Encyclopedia of Trauma and Traumatic Stress Disorders

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Abstract

With a burgeoning interest in the public arena of Trauma and PTSD, it seems important to have a book which helps clearly define the relevant terms. However, it appears the authors may have struggled with the difficult task of defining the boundaries for what is relevant information within the context of trauma and traumatic stress disorders. There are a number of examples throughout the encyclopaedia of repetition, as well as some definitions not being clearly linked back to trauma. Additionally, the information for many if not all of the defined terms can be accessed through other sources notably the internet, which is accessible to most of us nowadays at all times, given the increase in ‘smart phones’ and mobile services. In terms of being a comprehensive reference work containing articles on numerous aspects of a particular field, this book fulfils its desired role. However given the repetitive nature of some aspects and the lack of clear linking at times to the topic; this encyclopaedia seemed to straddle itself between users. For example, there is information on medications and neuroanatomy which may not be useful to the lay person in the way it is written and presented, but for a professional who works with trauma and traumatic stress, there may be things missing, such as types of therapy, techniques or details on some disorders. As a trainee clinical psychologist nearing the end of my first year of training, I was hoping for a book which included details on treatment as well as defining terminology clearly. For me recognising the lingo used by experienced practitioners can be a challenge at times, so I liked the idea of having a key text I could reach for rather than my mobile phone. The encyclopaedia however seemed to bundle information together in ways I would not expect and has large amount of repetition. EMDR, for example, has three pages in the ‘E’ section, has a large paragraph in ‘therapy types’ and has a further page in the ‘treatment’ section, repeating much of the information. I also would have liked key authors to be referenced in relation to disorders, then this text might be used as a starting point when researching a specific aspect of trauma or traumatic stress disorders. This could also signpost where novices could look to further their knowledge, though I do recognise that this might date the book more rapidly or would cause further difficulties when deciding upon inclusion of information. Despite this text having valuable information, with the aforementioned oversights, I am not sure I would recommend it as a key text for professionals or lay persons.