Assessing Psychological Trauma and PTSD, Second Edition

The essence of knowledge comes from accurate description and measurement, and there is no field whose current acceptance is more indebted to systematic, reliable research than the study of traumatic events. This second edition is an invaluable handbook and guide for anyone planning to investigate this domain. The breadth of topics covered also makes it a useful resource for students seeking to deepen their knowledge of trauma assessment. The addition of chapters about neuroimaging and psychobiology, and about the assessment of PTSD in legal settings, enhances the breadth and utility of this essential text.--Alexander C. McFarlane, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Australia

In the rapidly developing field of psychological trauma and PTSD, the second edition of this authoritative book is a most important contribution. Thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded, the book is an invaluable resource for seasoned and novice researchers, clinicians, and graduate students. Authors clearly operationalize relevant constructs related to traumatization and PTSD, and detail the psychometrics and appropriate uses of major measurement instruments. Among the many features of the second edition, the new section on psychobiological assessment is particularly noteworthy.--Onno van der Hart, PhD, Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; past president, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

In this second edition of this classic work, the editors have assembled expert and comprehensive coverage of most of the issues inherent in assessing the wide-ranging effects of traumatic events. Relevant methodological issues are treated in a sophisticated yet clear and accessible manner. A research-based clinical approach to the assessment of traumatic stress reactions is complemented with critical surveys of useful assessment tools and experimental measures. Careful application of the wisdom contained in this text will ensure that research and clinical practice relating to PTSD remains evidence-based and continues to bring benefit to patients.--William Yule, PhD, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK

Because trauma affects people in highly variable but pervasive ways, thorough and reliable assessment across multiple domains of functioning is indispensable to clinical decision making, treatment planning, and therapeutic progress monitoring. In this excellent second edition, Wilson and Keane have once again assembled a 'who's who' of leading researchers in assessment to cover the latest evidence-based assessment tools and strategies designed to evaluate trauma survivors across the lifespan and across all domains of functioning. The result is a cutting-edge, scholarly, and useful volume. It is a 'must read' for trauma professionals across the spectrum of subspecialties, as well as clinical trainees and graduate students.--Brett Litz, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine; National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System
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