Sharon Johnson is the author of the best selling Therapist's Guide to Clinical Intervention now in its second edition. In this new book on PTSD, she lends her practical outline format to understanding PTSD assessment, treatment planning, and intervention. The book begins with a summary information on PTSD definition, and prevalence, assessment, and the evidence basis behind different treatment options. The book offers adjunctive skill building resources to supplement traditional therapy choices as well as forms for use in clinical practice. This clinician's guide to diagnosing and treating PTSD is written in a concise format with much of the material in outline or bullet point format, allowing easy understanding of complex material for the busy therapist. The book includes a definition of the disorder, diagnostic criteria, the neurobiology of the disorder, tools and information for diagnosing clients, information on functional impairment, interventions, treatment planning, skill building, and additional clinician resources. Outlines treatment goals and objectives for DSM-IV PTSD diagnosis Discusses interventions and the evidence basis for each Offers skill building resources to supplement treatment Provides business and clinical forms for use with PTSD patients

Since the 1980's, posttraumatic stress intervention has focused primarily on "psychological debriefings" to help prevent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While debriefing is said to be important, mental health professionals are uncertain about outcomes, and there is agreement that debriefing may be somewhat hindered by its pathogenic nature rather than being a positive method for preventing trauma stress. This book demonstrates the need for alternatives to the prevailing model of posttrauma prevention, providing the theoretically and ecologically sound intervention that facilita.

Mental disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), constitute an important health care need of veterans, especially those recently separated from service. Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Assessment of the Evidence takes a systematic look the efficacy of pharmacologic and psychological treatment modalities for PTSD on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. By reviewing existing studies in order to draw conclusions about the strength of evidence on several types of treatment, the Committee on the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder found that many of these studies were faulty in design and performance, and that relatively few of these studies have been conducted in populations of veterans, despite suggestions that civilian and veteran populations respond differently to various types of treatment. The committee also notes that the evidence is scarce on the acceptability, efficacy, or generalizability of treatment in ethnic and cultural minorities, as few studies stratified results by ethnic background. Despite challenges in the consistency, quality, and depth of research, the committee found the evidence sufficient to conclude the efficacy of exposure therapies in treating PTSD. The committee found the evidence inadequate to determine efficacy of different types of pharmacotherapies, of three different psychotherapy modalities, and of psychotherapy delivered in group formats. The committee also made eight critical recommendations, some in response to the VA's questions related to recovery and the length and timing of PTSD treatment, and others addressing research methodology, gaps in evidence and funding issues.

Since the 1980's, posttraumatic stress intervention has focused primarily on psychological debriefings to help prevent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While debriefing is said to be important, mental health professionals are uncertain about outcomes, and there is agreement that debriefing may be somewhat hindered by its pathogenic nature rather than being a positive method for preventing trauma stress. This book demonstrates the need for alternatives to the prevailing model of posttrauma prevention, providing the theoretically and ecologically sound intervention that facilitates recovery and growth in those who have faced adversity. By concentrating on alternative ways of thinking about patterns of interaction between people and adversity, the adoption of a salutogenic paradigm for conceptualization, researching, designing, and delivering effective trauma intervention is advocated. This paradigm offers opportunities for intervention to mitigate traumatic stress reactions, develop resilience, and to establish necessary individual and organizational resources. In addition, the following topics are also examined: The integration of traumatic experiences, brief prevention programs after trauma, the effects of traumatic disclosure on physical and mental health, the values of writing and talking about upsetting events, hardiness as a resiliency factor, and work-related traumatic stress. This book will be useful for disaster workers, emergency worker counselors, police counselors, mental health professionals, and any group or individual that works with people exposed to trauma. The ideas described herein will add to the repertoire of those who seek to help others.

A balanced critical review of psychological debriefing by an eminent international team, published in 2000.

This book examines the latest developments in theory and research in post-traumatic stress disorder. Drawing on the literature exploring personality and social psychology, it presents an integrative model of psychosocial factors affecting adjustment following traumatic stressors. It serves as an innovative contribution to the area as well as an introductory text. A main feature of the book is a series of