Customer Reviews

Traumatic Stress: The Effects of Overwhelming Experience on Mind, Body, and Society

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Van der Kolk, McFarlane and Weisarth are world leaders on the nature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this volume they bring together a wide range of authors to present the historical development of and current approaches to the treatment of the ongoing effects of traumatic experience. There are 25 chapters which address the historical developments, acute reactions to and adaptation to trauma, the mechanisms of memory, social and cultural issues and, most importantly, treatment. Recent developments in treatment are critically reviewed, including reference to the popular Eye Movement Desensitisation, but Thought Field Therapy is too new to be included. This is not a book for those looking for `quick fix' solutions or a `how to' manual for the treatment of trauma. Rather it provides serious theoretical and research perspectives that might underpin professional practice. In this sense it is a fair representation of the state of knowledge on PTSD, a concept which provides a window for viewing and treating the effects of exposure to trauma. Having explored the current state of clinical knowledge however, the editors acknowledge that there are `aspects of the experience of trauma that cannot be captured in medical and scientific models' and argue that `in reality people are left to grapple with the human dimensions of traumatic experience'. They conclude that `beneath the tidiness of emotional distancing and scientific classification lie the human vitality and energy to struggle against, and to create meaning out of, what appears to be random cruelty and fate'. The reader is left to ponder what the role of the researcher and clinician is in challenging the conditions and social contexts of the tragedy and violence that we observe daily in our world. If there is any criticism, the text could perhaps have been grounded in more case presentations that would allow the reader an insight into the complex process of grappling with and unravelling the experience of trauma and its consequences.

As a 2nd year psychiatry resident, I only recently discovered this text, however, am finding it incredibly helpful in understanding my patients. Although there are currently no plans for an updated edition (per the publisher as of November 2005), the material is still very relevant as far as the developmental effects of traumatic stress. I would highly recommend this to anyone who works with patients with PTSD.

I recently worked with Kosovar refugees in Montenegro during the war in Kosovo and found this book to be invaluable in my efforts to determine what has been shown to work in the field and how to conceptualize the staging of interventions needed within a cultural context. I highly recommend this book to anyone working with trauma that results from ethno-political warfare.

I work with persons suffering combat PTSD. I have found this to be, by far, the best book on treatment. The authors have a depth of understanding that goes far beyond those of most other authors. No simplistic solutions, here. Not a "just change the way you think about it" approach, and not a "just put on the goggles and re-experience it until it doesn't bother you anymore" approach ... not when the crucial events are such as seeing others' bodies torn apart by efficient weapons, or losing people one has come to love. Much wisdom in this book.

In my efforts to better understand myself and my diagnoses, I bought this book because I wanted something more than just "take a pill" or "years of psycho-therapy." I wanted to understand why my PTSD is "chronic," why it has changed my life so dramatically, and how I can get back on my feet. Being mentally ill has brought a variety of reactions and sayings, one of which is "just pull yourself by your boot straps." I always wondered why I couldn't do that, until I figured out that not only do I not have boot straps, I don't even have the boots! No other person's boots will fit, so I decided to make my own by gathering all the information I can and incorporating positive changes into my life to bring about a sense of "normalcy." This book has gone a very long way in helping me to understand the processing of, or rather failure to process, traumatic events. It also completely helped me understand why I've struggled with night-time and the insomnia that wouldn't respond to "sleep hygiene" practices.

I am still reading the book, so this review is in light of what I've read so far. I will try to remember to add/finish the review upon completion of reading the book.

The text is written in a more technical/clinical fashion than layman, so people who do not have any background in psychology or medicine will likely find this book to be very difficult to read and/or understand. For those who suffer from PTSD, love someone with PTSD, or work with someone who has PTSD, this book may bring about more understanding and open the door for good and deep conversation. I hope, for myself as well as for others, that the vast amount of information in this book will provide tools to help manage a very complicated "problem," whose roots are likely deep and tangled.

In summary, I highly recommend this book to clinicians who work with sufferers of PTSD, but even more so to help PREVENT the illness of PTSD in persons who have experienced trauma(s). There is a wealth of information in this book, and though pricey, is well worth the money.

As a clinical social worker and marriage and family therapist in private practice, I work with many individuals who have a history of trauma and/or have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Bessel A. van der Kolk is one of the most experienced and respected professionals in this field. In this book he has edited a cross-section of articles that he considers the best in this field.

Topics covered include background issues and history, acute reactions, adaptations to trauma, memory: mechanisms and processes, developmental, social and cultural issues and treatment. I believe that this book should be essential reading for anyone working with adults who have a history of trauma in their background. Not only is the information fascinating, but it is pragmatic and can be utilized in the treatment setting.

The authors display an intimate knowledge of their subject. It is an invaluable contribution to the field of mental health. I highly recommend this book to all who have an interest in trauma stress studies.
Mingmei Jiang BVocEd&Train(C.Sturt)

This book was purchased for an on line course. I find the content helpful and very easy to follow. I would recommend this for professionals as well as those interested in the topic of trauma.

Thanks so much, Very happy with the speed of posting and the condition of the book.

Overall good book. The text can be a little technical at times but well written.