"Once in a blue moon, a book is published that bears such importance for its subject that it becomes an instant classic. Traumatic Stress is such a book...No doubt, researchers will consider Traumatic Stress as an essential resource, and no academic libraary serving PTSD scholars will want to be without it..." --L.S. Beall, Auburn University in Choice, December 1996

"van der Kolk, McFarlane, and Weisaeth have had the courage to investigate and write about the most controversial areas in modern psychiatric research. Their intelligent, careful, and wide ranging collection of essays adheres to a high standard of scientific rigor and in doing so shows a deep sympathy with the human face of suffering. The study of psychological trauma raises profound intellectual, ethical, and political questions, and this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to participate in the discussion." --Carol Gilligan, Ph.D., Harvard University

"This is a book of great scope and lucid intelligence that integrates the work of many pioneers and captures the keen spirit of inquiry that animates this rapidly developing field. As a comprehensive summary of our current state of knowledge and a guide to the next generation of clinicians and researchers, Traumatic Stress will be the gold standard reference for many years to come." --Judith L. Herman, MD, Harvard Medical School

"Encyclopedic in its scope, Traumatic Stress provides a detailed review and critical analysis of the vast literature generated by the renewed interest in psychological trauma during the past two decades. Although not as yet woven into a final, fully illuminative tapestry, the individual threads of the psychological, biological, developmental, cultural, and historical aspects of emotionally traumatic experiences are clearly spun throughout the text. As such, they stand as guides to deeper clinical understanding and further research for all who wish to follow them. The volume is an important contribution to the field and should become a basic work of reference for the growing legion of mental health professionals concerned with the role of traumatic stress in the production of human illness." --John C. Nemiah, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus, Harvard Medical School

"An impressive and important book. van der Kolk and McFarlane bring both science and sensitivity to this edited volume on PTSD. From children to the elderly, from psychoanalysis to psychopharmacology, from the individual to society at large, the clinical material is all here. An international list of contributors provide a rich collection of chapters covering all aspects of PTSD. Both comprehensive and integrative, Traumatic Stress will reshape the way that we understand trauma." --Frank W. Putnam, MD, NIMH

"I have used this book as a text in two graduate social work courses: 'Crisis Intervention and Trauma Treatment' and 'Clinical Practice 2.' Several chapters stand out as particularly valuable in addressing elements of trauma of concern to all mental health workers. The book provides clear coverage of such critical topics as biological and cultural aspects of trauma, problems of dissociation and information processing, general treatment principles, and specific treatment approaches. The text is well organized and well written, and provides an excellent foundation for the study of trauma."--Robert Chazin, DSW, Fordham University

"...chapters on the history of the concept of psychogenic trauma, the methods and instruments currently used to assess post-traumatic disorders in clinical and research settings, and the historical development of classification schemes for post-traumatic disorders....are valuable scholarly reviews and include useful bibliographies....chapters on treatment modalities specific to acute and chronic forms of post-traumatic disorders are comprehensive and authoritative....Writers and researchers on PTSD have generally shown little interest in the effects of culture on the onset and course of this disorder. This book is an exception." --Transcultural Psychiatry

"...provides analysts a comprehensive overview....In addition to an excellent chapter...on the psychoanalytic psychotherapy of posttraumatic stress disorder, the reader is given chapters on psychopharmacological treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and acute crisis intervention measures." --Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association

"...this is an excellent book that brings us up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of trauma study....the chapter on the legal aspects of trauma could be very useful to all forensic psychiatrists. The book, as a whole, leads psychiatry away from the stale and constricted 'atheoretical' DSM approach and puts 'flesh on the bones' of the DSM. The authors have shown thoughtfulness and scientific inquisitiveness and yet also a good deal of compassion in their attempt to learn about this very complex, multifaceted disorder." --Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry Law

"Should be required for all of us who work with trauma victims. It is a scholarly synthesis of research advances combined with humanitarian sensitivity and clinical pragmatism." --General Hospital Psychiatry

"Like a small number of classic volumes in the field of traumatic stress...this book is remarkable for including not only [the] scientific and medical viewpoint, but also the sociopolitical context in which trauma, its study, and its treatment occur....An invaluable contribution to the field of traumatic stress studies, and psychology in general. We highly recommend this book to researchers, clinicians, students, and all of those committed to understanding and taking responsibility for the effects of trauma on the individual and society." --Contemporary Psychology

"Plain language and liberal use of headings make for relatively easy, sometimes even compelling reading....Will be the definitive work in the field for years to come....A 'must' for every medical library and psychiatric educator. This book will be of value to researchers (over 100 references per chapter) and clinicians...." --Canadian Journal of Psychiatry

"It is impossible to capture the richness, breadth of perspective, and sheer clinical wisdom that van der Kolk and his colleagues bring to this volume....[It] is the best synthesis of current knowledge for those who specialize in trauma--and for those who do not...." --Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic

"...a state-of-the-art compendium of knowledge about the psychiatric and social sequelae of traumatic experience...Traumatic Stress will likely become a standard reference for clinicians and for researchers." --Psychiatric Services

"An invaluable resource to mental health professionals, researchers, and students interested in a primary text on traumatic stress." --Coalition Commentary