PTSD and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Events that lead to traumatic brain injury are often also psychologically traumatic. Addressing a growing need among mental health practitioners, this authoritative book brings together experts in both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Chapters present empirically based best practices for conceptualization, assessment, and intervention. The book also addresses the biological and psychosocial mechanisms by which PTSD and mTBI complicate each other; management of commonly associated conditions, including chronic pain and substance abuse; special considerations in military contexts; and possible ways to improve the structure and cost-effectiveness of providing care in this challenging area.

About the Author

Jennifer J. Vasterling, PhD, is Chief of Psychology at the VA Boston Healthcare System. She is also a clinical neuropsychologist, an active researcher in the VA National Center for PTSD, and Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Vasterling is a recipient of the Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Science of Trauma Psychology from the American Psychological Association (Division 56, Division of Trauma Psychology). She is an authority on the neuropsychological features of PTSD and is known for her work examining the cognitive and emotional changes that accompany war-zone deployment. Richard A. Bryant, PhD, is Scientia Professor of Psychology at the University of New South Wales. He is also an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and Director of the Traumatic Stress Clinic at Westmead Hospital in Sydney. Dr. Bryant is a recipient of honors including the Distinguished Contribution to Psychological Science Award from the Australian Psychological Society and the Robert S. Laufer Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). His work focuses on the intersection of PTSD and traumatic brain injury, the assessment and treatment of acute trauma reactions, and the cognitive and biological mechanisms underpinning traumatic stress. Terence M. Keane, PhD, is Director and Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Development at the VA National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System. He is also Assistant Dean for Research and Professor and Vice-Chairman of Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Keane is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the ISTSS, among numerous other awards. He developed many of the most widely used PTSD assessment measures and is an authority on the cognitive-behavioral treatment of PTSD.