Psychosis, Trauma and Dissociation (eBook)

The Editors Andrew Moskowitz, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Touro College Berlin, Berlin, Germany. Martin J. Dorahy, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Ingo Schäfer, MD, MPH, Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. The painting on the front cover, Composition VI, was created by Wassily Kandinsky in 1913. Inspired by the Biblical story of the Great Flood, Kandinsky drew on themes of destruction and rebirth in developing these images.

"This volume is highly recommended to clinicians and researchers as an excellent resource of contemporary thinking in understanding some of the many complex ways that individuals respond to traumatic experiences"
- Pamela R. Fuller, Fronteir Psychological Associates

PTD includes outstanding contributions from international experts and provides a comprehensive view of its topics, particularly with respect to conceptual and research issues. The editors have interspersed throughout the book parentheses leading the reader to other related chapters, but a summarizing contribution would have been welcome. That small qualm notwithstanding, PTD is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand how trauma, dissociation, and psychosis both converge and diverge. (Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, July 2020)
This book is a much needed, comprehensive attempt to fill the gap in understanding of the complexities of psychosis, trauma and dissociation. The topic is addressed by world-recognized, highly experienced clinicians and researchers in the field - first historical aspects and where it all began; then research and emerging evidence of the role of trauma in mental illnesses; lastly the clinical experience which informs research. The section on clinical perspectives succeeds in linking trauma with dissociation and psychosis and will appeal not only to like-minded clinicians, to clinicians who are grappling with these concepts, but also to those who have resisted change. The historical section refers to Bleuler's dementia praecox which he first called schizophrenia and described cases with "split mind" in ways that we would now describe as dissociative disorders. I recommend this revised edition - an invaluable resource to all mental health clinicians - psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists alike.

- Joan Haliburn, Australasian Psychiatry, 2019, Vol. 27(6)655-656