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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, The Latest Assessments and Treatment Strategies
More than 14 million people suffer ongoing serious effects from traumas such as the events of 9/11, sexual abuse, violence, accidents, or war. Who is at risk for developing PTSD? What is the likelihood of recovery? What is the difference between PTSD and the new diagnosis, Acute Stress Disorder? How do you differentiate PTSD from other disorders with similar symptoms? Get these answers as well as, learn what kinds of traumatic reactions are common, why people experience extreme changes in their behavior and feelings, and what treatments work best in this Compact Clinicals’ book
- GenresTextbooks
120 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2000
About the author
Matthew J. Friedman
25 booksMatthew J. Friedman
National Center for PTSD,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (White River Junction, VT)
Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology & Toxicology,
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth (Hanover, NH).
National Center for PTSD,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (White River Junction, VT)
Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology & Toxicology,
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth (Hanover, NH).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 24, 2026
As a retired Marine, combat veteran, and graduate student in Pastoral Counseling, I found this book to be one of the most practical and informative resources I have read on trauma and PTSD. Unlike many books that focus only on theory, Friedman provides a comprehensive overview of how trauma affects individuals biologically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially while also discussing the realities of treatment.
One of the greatest strengths of this book is its balance between research and practical application. Friedman explains the symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatment of PTSD in a way that is detailed enough for professionals yet understandable for students and those seeking to learn more about trauma. The sections covering evidence-based treatments helped me better understand why therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Psychological First Aid (PFA) are used and how clinicians determine which interventions are appropriate for different individuals.
As someone who has experienced combat-related trauma firsthand, I appreciated Friedman’s recognition that PTSD is not simply a weakness or character flaw. The book clearly demonstrates how traumatic experiences can alter the way individuals think, feel, react, and relate to others. Many of the examples and explanations reflected struggles that countless veterans face, including hypervigilance, avoidance, survivor’s guilt, anger, and difficulties adjusting after military service.
From a counseling perspective, one of the most valuable lessons I took away was the importance of matching treatment to the individual. Throughout the book, Friedman emphasizes that there is no universal solution for PTSD. Effective treatment requires careful assessment, patience, and an understanding of each person’s unique circumstances and symptoms.
My primary criticism is similar to what I often encounter in secular trauma literature: the spiritual dimension of healing receives little attention. While the book does an excellent job discussing clinical interventions, my own experience has shown that healing involves more than symptom management. Faith, purpose, forgiveness, community, and a relationship with Christ have played a significant role in my own recovery and in the lives of many veterans I have known.
Overall, this is an outstanding resource for counselors, students, clinicians, military leaders, chaplains, and anyone seeking to understand trauma and PTSD. It provides a strong clinical foundation while encouraging thoughtful and individualized care. I would highly recommend it to anyone working with veterans or studying trauma-related disorders.
One of the greatest strengths of this book is its balance between research and practical application. Friedman explains the symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatment of PTSD in a way that is detailed enough for professionals yet understandable for students and those seeking to learn more about trauma. The sections covering evidence-based treatments helped me better understand why therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Psychological First Aid (PFA) are used and how clinicians determine which interventions are appropriate for different individuals.
As someone who has experienced combat-related trauma firsthand, I appreciated Friedman’s recognition that PTSD is not simply a weakness or character flaw. The book clearly demonstrates how traumatic experiences can alter the way individuals think, feel, react, and relate to others. Many of the examples and explanations reflected struggles that countless veterans face, including hypervigilance, avoidance, survivor’s guilt, anger, and difficulties adjusting after military service.
From a counseling perspective, one of the most valuable lessons I took away was the importance of matching treatment to the individual. Throughout the book, Friedman emphasizes that there is no universal solution for PTSD. Effective treatment requires careful assessment, patience, and an understanding of each person’s unique circumstances and symptoms.
My primary criticism is similar to what I often encounter in secular trauma literature: the spiritual dimension of healing receives little attention. While the book does an excellent job discussing clinical interventions, my own experience has shown that healing involves more than symptom management. Faith, purpose, forgiveness, community, and a relationship with Christ have played a significant role in my own recovery and in the lives of many veterans I have known.
Overall, this is an outstanding resource for counselors, students, clinicians, military leaders, chaplains, and anyone seeking to understand trauma and PTSD. It provides a strong clinical foundation while encouraging thoughtful and individualized care. I would highly recommend it to anyone working with veterans or studying trauma-related disorders.
September 17, 2018
Great straightforward book for clinicians interested in understanding treatments of PTSD. I can see this book being required reading for a 200 level course graduate program
July 8, 2026
Very good overview of PTSD and stress-related disorders.
January 6, 2011
Very helpful and straightforward presentation of the relevant issues of PTSD. Great examples and specific details.
October 2, 2019
Extremely useful book on PTSD, ASD, and treatment options. Very factual and not something you just read for fun, but if you need to learn about PTSD, then this book is for you.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews