Traumatic Events and Mental Health

A concise yet comprehensive and practical guide to the study and management of post traumatic responses.

L. Stephen O'Brien (Author), J. P. Watson (Foreword by)

9780521578868, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 February 1998

314 pages, 5 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.46 kg

' … O'Brien presents us with a valuable overview and evaluation of one of the most debated psychiatric entities over the last two decades. This book must be of interest to everyone working in the field of mentally traumatized people.' Morten Ekstrom, Torture

What constitutes a traumatic event? How and why does trauma affect people differently and what is a normal response? These are important questions asked on a daily basis. This concise yet comprehensive guidebook provides an accessible and highly referenced resource of practical advice and information on post traumatic distress. Dr O'Brien's coverage ranges from a brief historical perspective on post traumatic illness and its prevalence right through to the legal implications. We are reminded that a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is by no means the only possible response to trauma and a helpful chapter is also devoted to the definition of a normal response. A broad range of theoretical and practical viewpoints are closely examined including an evaluation of management approaches and possibilities for prevention.

1. Introduction and historical perspective
2. Normal reactions to trauma
3. Epidemiology of post traumatic stress disorder and post traumatic illness
4. Aetiology and predisposing factors
5. What constitutes a stressor?
6. Post traumatic illness other than post traumatic stress disorder
7. Diagnosis and assessment
8. Management and outcome of post traumatic illness
9. Medicolegal aspects of post traumatic illness
10. Prevention of post traumatic illness
11. The way ahead - whither now?

Subject Areas: Psychiatry [MMH]