Summary

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more than 5.2 million Americans suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder in any given year. Although often associated with veterans who have experienced harsh combat conditions, PTSD may afflict anyone who suffers or witnesses a violent attack or event. All too often the condition is incorrectly diagnosed. Posttraumatic stress disorder is widely recognized, but there are many variations as to how it presents itself and numerous related disorders that can complicate its diagnosis and treatment. New therapies are emerging, and therapy for trauma has replaced anxiety or depression as the leading treatment for mental health disorders.

The Encyclopedia of Trauma and Traumatic Stress Disorders presents more than 300 entries covering all aspects of the subject and related topics. Written in straightforward, jargon-free language, this fascinating and comprehensive book is perfect for anyone researching or coping with the effects of trauma.

Entries include:

• Acute stress disorder
• Biological factors related to trauma
• Childhood trauma
• Depression
• Fight-or-flight response
• Medications used with trauma
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Recovered memory
• Spirituality and trauma
• Types of therapy
• and more.

Specifications

Index. Appendixes. Bibliography. Glossary. Cross-references.

About the Author(s)

Ronald M. Doctor, Ph.D., is an emeritus professor in the Department of Psychology at California State University, Northridge. He is a reviewer for several professional journals in behavioral research as well as a contributor to many textbooks and scholarly research journals. He is the coauthor of The Encyclopedia of Phobias, Fears, and Anxieties, Third Edition in the Facts On File Library of Health and Living series. He lives and teaches graduate courses in California.

Frank N. Shiromoto, Ph.D., specializes in disaster and trauma response for corporate businesses. He coordinates the critical incident response team for a national hospital organization and responded on behalf of New York City after September 11, 2001. He also has been a disaster stress manager for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He is coauthor of Drugs & Drinks: Painful Questions and lives in California.

Reviews and Awards

"...useful...Recommended for consumer-health collections."