disorders and depression.
• New uses of pharmacotherapy for patients suffering from PTSD.

The understanding of the connection between trauma and PTSD, is a continuing challenge for physicians. While many patients suffer from the disorder, it is still not commonly understood. Psychological Trauma provides psychiatrists and psychologists accessible and reliable information on the topic.