The Trauma Model : A Solution to the Problem of Comorbidity in Psychiatry

by Colin A. Ross

In The Trauma Model, Dr. Ross provides a detailed, scientifically testable model of mental illness. He defines the problem of comorbidity as the central conceptual problem in psychiatry at the beginning of the twenty-first century, then solves it using the logic and predictions of the trauma model. A person with extensive comorbidity suffers from many different psychiatric disorders at the same time including depression, substance abuse, anxiety and eating disorders, psychotic symptoms and personality disorders. Most individuals requiring inpatient psychiatric treatment fit the clinical profile of the trauma model. Dr. Ross also provides a detailed description of trauma therapy, which is suitable for a wide range of addictions, self-destructive behaviors and symptoms. General principles and specific techniques are described and illustrated with dialogue from composite case examples.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health, Nonfiction

404 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this book. I started off on chapter 9 in section 3. Chapter 9 starts off with General Principles of the Trauma Model and then goes into chapter 10-22 from Mood disorders (10), Schizophrenia (11), Anxiety Disorders (12), all the way down the list and yes, Borderline Personality Disorder is found in chapter 21.

I am anti-psychiatry and while Dr. Colin a Ross is NOT anti-psychiatry and has offers nice balance between nature AND nurture. . .and I like his take on how the trauma model can explain comorbidity in mental illness. . . he explains how real biology works within the realm of mental illness.

My next book to read is by Peter R. Breggin called Toxic Psychiatry. He is a little more anti-psychiatry.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for helping clients with Dissociative Disorders. Dr. Ross's concept of the victim-rescuer-perpetrator is particularly helpful. I love the scripts--wish my sessions sounded that good. I highly recommend this for therapists working with victims of trauma.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is some very original thinking going on here. Ross is plowing new ground in the areas of disassociation,co-morbidity, and trauma.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for trauma treatment and surprised by the DID content. But I feel better prepared for DID- type encounters in the future. Some info can directly apply to a client I’m currently working with. Some of this book/treatment feels dated (2009).

[Savannah Dalgaard]

Læste: Traumer i psykiatrien af Sofie Folke og Cæcilie Buhman (men den er ikke på Goodreads, så bruger denne som erstatning) - 4/5 stjerner.

[Ross Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful model for me as a therapist