Assessing Psychological Trauma and PTSD, Second Edition

Since the initial publication of this volume, the field of traumatic stress studies has continued to grow at an unprecedented rate. The revised and expanded second edition now brings readers fully up to date on the most widely used approaches to assessing psychological trauma and PTSD. Written by leading authorities, the volume has been extensively rewritten and restructured to reflect the latest findings and best practices, and features seven entirely new chapters. Scholarly yet accessible, this is an indispensable sourcebook for clinicians, researchers, and students. The volume begins by addressing issues in classification and diagnosis, summarizing current understandings of PTSD and including two new chapters on complex PTSD and acute stress disorder. Contributors then provide a thorough review of available assessment tools and techniques. Information is provided on the background, current status, source, and recommended uses of: * standardized self-report measures * structured clinical interviews * the Peritraumatic Disassociative Experiences Questionnaire * the Impact of Events Scale - revised * epidemiological measures * the Rorschach * specialized instruments for military populations. The neuropsychobiology of PTSD - among the field's most dynamic areas of inquiry - is covered in an important new section that highlights emerging applications of neuroimaging and pharmacological probes. The volume also delineates guidelines for conducting assessments in specific contexts and with different populations, including new chapters on dual diagnosis and the relationship of trauma to physical health problems. Gender and developmental factors in assessment are addressed, and recommendations provided for working with traumatized children and adult survivors of childhood abuse. Finally, a new concluding chapter offers crucial guidance on conducting forensic assessments for trauma and serving as an expert witness. This comprehensive, authoritative volume meets a key need for anyone providing treatment services or conducting research in the area of trauma and PTSD, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and students in these fields. It is an invaluable text for courses in stress and trauma, abuse and victimization, or abnormal psychology, as well as clinical psychology practica. Deane Aiken, National Center for PTSD; Yale University, New Haven, CT John Briere, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Richard A. Bryant, University of Ne