After the War Zone: A Practical Guide for Returning Troops and Their Families »

Matthew J. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., one of the world’s top trauma experts, is Executive Director of the VA National Center for PTSD and a professor atDartmouth Medical School. Laurie B. Slone, Ph.D., is the Associate Director for Research and Education of the VA National Center for PTSD and an assistant professor at Dartmouth Medical School.

A highly practical, user-friendly guide to homecoming-including common after-effects of war zone exposure and how to cope-for returning troops and their families

Melody Ballard - Library Journal

Many readers first became acutely aware of both the devastating effects of the conflicts in the Middle East and the shortcomings of our government in addressing the needs of our surviving service members through Penny Coleman's Flashback: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide, and the Lessons of Vietnam(for an author interview, see www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6321458.html). Here, Friedman, a physician, and Slone (VA National Ctr. for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs) further help us understand and support our service members. They begin with a chapter titled "Understanding the Emotional Cycle of Deployment," progress through "Common Reactions to the Trauma of War," and conclude with chapters on community support and support for "those focusing unique challenges." The reader is able to share a journey with three service members and their respective families as they encounter new situations, struggles, and opportunities. Far more than a practical guide, this is an informative, insightful, and riveting text that should be required reading for everyone because no one is left untouched by war. Essential for all libraries.

Introduction     ix
Understanding the Emotional Cycle of Deployment     1
During Deployment: Setting the Stage for Homecoming     19
Homecoming: Separating Myth from Reality     39
Understanding Battlemind     56
Common Reactions to the Trauma of War     65
Anger and the Adrenaline Train     83
Guilt and Moral Dilemmas     96
Handling Grief     106
Reconnecting with Your Partner, Children, Family, and Friends     116
Overcoming Barriers to Care     136
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder     150
Recognizing Other Mental Health Issues     171
Dealing with Injury     187
Community Support     199
For Those Facing Unique Challenges     213
A Final Note     223
Glossary     227
References     233
Resources for Troops and Their Families     241
Acknowledgments     263
Index     267