Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Legal Issues

For therapists, forensic clinicians & lawyers, the third edition reviews the 1994 DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for PTSD & the "Traumatic Principle," examines the latest treatment approaches, & evaluates PTSD in personal injury lawsuits & criminal cases. Suggestions for a comprehensive treatment program based on biological, behavioral, & psychosocial theory includes components of pharmacotherapy, cognitive,-behavioral & psychosocial therapy. Whether the victim suffers from an accident, criminal (including sexual) assault, exposure to toxic substances, war, or natural & manmade disasters, quick intervention with a multidisciplinary treatment approach offers the best chanced for recovery. Dr. Scrignar, a forensic psychiatrist, educator, & author shares his experiences extending over 35 years of evaluating, treating & testifying as an expert witness with PTSD patients. Plaintiff & defense attorneys along with forensic clinicians will find chapters on legal issues & PTSD informative & pertinent: Forensic Evaluation, Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury Litigation, Expert Witness, Plaintiff & PTSD, Defense & PTSD, & Criminal Issues. Dr. Scrignar draws on his experiences with cases from the perspective of both plaintiff & defense to show how the concept of PTSD can be creatively & responsibly applied to civil & criminal law.