POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

                  Diagnosis, Treatment, and Legal Issues

                  THIRD EDITION

                      by C.B. Scrignar, M.D.

Written from the perspective of a forensic psychiatrist who has practiced for over 35 years, Dr. Scrignar updates diagnostic and legal issues related to PTSD.  In this innovative and enduring book, the third edition begins with a historical perspective and moves quickly to an analysis of the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-IV and PTSD.  Vehicular (car, airplane, marine) and industrial accidents, criminal and sexual assaults, sexual harassment, exposure to toxic substances, natural or man-made disasters which can precipitate PTSD are examined and illustrated with clinical cases emphasizing diagnosis and prognosis.

The legal issue section comprehensively analyzes the role of lawyers and doctors in civil and criminal litigation involving PTSD.  Trial lawyers will appreciate suggestions for direct and cross-examination of psychiatrists and psychologists in the chapter, "The Expert Witness."  Recommendations for presenting a PTSD plaintiff in court are highlighted in the chapter, "The Plaintiff and PTSD."  Defense attorneys can confront opposing expert witnesses by utilizing the "Ten Defense Challenges" to be found in the chapter, "The Defense and PTSD."  Dr. Scrignar effectively shows how the concept of PTSD can be creatively and responsibly applied to tort law, workers' compensation, and criminal cases.  Extensive references and a complete name and subject index conclude the volume.