Traumatic Events and Mental Health

by L. Stephen O'Brien , Foreword by J. P. Watson

• ISBN13: 9780521570275
• ISBN10: 0521570271
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-02-13
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

What constitutes a traumatic event? How and why does trauma affect people differently and what is a normal response? These are important questions asked on a daily basis. This concise yet comprehensive guidebook provides an accessible and highly referenced resource of practical advice and information on post traumatic distress. Dr O'Brien's coverage ranges from a brief historical perspective on post traumatic illness and its prevalence right through to the present-day legal implications. We are reminded that a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is by no means the only possible response to trauma and a helpful chapter is also devoted to the definition of a normal response. A broad range of theoretical and practical viewpoints are closely examined including an evaluation of management approaches and possibilities for prevention.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
1 Introduction and historical perspective	1	(34)
2 Normal reactions to trauma	35	(18)
3 Epidemiology of post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic illness	53	(30)
4 Aetiology and predisposing factors	83	(36)
5 What constitutes a stressor?	119	(25)
6 Post-traumatic illness other than post-traumatic stress disorder	144	(30)
7 Diagnosis and assessment	174	(35)
8 Management and outcome of post-traumatic illness	209	(33)
9 Medicolegal aspects of post-traumatic illness	242	(20)
10 Prevention of post-traumatic illness	262	(20)
11 The way ahead-whither now?	282	(13)
Index	295