Shock: A New History of Trauma

Introduction

In Shock: A New History of Trauma, Fernando Suparregui Dias assembles a team of leading scholars to offer a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the history of trauma. The book traces the concept of trauma from its origins in the late 19th century to its current status as a central concept in psychology, psychiatry, and medicine.

Trauma in the 19th Century

The 19th century saw the emergence of a new understanding of trauma, as doctors and scientists began to recognize the psychological effects of physical injury. In 1867, the American Civil War surgeon Silas Weir Mitchell published a landmark study of "railway spine," a condition that he believed was caused by the physical and emotional trauma of train accidents. Mitchell's work helped to establish the idea that trauma could have a lasting impact on the mind and body.

Trauma in the 20th Century

The 20th century saw a dramatic increase in the number of people who were exposed to trauma. The two world wars, the Holocaust, and other major disasters resulted in millions of people being traumatized. In the aftermath of these events, there was a growing need for understanding and treating trauma.

The Development of Trauma Theory

In the 1970s and 1980s, a new wave of research on trauma led to the development of trauma theory. This theory posits that trauma is a unique type of psychological injury that can have a profound impact on the mind and body. Trauma theory has been used to explain a wide range of psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

Trauma in the 21st Century

In the 21st century, trauma continues to be a major public health problem. The ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and the natural disasters of Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake have all resulted in widespread trauma. In addition, there is a growing awareness of the trauma that can be caused by childhood abuse, neglect, and other forms of interpersonal violence.

The Importance of Understanding Trauma

Understanding trauma is essential for providing effective treatment to people who have been traumatized. Trauma theory can help clinicians to understand the symptoms of trauma and to develop effective treatments. In addition, understanding trauma can help us to prevent trauma from happening in the first place.

Conclusion

Shock: A New History of Trauma is a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the history of trauma. The book provides a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and anyone else who is interested in understanding trauma.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you are interested in learning more about trauma, then Shock: A New History of Trauma is a must-read. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the history of trauma, from its origins in the 19th century to its current status as a central concept in psychology, psychiatry, and medicine. The book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the impact of trauma on the mind and body.

Order Your Copy Today!

Shock: A New History of Trauma is available now from all major booksellers. Order your copy today and start learning more about this important topic.