Very good read. In this book, author Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. contends that many psychiatric patients are misdiagnosed, largely because those who determine the content of the DSM have chosen not to include a Developmental Trauma Disorder diagnosis. Without the clinician's option to diagnose Developmental Trauma Disorder, patients may be misdiagnosed as having ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and many other anxiety-related labels, he says. He explains that a more accurate diagnosis could lead to more practical treatment. Citing numerous research studies, van der Kolk establishes a connection between mind and body and relates said connection to trauma at various stages of life -- from childhood abuse and neglect to war-related PTSD. Part of the joy of the read is van der Kolk's fairness in granting that some treatments such as eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) aren't yet fully understood even though they seem to be beneficial to many patients. Another part of the joy of the read is that the narratives and case studies sprinkled throughout the text keep the action flowing in a sea of statistical evidence. I'd recommend this book to clinicians, teachers, doctors, nurses, policemen, firemen, war veterans, parents, grandparents, and almost everyone else as I suspect we all either deal with our own trauma or know people who, as a result of their trauma, create chaos in others' lives. This book is enlightening and promotes hope for those who have experienced trauma.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This book had fascinating illustrations of how trauma affects a person not only psychologically, but physically. It makes you understand why some people are the way they are---anti-social personalities, people with anger management issues, etc. It also gives some compelling evidence of unconventional therapy techniques that have shown great promise but discusses how our society seems to prefer lifelong treatment of a problem with drugs rather than treating the underlying cause and freeing a person from the burden of trauma that they carry with them throughout their lives. The author is a psychiatrist who specializes in treating trauma patients from early childhood through adulthood. Fascinating!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I have PTSD and have been in therapy for 16 years. This book is a must read for sufferers and help providers alike. It is written by an extremely well qualified research scientist with many years of treating and research. The case studies are very interesting. He provides information from the medical and clinical viewpoint. The information on treatments and medications are very interesting. As a patient I find the history of treatment and discoveries of great interest as I have seen the developments from the patient side.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is a really great book that explains how trauma damages people. The brain doesn't heal from trauma unless it's "taught" to (this isn't in the book, it's my own opinion after 25 years of being a therapist." This is a great book that's eye opening and healing for many who have experienced any form of trauma. Some reactions are trauma based and some are psychiatric. There is a difference.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Finally, here is writing about the history of the PTSD diagnosis and how it came to be. And the compassion and caring that these psychiatrists and therapists and researchers express for their patients/clients is very touching. To me, it's as good a book as "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck, MD. Easy to read, lots of case histories that actually make sense, and are to the point, and the history of research into causation and the relationship between early childhood trauma, and how the brain adapts in order to "function" after it interprets the trauma. Researchers are actually developing standards for measuring what used to be thought of as "immeasurable". As an accountant and financial analyst, it's the kind of stuff I LOVE!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I rarely read books, I appreciate them, however I never finish them. This book creates healing and awareness of the human condition, on a visceral level, scientific antidotes and research play a big role in creating an easy to grasp concept of trauma and it’s after effects. Not only does this book push all the buttons for anyone healing, but it also creates a space to feel confident mentally, while healing.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The author speaks to the need of those who suffer from grief and other traumatic occurrences in relevant and helpful language and equips counselors and mental health workers with salient information.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is an amazing book. Well researched and thorough, the author clearly explains the concepts in terms easily accessible to readers without backgrounds in medicine or science. The author approaches the topics of trauma and mental illness with exceptional compassion. This book is a wonderful tool for understanding and mitigating the impacts of trauma. As a legal services attorney serving homeless and disabled clients, this book has been incredibly valuable to me. It has helped expand my understanding of my clients and my own life experiences, and has helped me process and heal from the vicarious trauma associated with my work.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The author has studied trauma and its affect on humans for approximately five decades. This book is a welcome addition in my small library.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
A highly readable and comprehensive book about effects and treatments of trauma. It's not just technical. This psychiatrist tells many interesting stories about patients who have suffered and almost as many who have returned to a normal life. It gives great hope to those whose lives have been gutted by trauma and the people who care about them.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
