Effective Treatments for PTSD: Practice Guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies [Paperback]

Edna B. Foa PhD (Editor), Terence M. Keane PhD (Editor), Matthew J. Friedman MD PhD (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 13, 2004 | ISBN-10: 159385014X | ISBN-13: 978-1593850142 | Edition: 1

Developed under the auspices of the PTSD Treatment Guidelines Task Force of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, this comprehensive volume offers best practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD. The book represents the collaborative work of experts across a range of theoretical orientations and professional backgrounds. After addressing general treatment considerations and methodological issues, chapters review and evaluate the salient literature on treatment approaches for children, adolescents, and adults. Approaches covered include acute interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, EMDR, group therapy, psychodynamic therapy, inpatient treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation, hypnotherapy, marital and family treatment, and creative therapies. Standardized ratings are provided of each modality's efficacy for reducing core symptoms, and therapeutic goals, methods, and treatment planning recommendations are summarized. Synthesizing a vast body of knowledge into a cohesive, practical framework, this volume will be the definitive resource for all clinicians and researchers working in the area of PTSD.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Edited by leading clinical researchers, this timely text presents authoritative reviews of the most effective treatments for PTSD. Systematic and constructively critical reviews of current evidence are presented, and clear practice guidelines are described. The text is essential reading for all clinicians and researchers serving clients with PTSD. Graduate students in many disciplines will find this a helpful guide through the concepts, critical issues, and future key directions in the field." --William Yule, PhD, Professor of Applied Child Psychology, University of London Institute of Psychiatry, UK

"In a field characterized by sometimes outlandish claims of miracle cures, it is good to have a book that is marked by careful analysis, sound research, and clear-headed thinking. This is 'must' reading for clinicians and researchers alike, and will also be invaluable in educational and training settings." --Gerald C. Davison, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Southern California

"Studies indicate that nearly 9% of the United States population will experience the serious syndrome of PTSD at some point in their lives. Accordingly, knowledge of what works and what doesn't work to help people with PTSD recover is essential to the practicing mental health clinician. Foa, Keane, and Friedman have brought together leading experts to provide the first comprehensive set of guidelines regarding treatment of this disorder. Based on the best available scientific evidence, recommendations are appropriately qualified by clinical experience and the limitations of the research studies. This volume sets a new standard for practice guidelines. It will likely become the 'bible' for clinicians and investigators who seek information on PTSD treatment, as well as for graduate-level courses in psychotherapy, trauma, and mental health services." --Paul Crits-Christoph, PhD, Director, Center for Psychotherapy Research; Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania

From the Back Cover

"Edited by leading clinical researchers, this timely text presents authoritative reviews of the most effective treatments for PTSD. Systematic and constructively critical reviews of current evidence are presented, and clear practice guidelines are described. The text is essential reading for all clinicians and researchers serving clients with PTSD. Graduate students in many disciplines will find this a helpful guide through the concepts, critical issues, and future key directions in the field." William Yule, PhD, Professor of Applied Child Psychology, University of London, Institute of Psychiatry, UK

"In a field characterized by sometimes outlandish claims of miracle cures, it is good to have a book that is marked by careful analysis, sound research, and clear-headed thinking. This is 'must' reading for clinicians and researchers alike, and will also be invaluable in educational and training settings." Gerald C. Davison, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Southern California --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 388 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (January 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159385014X
• ISBN-13: 978-1593850142
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,013,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction, October 16, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Effective Treatments for PTSD: Practice Guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (Hardcover)

As the field of psychological trauma treatment matures, this book fills a need to provide a broad overview of where it is. It might be argued that the editors' investment in one of the therapies discussed in the book (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) colors their presentation and leads to the neglect of other therapies, both established (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and promising (Cognitive Therapy), this is not a major flaw as the individual chapters are written by individuals with some knowledge of their subject areas. Nonetheless, given the ongoing research being conducted on treating PTSD, researchers should bear in mind that this book will likely need revisions within the next year or two to be truly accurate.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A humane and rational book for clinicians, March 8, 2006

By 

P. Willson (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Effective Treatments for PTSD: Practice Guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (Paperback)

This is an excellent review of all the major modalities of treatment for PTSD, including some that have wide use with traditional or anecdotal support but little or no adequate scientific research, such as psychodynamic, hypnosis, and art therapies. New, relatively un-researched approaches such as EMDR are indeed included, as well as the 'gold standards' of CBT and medications.

Since the format emphasizes research-based discussions of each treatment's strengths, weaknesses, proper applications, cautions, etc., obviously the well-established, well-researched strategies get more space. In every case, the chapter authors are fair, practical, open-minded, and thorough, with none of the snide or patronizing attitude too often present in books that review a broad array of customary and alternative assessments or treatments.

I came away deeply impressed by the concern and compassion all of these clinician-researchers have for their patients, and their expressed awareness that the needs of the person being treated, not the diagnosis - and not scientific purity - must always be the priority. They also show attentiveness to the needs and difficulties facing clinicians. All this in a book that is scientifically and technically very sound, written in a clear, intelligent prose.

Good stuff.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars PTSD treatment sampler, July 28, 2007

By 

Jared Cooper "Psych Doc" (Orem, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Effective Treatments for PTSD: Practice Guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (Paperback)

I was impressed to see so many big names in PTSD research and treatment contribute to this text. Unfortunately, in most cases, I found descriptions for each of the effective treatments, rather than instructions. More helpful, specific instruction can be found in the authors' journal articles. The chapters in this book are often broad and theoretical. I was hoping for something more clinically applicable.

I'd recommend this book to someone who is completely unfamiliar with treatments for PTSD and is interested in a broad overview of most of the popular treatments in use today. I wouldn't recommend this book if one is interested in a clinical handbook for the treatment of PTSD.